Organizer Information
Art Design Consultants (ADC Fine Art) is a Cincinnati-based art organization dedicated to supporting living artists through exhibitions, competitions, and professional development. For over 30 years, ADC has promoted emerging talent, providing platforms that connect artists with collectors, curators, and the broader art community. The Emerge program is specifically designed for students and emerging artists to gain exposure, mentorship, and career-building opportunities.
Title & Description
Emerge 2026 – Regional Competition for Emerging Artists invites artists ages 18–25 from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan to participate in a professional development and exhibition program. Selected artists will showcase their work in an in-person exhibition at ADC’s 13,000 sq. ft. gallery in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district. The program includes competitive awards totaling $25,000 and offers direct exposure to collectors, industry professionals, and peers, making it a launchpad for emerging creative careers.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Mixed Media
- Digital / New Media
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Students and emerging artists ages 18–25.
- Residents of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, or Michigan.
- Artists across multiple disciplines, including visual arts, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and digital media.
Program Benefits & Awards
- In-person exhibition at ADC Fine Art Gallery.
- Opening night event and exposure to collectors and art professionals.
- Competitive awards totaling $25,000:
- Purchase Awards: $10,000+
- 5 one-year SmartSell Memberships: $10,000
- Cash Grants totaling $5,000 (Best in Show $2,000; Runner Up $1,000; Honorable Mention $500)
- Special grants: Kitty Uetz Grant $500, Kevin Grass Grant $500, Da’Mon Butler Grant $500
- Career development opportunities and mentorship.
- Inclusion in ADC Fine Art’s professional network.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Applications Deadline: 5 March 2026
- Notification Date: 9 March 2026
- Exhibition Opening Night: 27 March 2026
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Additional Details
- The exhibition will take place at ADC Fine Art’s gallery in the Over-the-Rhine district.
- Open to multiple artistic disciplines; artists gain direct exposure to collectors and industry professionals.
- Jurors include ADC Fine Art leadership and guest curators.
