About 20 Under 20
Bellevue Arts Museum and the Teen Arts Council are pleased to present an exhibition showcasing young artists in the Puget Sound area. Local artists under the age of 20 may apply to have their artwork featured in the 20 Under 20 exhibition, which will be on view in BAM’s Community Education Gallery between March 8 and *August 31, 2024.
This year’s theme for 20 Under 20 is Movement
We engage in movement everyday. Moving can be physical, like walking or dancing, or personal, like being moved by a story. It indicates transition, fluidity, and becoming. How is ‘movement’ present in your life? In this year’s 20 Under 20, TAC encourages you to explore what moves and changes in your life or your community.
This exhibition will feature youth ages 13–19 as emerging artists, and is juried by the Teen Arts Council in collaboration with Bellevue Arts Museum staff. 20 Under 20 is an exciting opportunity to display work in a public and professional space, and will showcase a range of artistic media highlighting some of the best talent of the next generation of artists, designers, and craftspeople.
*Date subject to change
Important Dates
| Tuesday, January 23 | Deadline to receive entries (11:59PM PST) | |
| Friday, February 2 | Artists notified | |
| Friday, February 18 | Deadline to deliver art to BAM | |
| Friday, March 8 | Exhibition opens + Opening Reception | |
| Saturday, August 31* | Exhibition closes | |
| September 4 – September 30 | Artists pick up artwork |
*These dates are subject to change
Jurors
Once the application deadline has closed, jurors from the Teen Arts Council will review entries and select artists to participate in the exhibition. The jurors will be supported by Museum curators and staff in the jurying process. Artists will be informed by Friday, February 2, 2024 as to whether or not they have been selected.
Eligibility and Submission Materials
Eligibility will be limited to artists currently residing in the Puget Sound area; defined as King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Thurston Counties. Artists may be at any level in their artistic careers, but must be under the age of 20 (13–19 years old) on the date the show opens to the public on March 8, 2024.
Each artist may submit up to three artworks. Each piece that is submitted with the intention of being shown in the exhibition must be fully original (made by you); however, collaboration between multiple artists is permitted. Only one application can be turned in per piece of artwork. All media are accepted. Please see our Application Instructions for additional details. Applications will open mid-December.
Application period for 2024 20 Under 20 is closed.
Application Instructions
Artists will be required to complete our online application by the entry submission deadline on January 16, 2024. This includes:
Artist Information: We will need the information for all individual artists, as well as collaborators.
- Artist Bio & Statement: For your artist bio & statement, please give us a brief description about yourself and your artistic practice. Some of this information may be displayed publicly.
- Artist Bio: In a short paragraph, tell us a little about yourself. Some of this information may be displayed publicly.
- Artist Statement: In a short paragraph, tell us what you love about art/artmaking and why you would like to have your work included in the exhibition. You may also describe your artistic practice, your influences, and additional information that might be helpful in looking at or understanding your art. Some of this information may be displayed publicly.
- List of Piece(s) & Commentary: For each work you submit (up to 3), please provide all pertinent information about the submitted piece(s) (see application). For each piece, you should also include some short commentary explaining its connection to the theme of identity, your process, medium, goals, messages, themes, and any other connections or thoughts. This commentary will be used to understand your work better in the jury process, but will not be posted publicly.
Limitations & Agreement
For any two-dimensional artwork, entries must not exceed 48” wide x 36” tall. Three-dimensional work must be within 14” wide x 14” long x 20” high. Bellevue Arts Museum reserves the right to reject, upon arrival, any work that differs significantly in appearance, quality, and craftsmanship from the artist’s proposal. All accepted artwork must remain on view for the duration of the exhibition at Bellevue Arts Museum, from May through August 2024. Bellevue Arts Museum shall have the right to photograph works in the exhibition and use images of all included works for promotional purposes and in future publications.
Delivery of Artwork
All accepted entrants are personally responsible for delivery and pickup of their work for the exhibition, as well as ensuring that their artwork is “ready to hang” upon delivery. Artists must either drop off/pick up the works or arrange for their own shipping. Works must be received during regular Museum hours Wednesday through Sunday, 11am–5pm, unless otherwise arranged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of media can I use?
We will be accepting everything from sculpture to illustrations as long as the artwork fits within the size requirements.
Can I enter multiple pieces?
Applications are limited to three entries per artist.
Should I enter a finished work?
Yes. By entering a piece you are confirming that if selected that piece will be shown in the gallery. Note that you as the artist must ensure the piece is ready to be shown (for example, if it needs to be framed that is your responsibility). All pieces must be delivered to the Museum ready to hang.
Can I receive funding?
BAM will not be able to provide funding for the creation or transportation of your artwork.
Can I collaborate with other artists?
Yes. Artists wishing to work together should submit a single application containing both of their names. Please see the Online Application for more information on submitting collaborator information.
What is the age group for this exhibition?
As the Teen Arts Council, we are looking to showcase and promote the talent of other people in our age range, 13–19 years old. To qualify, you must be under 20 years old when the show opens on March 8, 2024.
Will my entry be returned to me?
Yes. It is the responsibility of the artist to both deliver and pick up their own work from the Museum. Works must be received during regular Museum hours Wednesday through Sunday, 11am–5pm, unless otherwise arranged.
How do I submit my artwork?
The application period for 2024 20 Under 20 is closed. Please check back again next winter for the 2025 application info.
Who do I ask if I have questions between now and January 23?
Contact Kathryn Reyes, Youth and Family Programs Coordinator at [email protected].
Final number, placement, and all decisions relating to the display of the art works will be at the discretion of Bellevue Arts Museum.