Kentucky Arts Council Now Accepting Submissions for 2026 Governor’s Derby Exhibit

March 23, 2026

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Governor’s Derby Exhibit, returning this May in celebration of the Commonwealth’s rich artistic talent and Derby tradition.

This year’s theme is “Long Shot.”

Inspired by the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, the exhibit invites Kentucky artists to explore risk, resilience, and the dreamers who remind us that anything can happen between the gate and the finish line. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly — from unlikely victories and bold leaps of faith to quiet perseverance and moments of transformation.

All Kentucky visual artists 18 and older are welcome to submit up to two entries for consideration. The work must be original; two-dimensional; include hanging hardware; and have a depth of no more than 6 inches. The overall dimensions, including frame, may not exceed 36 inches in height or width, nor be heavier than 25 pounds.

Exhibit Details

There is no submission fee.

To apply, artists must fill out the online application form and submit digital images of their work.

Digital images should be JPEGs at 300 dpi, with the longest side of the image approximately 10 inches.

The artist may decide whether or not to offer their work for sale. The Kentucky Arts Council takes no commission on sales. Potential buyers will be given the artist’s contact information, so the buyer can deal directly with the artist.

Titles or prices of artwork may not be changed after the work is accepted for the exhibit.

Dimensions, including frame, may not exceed 36 inches in height or width and shall not exceed 25 pounds.

If works are accepted, it is the responsibility of the artist to deliver or ship the artwork to Frankfort. Hand-delivery of artwork is on April 29 and 30, 2026.

In order to protect the artwork during transport, all work MUST be enclosed in bubble wrap or other protective wrapping and packed in a box by the artist. Do not use Styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper as packing material.

An exhibit loan agreement form will be sent to artists whose works are selected for this exhibit. This must be returned to the arts council with the work.

All works will be insured while in the possession of the arts council.

Artwork must remain in the exhibit for the entire duration, even if sold.

Important Dates

April 14 Deadline to submit application and images

April 17 Artists notified of selection via email

April 29 & 30 Works delivered or shipped to Frankfort

May 2 – July 5 Exhibit on display at Paul Sawyier Public Library, Frankfort 

July 7 – 8 Works picked up in Frankfort

Application Process

For all submissions:

Complete the online application. Save or print a copy of the confirmation page for your records. You will not receive an email confirmation.

Title the image files using your last name, followed by the title of the piece. For example, for a piece by John Smith titled Spring Meadow, the file name would be: Smith_SpringMeadow.

Questions?

For more information, contact Dave Blevins at [email protected].