Open Call for Artist: Colores Art Exhibit 2026
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County (HCCMC), in collaboration with BlackRock Center for the Arts and the Gaithersburg Germantown Upcounty Chamber of Commerce, will hosts its annual Colores art exhibit opening to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday, September 15th 2026.
To broaden participation and showcase diverse talent, HCCMC is issuing an open call for Latino artists residing in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area.
This page outlines the process and criteria for the open call to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive selection process.
Objectives
Engage and showcase the work of Latino artists from the DMV area.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through diverse artistic expressions.
Foster community involvement and cultural representation.
Ensure a professional and equitable selection process.
Key Components of the Open Call
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Artists must reside in the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia). Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill) may be requested
- Cultural Background: Artists must identify as Latino or of Latin American descent (including Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central American, South American)
- Age: Open to artists 21 years and older.
- Artistic Medium: Accepting a wide range of mediums, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, and textiles (artwork must be gallery ready).
- Original Work: Submissions must be original works created by the submitting artist, reflecting themes relevant to Hispanic culture (cultural identity, heritage, community, history, art/cultural history, or personal narratives)
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- Audience: The Colores exhibit is open to audiences of all age. Work must be appropriate for younger viewers and family friendly.
Submission Requirements
- Portfolio: Artists must submit a digital portfolio of 3-5 works (high-resolution images, 300 DPI, JPEG or PDF format)
- Artist Statement: A brief statement (250-500 words) describing the artist’s background, connection to Latino heritage, and how their work relates to the Colores theme
- Artwork Proposal: A description of the proposed artwork(s) for the exhibition (up to 500 words), including medium, dimensions, and any specific installation requirements
- Contact Information: Full name, email, phone number, and address (to verify DMV residency)
- CV or Bio: A brief artist CV or biography (1 page maximum) highlighting relevant experience or exhibitions
Why Participate?
Selected artists will showcase their work at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, connect with the community, and be featured in our promotional materials. Questions? Contact us at Colores@hccmc.org
HCCMC is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable platform for Latino artists. We look forward to your submissions!
