Check here for calls for submissions and portfolios! To have your call placed on this page, email kwhite@40north.org.
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA BEER CAN– Experience Champaign-Urbana is collaborating with Riggs Beer Company to create a Champaign-Urbana themed can. The can will be produced and distributed throughout area retailers, bars and restaurants, and at Riggs for a limited time. The desired artist will have strong illustration and design skills to create a compelling, whimsical design featuring iconic spots in both cities. Each city will have one side of the can, so the consumer can decide if it is Champaign-Urbana or Urbana-Champaign. Submission deadline is 11:59pm on January 15. The designer will be selected shortly thereafter. The designer will be compensated for their time and work. The goal is to launch the cans in line with March Madness in mid-March.
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY MUSEUM NETWORK– Invites artists to submit artwork that reflects the following themes for an exhibition entitled: Our American Stories. Artwork can be visual, performing arts, creative writing, new media, music, and more. Submission deadline: Saturday, January 31 at 11:50pm CST.
This exhibition is looking for:
- Stories that reflect upon America’s past
- Stories that honor individual and collective contributions that have shaped the nation
- Stories that cultivate visions for America’s future
Visit www.champaigncountymuseums.org/ for more information and to complete the submission form.
CITY OF URBANA PARKING DECK MURAL– 40 North and the Urbana Arts & Culture Program invite muralists to submit an application to develop a mural on the east wall of 115 W. Main, facing the parking deck in downtown Urbana. Submissions must be received by 11:59pm on Monday, February 9. Email Kelly White at kwhite@40north.org with questions.
40 NORTH REGIONAL ARTS PARTNERS GRANT– ATTENTION ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, and PERFORMERS!
25TH ANNUAL BEST IN SHOW PHOTO COMPETITION– Urbana Park District and the Champaign County Camera Club are taking entries for the 2026 Best in Show Photographic Print Competition. This is a great opportunity for amateur photographers to have their photos publicly exhibited and professionally judged.
The competition is open for all ages – with youth entries encouraged!
Submit your best snaps in the following categories:
- Animals
- Architecture
- Black and White
- Club
- General
- Landscape
- Nature
- People
- 25th Anniversary
- Youth – NO ENTRY FEE
There is a five-piece limit, and all prints must be mounted on foamcore.
Enter by January 21, 2026, and the entry fee is $5 for the first print and $3 for the next four. After January 21, the regular fee is $10 for the first print and $3 for the next four.
Pick up a Best in Show entry form at Phillips Recreation Center, Lincoln Square or the News-Gazette. Or download a fillable form with all the detailed instructions.
Call Janet at (217) 367-1544 for more information and entry requirements.
COMMON GROUND FOOD CO-OP FLATLANDER GALLERY– Apply to show your local art at Common Ground Food Cooperative! We are looking for many local artists to feature in our gallery. Our Art Gallery is located in our highly utilized Flatlander Classroom. This multi-use Classroom is ideal for integrating the arts into the urban environment and creating partnerships among artists, the community, and the Co-op. Selected artists will be invited to install for around 1.5 months (approximately 6 weeks). Selected artists will be allotted 2 identical locked cases in the gallery each measuring 8’ long x 44’’ high x 4’’ wide.
For more information, email marketing@commonground.coop.
