When you apply to a Call for Entry on Artwork Archive, the organization may have set up one or both of the following:
A Submission Group, which you choose once for your whole application
Artwork Categories, which you assign to each artwork you include
Not every Call uses these. If you don’t see them on the application form, the organization hasn’t set them up and you can apply as usual.
You will only see Submission Groups and Artwork Categories on Calls that accept applications through Artwork Archive. Look for the Submit with Artwork Archive label on the Call listing.
Submission Groups vs. Artwork Categories:
What's the Difference?
| Submission Group | Artwork Category |
What it describes | You, the applicant | A single artwork |
How many you choose | One per submission | One per artwork |
Examples | Member / Non-Member; Student / Professional; Youth / Adult | Painting / Sculpture; Still Life / Landscape |
Required? | Yes, if the Call has groups | Yes, for every artwork, if the Call has categories |
How to Get to the Application Form
Submission Groups and Artwork Categories only appear once the application form is open, so you will not see them while browsing. To open the form, find the call you want to apply to.
If you already started this application, open your saved draft instead of starting a new one.
If you haven't found the call you're looking to apply to, you can search and filter the call on our Calls for Entry page. Once found, select View Listing > Apply > Submit to Call. You will be asked to log in or create a Free Submit account before the form opens. Selecting Submit to Call opens the application form. It does not send your application.
Did you know?
You can view our full walk through for the Free Submit version here:
You can view our full walk through for the full Artist version here:
Note:
If you are not logged in, selecting Submit to Call takes you to a sign-in screen first. Select Log Back In if you already have an Artwork Archive account of any kind, including a full Artist account or a Free Submit account.
If you are new, create a Free Submit account on the same screen and you will land back on the application.
What is a Submission Group?
A Submission Group tells the organization what type of applicant you are. Organizations use groups for things like:
Membership status or level (Member, Non-Member, Associate, Signature)
Experience level (Student, Amateur, Professional)
Competition division (Novice, Emerging, Established)
Age or school level (Youth, Adult, High School, College)
Affiliation (Current Student, Alumni, Faculty)
You select one Submission Group for your entire application. Every artwork you include is submitted under that group.
How to Select Your Submission Group
If a Call has Submission Groups, choosing one is required before you can save a draft or submit.
On the application form, find the Submission Group drop-down
Choose the group that applies to you
Select Save Submission as Draft to continue
Important
If the Call has Submission Groups, you must choose one before you can save a draft or submit. You can change your selection at any time while your application is still in draft.
Not Sure Which Submission Group to Choose?
Your Submission Group can affect how your artwork is juried, whether you are eligible for certain awards, and in some cases whether your application is accepted at all. It is worth a minute to get it right.
Check the Application Requirements section of the Call listing. Organizations are asked to define their groups there, for example how many years of experience count as "Emerging," or what qualifies you as a "Member." The Eligibility section may also have details. If it is still unclear, contact the organization using the contact information on the Call page before you submit.
What is an Artwork Category?
An Artwork Category describes an individual piece of artwork. Organizations use categories for things like:
Medium (Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics, Mixed Media)
Format (2D, 3D, Video)
Subject (Still Life, Landscape, Portrait, Abstract)
Section or theme (Open, Miniatures, Plein Air)
Each artwork in your submission gets its own category. If you’re submitting three pieces, you’ll assign a category to each one, and they don’t all have to be the same.
How to Assign an Artwork Category to Each Artwork
If a Call has Artwork Categories, every artwork in your submission needs a category before you can submit.
Add your pieces to the application
For each piece, use the Artwork Category drop-down to choose the category it belongs in
Repeat for every artwork in your submission
Select Save Submission as Draft
Important
If the Call has Artwork Categories, every artwork in your submission must have a category before you can submit. The Submission Checklist will flag any piece that’s missing one.
Not Sure Which Artwork Category Your Artwork Belongs In?
Check the Application Requirements section of the Call listing, where organizations define their categories (for example, whether photography counts as 2D or whether a diptych is one artwork or two). If a piece could fit more than one category, contact the organization before you submit.
Example: A Call for Entry With Both Submission Groups and Artwork Categories
An art association’s annual show has three Submission Groups (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and two Artwork Categories (Still Life, Landscape).
You’re a Bronze member submitting two paintings, one still life and one landscape. Your application would look like this:
Submission Group: Bronze
Artwork 1: Still Life
Artwork 2: Landscape
One application, one group, and each artwork placed in its own category.
Before You Submit Your Call for Entry Application
Run through this quick check:
Submission Group: Have you chosen the group that accurately describes you? Read the Call’s eligibility rules if you’re unsure.
Artwork Categories: Does every artwork have a category? Does each piece fit the category you gave it?
Changes: Everything can be edited while your application is in draft. Once you select Submit to Call at the bottom of the completed application to send it in, you can only make changes if the organization sends you a Change Request.
If you selected the wrong group or category and have already submitted, contact the organization directly. They can send you a Change Request that lets you update your selection and resubmit.
Submission Group and Artwork Category FAQ for Artists
Can I choose more than one Submission Group?
No. Each application belongs to one Submission Group. If you qualify for more than one, pick the one that best describes you, or contact the organization if you are unsure.
Can one artwork be in two Artwork Categories?
No. Each artwork is assigned to a single category. If an artwork could fit two, choose the closer match and contact the organization if the placement affects awards.
I don't see a Submission Group or Artwork Category on the application form. Did I miss something?
No. Both are optional for organizations. If they are not on the form, this Call does not use them and you can apply as usual.
I already submitted and I picked the wrong group or category. Can I fix it?
Contact the organization directly. They can send you a Change Request, which reopens your application so you can update your selection and resubmit.