People & The Planet

People and the Planet is an international open call inviting artists to explore our world and humanity's relationship with it. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces addressing environmental and social issues, human interactions with nature, travel, climate change, natural materials and resources, population and development, Indigenous perspectives, changing landscapes, connections to the land, and new discoveries.

All visual mediums are accepted, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, fine craft, installations, video, and more. Works must be original and completed within the past five years. The exhibition will include both a physical gallery show in Washington, DC and a virtual exhibition running August 2-27, 2023, with an opening reception on Saturday, August 5.

Each application covers one artwork with an entry fee of $35. Artists may submit up to two applications total (additional artwork submission is $15). Work samples may include up to 3 images, 1 audio file, and 1 video file (minimum 1 sample, maximum 5 total). All submitted images must be high-resolution. Artists must be at least 18 years old. Accepted artist notifications will be on or around June 28, 2023. Artwork must be delivered to the gallery by Monday, July 31, 2023. All physically installed artwork must be for sale unless otherwise agreed upon; Touchstone Gallery takes a 40% commission on sales. Artists are responsible for delivery and return shipping. All artwork must fit through a standard doorway, and suspended works cannot weigh over 10 lbs. Jurors include Karine Aigner (International League of Conservation Photographers Associate Fellow, 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year), Alan C. Braddock (Professor of Art History at William & Mary), Tarah Hogue (Curator of Indigenous Contemporary Art at Remai Modern), and Robert Yi (Assistant Director of the School of Art & Interim Director of Painting and Drawing at George Mason University).