Call for Submissions
We are seeking Harvard staff who want to show their creative endeavors and artwork. Submissions can range from photography and painting to conceptual pieces, sculpture, design, textiles, film, musical compositions, dance, or other performances, and more.
Who can apply
The Harvard Staff Art Show is open to Harvard employees who:
- work at least half-time (17.5 hours/per week) and are not full-time students
- do not have teaching appointments or hospital-affiliated appointments as their primary appointment at the University
How to apply
Artists can submit one artwork for consideration in the 2026 Staff Art Show. Because this year’s show will physically display artworks at local shows rather than virtually on the website, we ask that all artworks submitted be available for display in Spring 2026. If you cannot bring your artwork to a local show, you may request that your artwork be highlighted on our Instagram account instead.
All applications will require:
- the title of the artwork and its medium
- your staff title
- your Department or Office, and its location on campus
- your School / unit
- an image of, or link to, your artwork (further details below)
A longer description of the artwork, a short biography or artist’s statement, and website or social media information are optional.
Adding a watermark or other means of identifying your copyright on the artwork is encouraged.
Submissions that are visual artwork will require:
- A photo of the artwork
- A short alternative text to visually describe the images
- For more information on alt-text, please see our Digital Accessibility guidelines.
- the dimensions of the artwork
- any display or care needs (e.g. hanging instructions, if it will require a pedestal or dress form, hanging hardware etc.)
Submissions that are film, music, or other media will require:
- A URL for experiencing the artwork (on YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, or other platforms)
- Burned-in captions that are permanently embedded into a video’s image and cannot be turned off by the viewer (for artwork with audio and video components)
See our Digital Accessibility guidelines for more information on captions.
A local show coordinator will contact you in February with further details.
Collaboratives are welcome to apply with a single application; one person should be listed as the primary contact.
We ask that participants remain aware of the show’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and the Harvard community. The Staff Art Show steering committee reserves the right to reject artwork that may be inappropriate or offensive.