MACC Biennial 2025

MACC Biennial 2025 is a statewide call for new work by Hawai'i's artists, showcasing voices from across the islands in a contemporary dialogue of relevant ideas and innovative approaches. This cross-disciplinary exhibition encourages artists to explore conceptual depth, technical prowess, and creative forms to develop resonating experiences that interpret our human connection. The juror is Elissa Auther, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and the William and Mildred Lasden Chief Curator at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.

Accepted media include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textile, mixed media, photography, video, installation, and new media. Maximum size for two-dimensional work is 7 x 12 ft. Maximum size for three-dimensional work is 7 x 7 x 12 ft., with a weight limit of 350 lbs. Digital or video works should be submitted as installation proposals. Two-dimensional work must have clean presentation through framing or alternate display. Reproductions of original artwork will not be considered.

Artists may submit up to three entries, each requiring a separate application and a non-refundable $35 fee. All entries must be submitted online through CaFÉ for Round 1 of jurying, which takes place digitally. Round 1 decisions will be sent by May 23, 2025. Selected work will proceed to Round 2, where the juror will travel to four island sites (O'ahu, Kaua'i, Hawai'i Island, and Maui) to view works in-person during June 2-8, 2025. Entries from Lāna'i and Molokai will be reviewed digitally for both rounds. Final decisions will be sent by June 9, 2025. The exhibition runs July 8 – August 30, 2025.

Three significant cash awards will be selected by the juror: Juror's Choice Award for $10,000, Award of Excellence in Two-Dimensional Media for $5,000, and Award of Excellence in Three-Dimensional Media for $5,000. Artists are encouraged to offer work for sale at fair market prices; MACC handles sales with artists receiving 70% and MACC taking a 30% commission. A catalog will be produced with selected works professionally photographed for inclusion.

Eligibility: Open to artists 18 years and older who reside in Hawai'i. All works must be original and newly created within the last two years (2023-2025). Works created under direct teaching supervision or shown in classroom settings are not eligible. Work must not have been previously shown in any other exhibit, gallery, venue, website, or social media network.