47th ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 

Join us on January 22nd for an opening reception and juror remarks from 5:30-7:30pm at the BAC

Online Entry Form
Download Entry Form
Submit Entry Fee

    • January 2–17: Entries accepted during regular gallery hours
      Thursday–Friday: 12–5pm, Saturday–Sunday: 2–5pm
      (Please contact us if accommodations are needed.)

    • Saturday, January 17: Final deadline for entry drop-off
      (Please contact us if you require special arrangements for a different drop-off time.)

    • Thursday, January 22: Exhibition opens
      Reception: 5:30–7:30pm
      Awards and juror comments: 6:15pm

    • Saturday, February 21: Last day of exhibition

  • February 22 – March 1, during regular gallery hours
    Thursday–Friday: 12–5pm, Saturday–Sunday: 2–5pm

    Due to our small spaces and rotating gallery shows, please arrange for your work to be retrieved no later than March 1, 2026. The BAC will not be responsible for storing work past this date.

  • All photographers ages 14 and up residing in South Dakota or living within a 150-mile radius of Brookings, South Dakota are eligible to enter this exhibition.

    Payment, photographs, and a signed and completed entry form must be delivered or mailed to the BAC between January 2 and January 16, 2026, during regular gallery hours.

  • Photographs should fit into one of the following three categories:

    • Color Photography

    • Monochrome Photography

    • Altered Photography

      • This category includes photographs that have been significantly altered or constructed through post-capture processes, regardless of the original capture method. AI generated images or photos using AI editing will not be accepted.

  • Awards will be given in three categories:

    1. Color Photography

    2. Monochrome Photography

    3. Altered Photography

      • This category includes photographs that have been significantly altered or constructed through post-capture processes, regardless of the original capture method.

    Awards will be given in Color Photography and Monochrome Photography, with first, second, and third place prizes of $75, $50, and $25. One $25 Juror’s Choice award will be presented in the Altered Image category.

Entry Instructions

Entry fee:
$25 per piece with a limit of two works per artist. Card, cash, check or money order made payable to Brookings Arts Council will be accepted. Online payment is also available.

Any photographic print may be entered. Altered images and Photoshop composite prints must be clearly labeled as such. AI-generated or AI-assisted images are not eligible. The minimum allowed print size is 8×10 inches.

Submitted work should be printed on photographic-quality paper and be matted or framed. All work must be ready to hang from a gallery rail hook using wire (see diagram below). Nail-hole or sawtooth hangers cannot be accommodated due to our gallery rail and pinboard hanging system.

The juror will consider overall presentation as part of the judging process, including print quality and the condition and cleanliness of the frame and glass. The juror’s decision will be final.

  • While we intend to include all photographs submitted, the Brookings Arts Council reserves the right to decline to exhibit any piece due to inability to hang, due to the nature of the subject, or the professionalism of the artist. While consensual adult nudity is allowed, pornography, violence, and anything overtly obscene is not. The decision of the Brookings Arts Council is final on this matter.

  • Artists are responsible for the delivery and pick-up of their art. Delivery or mail ready-to-hang works to the address listed below. If mailed, you are responsible for return shipping and handling costs. 

    Brookings Arts Council
    524 4th Street
    Brookings, SD 57006

  • The Brookings Arts Council receives a 25% commission on any pieces sold while on exhibit. Entry in the exhibition signifies agreement with all conditions of the exhibition. Photos will remain at the BAC, marked as “SOLD” until the end of the exhibition, at which time the artist of the sold work will be given a check.

Note:
The Brookings Arts Council will take every precaution to ensure the safety of submitted artwork. However, the BAC will not be responsible for any loss or damage to your artwork, no matter how the loss or damage is incurred. Artists are responsible for ensuring their own work. The BAC reserves the right to reject any artwork, and our decision is final.