Organizer Information

The Boston Printmakers Biennial is a longstanding, respected international non‑profit organization dedicated to promoting printmaking as a fine art form. Founded in 1947, it supports artists working in traditional and contemporary print media through exhibitions, awards, publications, and networking opportunities. Its signature events include biennial juried exhibitions that attract considerable professional attention and contribute to the advancement of print media practices.

Title & Description

2026 North American Print Biennial
This biennial juried exhibition showcases the best in contemporary and traditional printmaking from artists across North America. Juried by Esther Adler, Curator in the Department of Drawings and Prints at The Museum of Modern Art, the 2026 edition emphasizes artistic excellence and innovation across all print media, including traditional techniques (such as lithography, etching, screenprint, relief, etc.) and more experimental approaches. Selected works will be exhibited at the historic 808 Gallery at Boston University, with multiple opportunities for prizes, institutional acquisitions, and public exposure.

Categories

  • Visual Art
  • Printmaking (Original prints only; no photographic or offset reproductions accepted)
Eligibility
  • North American artists age 18 years and older, including those residing in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
  • Works must be original prints completed between 2023–2026.
  • exhib may submit up to three digital images of original prints.
  • Prints previously shown in any Boston Printmakers exhibition are not eligible.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • $10,000+ in juror‑designated purchase prizes and materials awards.
  • Purchased works will be added to permanent collections at institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Art Complex Museum (Duxbury, MA); Boston Athenaeum; and the Boston Printmakers Collection at the Boston Public Library.
  • Significant visibility through public exhibitions, patron engagement, and gallery exposure.
  • Potential sales opportunities (note: a 35% commission is charged on sales).

Application Fee

  • $50 USD for non‑members.
  • $35 USD for Boston Printmakers members (with coupon code provided after paying membership dues).
  • The fee is non‑refundable and covers up to three works submitted.

Application Requirements

  • Digital images of up to three original prints (JPEG format, maximum 5 MB, at least 1920 px on the longest side).
  • Clearly defined titles, dimensions, materials, and retail prices for each work.
  • Special installation or presentation instructions if work requires non‑standard hanging.
Framing & presentation rules for accepted works:
  • Simple black metal or wooden frames no more than ½ inch thick, with Plexiglas and a white/off‑white mat (minimum 3 inches wide).
  • Works must be ready to hang with wire or D‑rings.
  • Alternative presentation methods must be requested and fully described in the submission.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
  • Notification of Results: 1 April 2026
  • Shipped Work Arrival Window: April 27 – May 12, 2026
  • Hand‑Delivered Work Received: 6 June 2026
  • Exhibition Dates: September 8 – November 21, 2026
  • Public Reception & Juror’s Talk: 19 September 2026
  • Pickup of Unsold Work: November 21–30, 2026

Location

808 Gallery, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Additional Details

  • Artists are responsible for shipping both directions; returned shipped work must include a pre‑paid UPS return label.
  • Insurance covers accepted works at 35% less than the selling price; artists are advised to insure work in transit.
  • Sales are subject to a 35% commission used to support exhibition costs.
  • By submitting, artists agree to all prospectus terms, including the use of images for promotional or catalog purposes.
Website Link: https://www.bostonprintmakers.org/biennials/biennial-2026/