Printmaking Open Calls & Competitions

Printmaking open calls, answered.

Printmaking has one of the most international open-call scenes: print biennials and triennials across Europe and Asia, dedicated print prizes, and exchange portfolios that circulate work between studios worldwide.

This page gathers every live call on Arthead tagged for print media, from etching and lithography to screenprint, woodcut, and contemporary print practices, each verified by hand.

Why are print biennials good opportunities for international artists?

Prints ship flat, cheaply, and safely, which is why print biennials accept work from anywhere and often waive or minimize fees. For artists outside major art centers, they are among the most accessible routes to an international exhibition record.

Do print calls accept digital prints?

Increasingly yes, but definitions matter: some biennials accept digital and giclée prints as a category, while traditional shows require hand-pulled processes. Editions also matter, since most calls ask for numbered editions. The official rules state both requirements.

What is an exchange portfolio?

A group project where each participating printmaker contributes an edition; every participant receives a full set, and additional sets often go to institutional collections and touring exhibitions. Entry is usually cheap, and it places your work directly into other artists' and institutions' collections.