Organizer Information
ADC Fine Art (Art Design Consultants) is a Cincinnati-based commercial art gallery and art consultancy that has supported living artists for more than 30 years. The organization works with private collectors, corporations, healthcare facilities, hospitality businesses, and other art buyers. Its annual Art Comes Alive (ACA) exhibition and awards gala is entering its 17th year and brings together approximately 250 living artists in a 13,000-square-foot gallery in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district.
Title & Description
Art Comes Alive 2026
Art Comes Alive 2026 is an international juried fine-art competition and exhibition inviting artists working across a broad range of media and artistic styles. The programme aims to recognize artists for their work, connect them with art-industry professionals, and provide opportunities for exposure, representation, exhibition, and sales.
Selected artists will have their work considered for exhibition at ADC Fine Art, with additional awards and professional opportunities provided through ADC Fine Art and partner organizations. The 2026 edition offers more than $450,000 in combined awards and opportunities, including gallery contracts, purchase awards, juror awards, exhibitions, art-fair credits, and magazine features.
Categories
The competition accepts all mediums, subjects, and artistic styles, including:
- Painting
- Drawing and illustration
- Mixed media
- Photography
- Glass
- Textile art
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Digital art
- Installation
- Conceptual art
- Metal
- Abstract and figurative works
- Realism and other styles
Eligibility
The opportunity is international and open to artists aged 18 and older. Applicants must submit original artwork that is available for sale. Artists may submit previously created work; the artwork does not have to be newly produced specifically for this competition.
Program Benefits & Awards
Art Comes Alive 2026 offers more than $450,000 in total awards and professional opportunities. These include:
- 10 ADC Fine Art gallery contracts valued at $8,500 each
- 3 Art Leaders Gallery contracts valued at $8,500 each
- 1 bG Gallery contract valued at $8,500
- 5 Redwood Art Group art-fair credits valued at $5,000 each
- 2 ADC Fine Art print magazine features
- 4 digital magazine features
- 2 solo exhibitions
- 6 group exhibitions
- SmartSell memberships at several levels
- $70,000 in juror awards
- $175,000 in purchase awards
The exhibition also provides opportunities for artists to have their work seen by gallery owners, art representatives, publishers, collectors, interior designers, media outlets, and other industry professionals.
Application Fee
The application fee is $25 per artwork. Artists submitting four or more pieces receive their last entry free using the code ACA2026B4G1. The application portal additionally lists a $25 additional media fee, so applicants should review the final fee calculation when submitting.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: September 28, 2026
- Results Announced: October 2, 2026
- Artwork Delivery Deadline: October 16, 2026
- Opening Gala & Awards Ceremony: November 7, 2026
- Exhibition: November 7, 2026–January 7, 2027
Location
ADC Fine Art, 1013 York Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, United States
Additional Details
Artists whose work is accepted are responsible for shipping their artwork to and from the ADC Fine Art gallery in Cincinnati. Hand delivery is also possible. Artists do not have to attend the opening ceremony to receive an award; recipients are notified by email before the gala. Artists should also note that ADC takes a 50% commission on artwork sold through the gallery.