How do I find out if my artwork has been accepted?
You should have received an email from deyoungopen@famsf.org to the email address associated with your ArtCall account. This email contains the status of your submission. Be sure to check your spam folder if this email is not showing up in your inbox.
Where can I find drop-off information if my artwork was accepted?
You can find your drop-off date, time, and instructions in the same email that notified you of your acceptance. Please make sure you confirm your drop-off appointment and double-check that your submission details are correct.
Can I have someone else drop off my artwork for me?
In the event that you can’t make your scheduled drop-off date and time, an alternate may drop off the artwork on your behalf. You must email us at deyoungopen@famsf.org with the name of your designated alternate in advance of your scheduled drop-off window. For proof of identification, you can either send us a copy of your ID / proof of residency in advance, or send it with the person who is dropping off your artwork.
What if my artwork was accepted, but has already been sold? Can I provide a different artwork as a replacement?
Artists must deliver only the work that was accepted into the exhibition, or forfeit their participation. No replacement artwork will be accepted.
When can I submit my artwork?
You can submit your artwork for consideration starting on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 8 am PT. We recommend submitting as early as possible, as the call for submissions closes on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 11:59 pm PT, or when we reach 12,000 submissions — whichever comes first.
Can I submit more than one artwork?
No. You can only submit one artwork for consideration.
How do I know if my artwork meets the submission requirements?
Check the Submission Guidelines for detailed information on artwork requirements.
What should I expect from the submission process?
First, you must register and create a profile, or log in if you’ve used ArtCall before.
The Submission Form has three sections. First, you enter information about yourself, the artist. Second, you enter information about your artwork. Third, you upload an image of your artwork.
If you already have an ArtCall account, you won’t need to enter information about yourself, but you may update your information if it has changed since you last used ArtCall.
You must complete the Submission Form within 60 minutes; otherwise, it will time out and won’t be saved. However, you can log back in anytime before the call closes to edit your form. The state of your form when the call closes is considered the final version.
We recommend using Chrome as your browser. If you use a browser that’s over 10 years old, you may encounter issues during the submission process.
What key information will I need to complete my submission?
Here are the most important details you will be asked to provide:
- Legal name
- Address
- Artist name (if it differs from your legal name)
- Artwork title
- Artwork medium
- Artwork dimensions
- Artist statement (optional, 700 characters maximum)
How do I measure my artwork?
Watch our video on measuring artwork here.
Measure (in inches and feet) to the outermost point of your artwork (including the frame), and capture the height, width, and depth.
What types of hanging hardware are acceptable?
Watch our video on hanging hardware here.
D-rings, cleats, dowels, grommets, or Velcro are all acceptable types of hardware. Do not include hanging wire or felt tabs on your piece.
How do I photograph my artwork?
Watch our video on photographing artwork here.
Make sure your image is well lit and in focus. Submit your image as a .jpg file. Images must be at least 72 PPI resolution and between 1920 pixels (minimum) and 4600 pixels (maximum) on the longest side.
What about photos for film / video submissions?
Submit a still image or screenshot from your artwork, adhering to the above guidelines. You will need to provide a link to the site where your video is hosted (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) along with the affiliated password.
Is AI generated art accepted?
You are permitted to submit an artwork that utilizes artificial intelligence. You are responsible for presenting an image file of the final work as it will be viewed during the exhibition (as 2D wall art, 3D pedestal art, time-based media, or digital image). You must indicate that the work is AI generated and the format in your application. Submitting a rendering or digitized concept may result in the work not being considered for the exhibition.
What is the digital artwork category for?
This category is for artworks that are created digitally, in applications such as Procreate or Photoshop, and intended to be displayed on a monitor or screen, instead of a wall or pedestal.
Digital artworks will be displayed on a 55” monitor or screen.
This category is not for video or time-based media artworks (which have their own category), nor is it for physical prints of digital photographs intended to be displayed on a wall.
What types of media are prohibited?
Watch our video on prohibited media here.
We cannot accommodate fashion or couture that requires a mannequin. Textile and fiber works must be ready to hang or stand on their own. We cannot accommodate works that are suspended from the ceiling. See the Submission Guidelines for a full list of prohibited media.
Are there any other restrictions?
Submitted artworks must have been created between 2021 and 2023. Artworks must be by living (not deceased) artists. You must be a full-time resident of the nine Bay Area counties to submit. Visitors and students who are not full-time residents are not eligible.
If my artwork is accepted into the exhibition, how do I get it to the de Young museum?
You will receive an email outlining the check-in and drop-off processes. If you do not receive this email by late August, email deyoungopen@famsf.org.
If my artwork is accepted into the exhibition, do I have to offer it for sale?
No. If you don’t want to offer your artwork for sale, enter “0” in the Sale Price field in the Submission Form.
What about copyright?
The Fine Arts Museums (the “Museums”) cannot assume responsibility for clearing the use of copyrighted material in submitted entries and advise the following:
- Reach out to the artists, or their gallery representatives / estates, to seek permission if you’d like to use reproductions of their art in your work. Seeking permission is advised to reduce the risk of potentially expensive litigation and possible damage to your reputation as an artist.
- Research and familiarize yourself with US copyright law and the application of “fair use.” You can read the US Copyright Office’s “Copyright Basics” PDF and Copyrightlaws.com’s “A Simple Guide to Fair Use” for a condensed overview of these subjects.
- If you are able to do so, seek legal advice from a lawyer regarding your potential use of copyrighted material. The Museums cannot provide you with legal advice and the information provided on this page does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
The Museums are also unable to provide direct contacts to artist studios or estates for seeking any necessary copyright permissions. A comprehensive guide containing a large list of active copyright holders and representatives can be found via the Harry Ransom Center’s WATCH File. The Artists Rights Society also manages copyright clearances for over 100,000 artists and artists’ estates.