Having trouble with your application? WATCH OUR VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE!
ACA 2025 Frequently Asked Questions!
1. What is Art Comes Alive?
Art Comes Alive (ACA) is an annual, fine-art competition and exhibit open to all artists working in any medium or style, hosted by ADC. The main objective of the exhibition is to award artists for their dedication to their craft and exceptional work, connect them with prominent people in the art business for networking opportunities, and find new artwork in all mediums and subjects to showcase and ultimately sell. ACA is the only art competition of it's kind - awarding over $450,000 in awards to artists.
2. What type of artwork is accepted for ACA?
We accept a variety of subject matter including abstract, figurative, conceptual, and everything in between! Accepting media includes: painting, photography, glass, mixed media, digital art, sculpture, one-of-a kind jewelry, printmaking, drawings & illustration, video, installation, and textile art.
3. What are the dates of the exibition?
The ACA Exhibition is November 15th for Opening Night! We have our award ceremony and time to mingle from 6-10pm on Opening Night. The show will run from then until January 15th. We are open for viewing from Monday-Friday 9-5.
4. Does art need to be new?
No! Artists can submit artwork that they have previously made or even submitted for previous events such as Radiance. Remember we add new jurors every year so anything that isn't new to you may be new and revoultionary for them!
5. Can I submit current art in the gallery?
Yes! This will insure that it will hang for the duration of the show plus it will save any shipping costs that you would have spent.
6. Are there fees to apply?
Yes there is a fee of $25 per piece. However students and SmartSell members are eligible for a 50% discount to their ACA application. Just make sure you use the student discount code ACAStudent and use your school email when applying for the show. SmartSell member can access thier discount code on the SmartSell platform under Resources.
7. Can I submit more pieces after applying?
No, after the application is submitted there is no way on your end to be able to add anymore pieces so be sure to submit all artwork you would like considered on your application. If you already have submitted, you will need to create a new account with a new email to start a new application.
8. If my work is accepted, how do I get it to the gallery?
Once accepted, it is the artist's responsibility to ship their piece to and from ADC's gallery in Cincinnati, OH. All packaging materials will be cataloged and saved for return shipping. You can also hand deliver your artwork to the gallery if possible.
9. Who sees my artwork?
Besides the jurors scoring your application, your work will be seen by various media outlets, gallery owners, art representatives, publishers and collectors, interior designers, attendees of opening night (250+ art buyers, art lovers, and artists), all attendees for the duration of the exhibitition - including potential buyers (corporate, private collectors, interior designers), and everyone who visits the ADC website.
10. What can I expect at the gallery awards?
Artists, art collectors, sponsors, jurors, and the media attending will arrive by walking the red carpet along with a photo op. All awards will be announced during the awards ceremony. There will also be fabulous food, along with an open bar, and opportunity to meet the sponsors, jurors, collectors, and the other artists in the exhibition to make important and useful art business connections.
11. Do I have to be present to win?
No, we will notify you via email if you are an award recipient prior to the Opening Gala. Although we urge you to attend the exciting opening night awards ceremony, it's your choice to be present or not.
12. What is the gallery comission?
ADC takes a 50% comission off of any art sold through the gallery.
FOLLOW US ON ALL PLATFORMS AND SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
