2026 SCA Open International Online Juried Exhibition

Description

SCA 2026 Open International Online Juried Exhibition
$20,000 in prizes to be awarded!
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET
The  Society of Canadian Artists (SCA) is proud to present its SCA 2026 Open International Online Juried Exhibition and welcomes art submissions from across the globe.
This significant exhibition reflects the SCA’s longstanding commitment to artistic excellence, professional standards, and diverse artistic practices. Through a carefully curated online format, the exhibition will showcase outstanding contemporary and representational artworks to a national and international audience.
Key Dates
Submission Closes: February 28 (11:59 pm ET)Notification of Results: April 12Online Exhibition Opens: April 15Virtual Opening and awards ceremony: April 15 (Time TBA)Exhibition: April 15 – 30, 2026
Exhibition Format
The SCA 2026 Open International Online Juried Exhibition will be presented entirely online to support open communication and unbounded access to global art that transcends geographic boundaries. 
The SCA has two categories for our exhibition: Representational and Contemporary. These categories reflect our growth and commitment to celebrating a wide array of styles, genres and mediums of artistic expression. Each category is juried independently. For this exhibition, artists may select the category, Representational OR Contemporary, for either or both of their two artworks. For example, an artist may select both pieces to be in the same category, or they may submit one in one category and the other piece in the other category.
Please take note of our definitions – these are the definitions that the jury will use. 
Representational welcomes works that explore the world around us, whether through detailed portrayals or personal interpretations of familiar scenes. This category embraces a broad range of approaches, allowing artists to connect with the viewer in meaningful ways.
Contemporary invites artists to explore fresh perspectives, new ideas, and unique ways of expressing themselves. It’s a space where diverse approaches are encouraged, from abstract to conceptual works.
With two separate five-person juries for each category, made up of professionals who understand the essence of both approaches, artists will have the opportunity to be celebrated for their individuality. Each category also has its own prize pool, offering even more chances for recognition.
Eligibility
Open to emerging and established artists residing in Canada and internationally. All submitted works must comply with the Eligibility, Terms, and Conditions of Entry, and originality requirements outlined in the Call to Artists website. Please note: our due diligence process is very rigorous - all reference photos must be taken by the ARTIST to be considered. 
Jury
Each category will be adjudicated by a panel of five (5) professional jurors, selected for their experience, expertise, and contributions to the visual arts.
Jurors will evaluate submissions according to established SCA criteria, which you can download at the bottom of the page. These criteria include:
1. Technical Excellence:
Technical excellence encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the elements of design. Submissions will be assessed based on the artist's mastery of technical skills, demonstrating a high level of proficiency and craftsmanship in the chosen medium. Jurors will consider the artist’s skillful technical execution evident in each artwork.
2. Artistic Expression:
Artistic expression is the soul of the piece, capturing the viewer's attention and fostering a meaningful connection. This category focuses on the artist's ability to convey emotions, ideas, and concepts through their work. Jurors will assess the depth of expression, originality of interpretation, and the artist's unique voice evident in the artwork. 
3. Creative Innovation:Creative innovation emphasizes originality, encouraging artists to surprise and engage viewers with fresh perspectives, unconventional techniques, or novel concepts. Jurors will seek artworks that challenge norms, inspire new ways of seeing, and demonstrate a courageous willingness to explore uncharted artistic territories.
Awards and Prizes
$20,000 (CAD) in cash prizes and awards.

AWARDRepresentationalContemporary1ST Award of Distinction$5,000$5,0002nd Award of Distinction$1,500$1,500Rubric - Creative Innovation$750$750Rubric - Artistic Expression$750$750Rubric - Technical Excellence$750$75010 Honourable Mentions valued at $250 each$2,500TOTAL$20,000All prizes in CAD  
Entry Fees
Entry fees are offered in three submission tiers. Each artist may enter up to 2 artworks.
$50 (CAD): SCA Elected Member (may submit up to 2 artworks) $65 (CAD): Associate Member* (may submit up to 2 artworks)$80 (CAD): Non-Member (may submit up to 2 artworks)
* Are you a Canadian artist interested in feedback? You can join the SCA today as an Associate Member. This allows you to pay the discounted rate for the SCA 2026 Open International Online Juried Exhibition call as well as get your feedback scores and apply to future exhibitions. For more information: Become A Member - Society of Canadian Artists
How to Apply
All submissions must be completed online through the official application portal - ArtCall.
SUBMIT TODAY 
About the Society of Canadian Artists
Founded in 1957, the Society of Canadian Artists is one of Canada’s longest-standing national visual arts organizations, dedicated to advancing the professional recognition of artists and fostering excellence in the visual arts.
Home - Society of Canadian Artists
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Know the Rules - please read carefully

By submitting your entry, you are agreeing to the following:
1. The Exhibition is open to all members and non-members of the SCA.
2. All work must be original artwork and must NOT be copies or derivatives of any other person’s work, in any media, copyrighted or not.  NOTE: If you use reference photos, YOU must have taken the photo.
3. All work must solely created by the applicant, without guidance from an instructor or mentor.  
4. The media must be clearly identified and may include techniques such as: painting, drawing, pastel, printmaking, sculpture, fibre art, photography, mixed media, and digital art.
5. Artwork generated using an artificial intelligence (AI) platform is NOT permitted.
6. Art must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023 and must not have been previously exhibited in an SCA exhibition. Submissions with variations from previously accepted work may be deemed to be a resubmittal, and therefore ineligible.
7. There are no size restrictions for artwork for this online Exhibition.
8. As part of our due diligence process to ensure fairness and transparency, we will request the following documentation to verify compliance with our entry terms:
a) Photos of Your Artwork in Progress: Images showing the development stages of your artwork.b) Source Material: This may include original sketches, reference photographs, or other materials demonstrating that the work is your own creation and not derivative of other copyrighted works.c) If you create recognizable likenesses of people, you must include consent forms or model release forms. d) Additional Information (if applicable): Any supplementary details or materials that support the originality of your artwork.
9. Artists may submit up to 3 views of an individual artwork. You may show multiple views of works in 3D format, relief works, rich texture and wrapped canvases, and/or details of works 2D or 3D.
10. Any infractions of the aforementioned entry conditions may result in serious consequences; including, but not limited to: the removal of the artwork from the exhibition, the forfeiting of award prizes, a prohibition from entry to future SCA exhibitions, and the artist expulsion from the SCA.
11. The artist by submission grants the SCA the right to utilize images of the accepted work for the Exhibition’s publicity and website purposes.
12. Artwork does not have to be for sale. Please write: NFS for the price. Other exhibitions have different requirements.
13. All acceptance and decline decisions are final. There are no refunds for application fees.

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Find a HOME at the SCA … and MAKE your MARK!  APPLY TODAY!
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Art Call.org Entry Process Tutorial