2026 Arts Gala Silent Online Auction
2026 Arts Gala Silent Online Auction | Call for Art
Opens May 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM | Closes June 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod invites artists to submit work for the 2026 Arts Gala Silent Online Auction, a curated event that culminates the morning following the Arts Gala, our signature annual fundraiser.
Presented in partnership with Bidsquare, the auction features a curated selection of artwork by regional artists and offers strong visibility for participants.
Artists working in a wide range of mediums are encouraged to submit work for consideration. Selected artwork will be available for viewing online, at the Arts Foundation office, and in person on the evening of the Gala.
Auction Details
Participation in the auction places your work in front of an engaged collector audience through the Arts Foundation and Bidsquare.
Proceeds support the Arts Foundation’s mission to promote, celebrate, and strengthen a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural sector across the region, including:
- Grant funding for local artists
- Professional development and peer connection through the Creative Exchange Program
- Advocacy efforts that position the arts as essential to the Cape’s economy and identity
- Arts Access initiatives that connect children and families to meaningful arts experiences
- Year-round visibility and support for the region’s creative community
Artwork Criteria
- Original works only
- Professionally presented and ready for display
- 2D and 3D work accepted
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 3, 2026
- Selection Notification: Week of May 4, 2026
- Auction Opens Online: Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Artwork Delivery Deadline: Thursday, June 4, 2026 by 12 PM (BY APPOINTMENT)
- Auction Closes: Friday, June 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
All selected artwork must be delivered to the Arts Foundation office in Hyannis by appointment only, as the office is not regularly staffed. Delivery instructions will be provided upon acceptance.
Submission Guidelines
- Submit through Submittable
- Up to 3 works may be submitted
- Typically, 1 work will be selected
Please submit your strongest and most market-ready piece for consideration.
Specific questions may be directed to TJ Davis at tdavis@artsfoundation.org.
What to Include
- One high quality JPG image per piece, up to 300 dpi
- Title, medium, and dimensions, H x W x D
- Fair market value (sale price)
- Optional reserve OR minimum bid amount (see "Pricing and Bidding Terms" below for more details)
- Brief bio and artist statement, approximately 100 words
- Headshot and/or photo of yourself at work
Commission Structure
- Artists may choose to donate 100 percent of sale proceeds to support the Arts Foundation’s mission of strengthening Cape Cod’s creative sector and our community.
- Alternatively, artists may receive 50 percent of the final sale price, with the remaining 50 percent supporting the Arts Foundation’s mission.
- Please indicate your preference in your submission.
Pricing & Bidding Terms
- Artists may choose to set a reserve price, which is the minimum amount the artwork can sell for. If bidding does not reach the reserve price, the artwork will not be sold.
- If no reserve price is set, the Arts Foundation will open bidding at 60% of the artwork’s stated fair market value, unless the artist specifies a different opening bid. If no additional bids are placed, the artwork will sell at the opening bid price.
- Opening bidding below fair market value is a common auction practice designed to encourage early participation and active bidding.
Thank you for helping power an auction that invests in artists, nurtures emerging creatives, strengthens cultural institutions, and ensures a vibrant and resilient arts sector across Cape Cod.