Juried Call for Art! – DRAFT

Entry Deadline: May 1, 2026
Notice of Acceptance: May 10, 2026
Accepted Artwork Drop-Off: May 13 through May 17, 2026
Exhibition on View: May 20 through June 20, 2026
Opening Reception: To Be Announced
AHA! Night: Thursday, June 11 (5-8:00pm)

Soul Clap: Sounds of the Diaspora – A Juried Exhibit at Gallery X

Gallery X invites artists of the African Diaspora–and those whose work celebrates its musical legacy–to submit to Soul Clap, a juried multimedia exhibition honoring the sound, rhythm, and soul of Black music.

From the drum circles of West Africa to the deep groove of Funk, Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Calypso, Afrobeat, and House, the music of the African Diaspora has shaped global sound and culture. Soul Clap explores this musical continuum through visual and sonic expression–art that vibrates with the rhythm of liberation, resistance, joy, and community.

This is a juried exhibition, artists wishing to participate must email their submission to for consideration by Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:59PM (EST). Artists will be notified of the jurors decision by May 10.

Accepted Mediums

We are seeking works that interpret or are inspired by the music of the African Diaspora, including but not limited to:

• Visual Arts: Painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, photography, digital art, video art, and installation.
• Sound Works: Original music and sound recordings by artists and producers of the African Diaspora.
• Video Works: Music videos, performance documentation, and video art inspired by or integrating music of the African Diaspora.

Technical Requirements

Visual Artwork:
• High resolution image files (JPG/PNG, at 1500px wide, 300 dpi)
• Include dimensions, medium, and year completed.

Audio Submissions:
• Format: MP3 (256-320 kbps)
• Each file must include proper VTag/ID3 metadata, including artist name, track title, and contact info.
• Maximum length: 7 minutes per track.
• Only original compositions will be accepted (no covers or remixes without written permission).

Video Submissions:
• Format: MP4, at least HD (1080p) resolution
• Maximum length: 4 minutes per piece
• Include a still image for catalog/reference

Eligibility

Open to all artists of the African Diaspora, as well as collaborators whose work honors, interprets, or uplifts the cultural legacy of African-descended music and musicians.

Submission Guidelines

  • Artists may submit up to three (3) works for consideration.
  • Include in your submission:
    • Artist name, short bio (150 words max, and contact info
    • Title, medium, dimensions, and year for each work
    • Artist statement (optional, 250 words max) describing how your work connects to the theme
  • Submission Fee: $20 for up to 3 works (fee waivers available upon request for financial hardship).
  • Deadline: All materials for consideration must be received by May 1, 2026, at 11:59pm (EST).
  • Artists will be notified of acceptance by May 10 .
    • Accepted submissions must be delivered to Gallery X between May 13 and May 17.
    • All accepted visual artwork for wall display must have proper hanging attachments (wire, sawtooth hanger, etc). Pedestals will be available for sculptures and three-dimensional works.
    • Sale of accepted artwork is optional. Gallery X handles all sales and retains a 35% commission on any sale made by non-members. Members are subject to 25% commission on works sold. No POR.

Submissions are to be emailed to submissions@galleryx.org.