Art & Soul – Artist Registration
It’s time! The 16th annual Art & Soul of the Magic Valley artist registration is open now through March 31.
Plan to enter your artwork for a chance at a piece of $50,000 in prize money awarded to up to 98 individual artists. Get all the details, how-tos, 2026 changes, and more below!
Artist registration is open from January 1 until midnight on March 31, 2026.
Enter work now for a chance at up to $50,000 in prize money!
The Magic Valley Arts Council is pleased to announce the 16th annual Art & Soul of the Magic Valley, to be held June 5 – 27, 2026 in Twin Falls, Idaho. We are seeking entries from artists around the world to participate in this community-wide event!
Art & Soul of the Magic Valley is a major non-juried art competition held in Twin Falls, Idaho, from June 5 to June 27, 2025. Artists worldwide are invited to submit one artwork for a chance to win up to $50,000 in prize money. The competition is unique as all submitted artworks will be physically displayed in local businesses serving as pop-up art galleries. Winners will be determined by public vote during the event, which attracts around 40,000 attendees, making it one of the most beloved art shows in the Western US.
Apply online here! – OPENS JANUARY 1, 2026
Key Information:
- Eligibility: Open to anyone.
- Entry: Each artist or group can submit only one entry in one category, with a $50 non-refundable entry fee. Withdrawal or failure to deliver after entry incurs a $250 fee.
- Voting: Public voting takes place, and voters must register within 10 miles of the Magic Valley Arts Council. Voters can cast one vote per piece, and may vote for as many pieces as they wish.
- Prizes: Up to $50,000 will be distributed to as many as 98 artists. Prizes include Grand Prize, Second, Third, and Fourth overall, as well as category-specific awards.
- Categories: Category for entry is determined by artwork medium. Magic Valley Arts Council reserves the right to edit artist categories if necessary.
- Winner Selection: Winners will be determined by public vote and announced in person at the Awards Ceremony on July 10, 2025, then via email no later than July 14, 2026.
- Artwork Sale: Artwork may be listed for sale, with a 20% commission payable to the Magic Valley Arts Council for sales between May 1 and August 1, 2026.
This event provides artists with an opportunity to showcase their work, engage with a wide audience, and compete for substantial prize money through a public voting process.
Main Contest Rules:
- Artwork must be displayed in a registered contest venue. Venues will select the works they wish to display. Venue registration will open January 1 – more info here: https://www.magicvalleyartandsoul.com/submit-venue-form/
- Each entry must be sponsored by a registered sponsor. Artists are encouraged to find a sponsor – this can be anyone, family, friends, local-to-you businesses, art guilds that you may belong to, or you may even choose to self-sponsor. The sponsorship fee is $100, and the fee helps to offset the cost of entry for artists to keep this affordable for all to participate. Sponsors may register online here, beginning January 1: https://www.magicvalleyartandsoul.com/submit-sponsor-form/ or they can call the Magic Valley Arts Council at #208-734-ARTS (2787) for more information.
- Artwork must be installed in Twin Falls, ID by June 1, 2026, unless approved otherwise. If you ship your artwork to Twin Falls, it must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the beginning of the competition.
- Artist registration must be received by midnight on March 31, 2026.
- Venue and sponsor matching agreements must be completed by May 20, 2026.
- Only original work is eligible for submission. The artist is responsible for ensuring the work does not infringe on any third-party rights. Work created from kits or patterns is not allowed for entry.
- ALL AI (artificial intelligence) usage must be disclosed upon entry and use of AI will be included on the Artist Statement sheet for voter review. This includes Photoshop generative fill and/or using any AI image generation whether for reference inspiration or as part of the actual final work. If AI was used and not disclosed, the artist will be automatically disqualified.
- Artist is responsible for transportation, installation, and removal of their entry, unless otherwise coordinated with Magic Valley Arts Council. Some fees may apply.
- Liability, security, and meeting state and local codes are the artist’s responsibility.
- Artwork entered in previous Art & Soul contests is not allowed.
- Grand Prize Winner is not eligible to enter the following year.
- Artwork may be listed for sale; a 20% commission fee applies for sales between May 1 and August 1, 2026.
- Entries sold during the contest dates can be removed only at the close of the contest.
- Art & Soul reserves the right to use artist information and imagery for promotional purposes.
- Read full rules, prospectus, and FAQs here
Application Requirements
Please prepare the following information prior to completing the application. A photo of the finished work must also accompany the completed application. This photo will be used in the program, on the website, AND on the voting portal – please make sure it is a clear and accurate representation of the work being entered.
- Full name
- Address (will not be posted publicly)
- City / State / Country
- Email Address (will not be posted publicly)
- Phone Number (will not be posted publicly)
- Category of Entry
- AI Usage Disclosure
- Artwork Title
- Dimensions
- Installation Location (indoor / outdoor)
- Specific Installation Requirements (if required – for example, a metal plate to bolt a sculpture to, large wall anchors, ceiling-hung, etc. Complicated installations must be completed by Artist.)
- Piece for sale? (yes / no)
- Price of piece (keep in mind 20% commission retained by MVAC, please price accordingly)
- Artist Statement (1000 max characters, please keep it brief. The statement should talk about the piece, the process, and/or the artist.)