Spotlight: WORKS ON PAPER 2026 - A Premier Venue for 2D Artists

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF) once again calls for submissions for its highly regarded annual event, WORKS ON PAPER 2026, the 28th Annual National Juried Competition. For artists specializing in media utilizing paper as their primary support, this opportunity offers not just the chance for monetary rewards but significant professional validation through exhibition and publication.

This competition is designed specifically to highlight original work created within a narrow set of 2D disciplines, drawing submissions from both emerging and established professionals across the nation.

The Juror and the Prestige

Securing a spot in a juried exhibition is invaluable for career building, and the 2026 competition offers a remarkable opportunity for exposure. The juror selected for this year is Joanna Sheers Seidenstein, Associate Curator in the Department of Drawings and Prints at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Working with a juror of this caliber provides artists with the assurance that selections will be made based on rigorous, expert standards pertaining specifically to works on paper.

Sixty-five artworks will ultimately be selected by Ms. Seidenstein to be featured in the resulting exhibition, which runs from May 16 to July 5, 2026. Furthermore, selected artists will be included in a printed catalog accompanying the show-a tangible asset for any professional portfolio.

What Media Qualifies?

The competition title is specific, focusing on 2D methods applied to paper substrates. Artists should immediately review their recent bodies of work to see if they align with the following categories:

• Drawing
• Painting on Paper
• Prints
• Photography
• Digital Works on Paper
• 2D Paper Constructions

Crucial Submission Criteria:

1. Recency: All submitted work must have been created within the last two years.
2. Exclusivity: The work cannot have been previously exhibited at LBIF.
3. Sales Requirement: All submitted works must be designated as available for sale.

Eligibility and Potential Rewards

This national competition is open exclusively to artists aged 18 or older who currently reside within the continental USA.

While exposure and exhibition recognition are primary drivers, the competition recognizes excellence financially. Cash prizes awarded include:

• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $250
• Third Place: $100
• Three Honorable Mentions

Even for artists who do not place in the top three, securing one of the 65 exhibition slots means aligning your work with a curator from a world-class institution and gaining visibility during the summer exhibition period.

Preparing for the Short Application Window

Artists must mark their calendars with precision. The application period opens on March 21, 2026, and closes abruptly on March 25, 2026. This extremely tight four-day window means that preparation must begin well in advance.

Practical Steps for GrantGunner Users:

• Inventory and Select: Early in 2026, review work created since early 2024 that fits the eligible media categories. Choose your strongest pieces that meet the recency and sales requirements.
• Image Quality: High-resolution, professionally presented images are non-negotiable for juried competitions, especially those focusing on intricate media like prints or drawings. Ensure your digital files meet any preliminary specifications required by the entry portal.
• Artist Statements: Prepare custom language detailing your connection to paper-based media, as this context will be vital for the juror.
• Track the Opening: Since the window is so narrow, use GrantGunner to track the opening date for the Call for Entry (CFE) platform. Do not wait until the 24th to start uploading materials.

This competition serves as an excellent benchmark for artists working in drawing, printmaking, and photography. If your practice centers on these 2D disciplines, preparing now for the March 2026 submission window ensures you capitalize on this opportunity to showcase your talent before a highly respected curator.