The Art List — a moderated database of contests for artists and photographers

The Art List moderated contests are checked by hand, before they ever reach the catalogue.
The platform has been running since 2003.
As of this check, 18 September 2026, it’s used by more than 55,000 artists and photographers, and listings come from more than 7,000 galleries and organisations.
Registration for artists and photographers is free.
The only paid part is promoting a listing, and that’s on the organisers, from $50 per placement.

The Art List moderated contests — the platform’s history
It was founded in 2003 by an artist from Connecticut, tired of wasting time hunting for quality contests across the internet.
The same principle still holds: every listing is checked and published by the platform’s editors, not an algorithm.
Today the platform is owned by Deep Focus, LLC.

What’s free to see, what needs registration
The catalogue, deadlines and general contest descriptions are open without logging in.
Organiser contact details and the catalogue’s advanced search need registration.
That’s free — only organisations pay, for promoting a listing, not artists.
A monthly newsletter rounds up new listings.

A contest of its own, for extra visibility
Every month, The Art List runs its own Artist of the Month contest.
Any artist or photographer can enter, whatever their medium.
The winner gets a Featured Artist page.
There’s also a gift certificate from the contest’s partner, Jerry’s Artarama.
Entering the contest is always free.

What’s in the database, and where
The database covers contests, grants, stipends, residencies, fairs, festivals, workshops and jobs for artists and photographers.
Listings come from galleries, organisations, charities and other groups running their own contest or event.
Catalogue filters cover category, medium, deadline and geography, from local to international.
A separate filter shows whether a submission fee applies.
The database updates daily.

Who it suits especially
Good fit if: you look for international contests for artists or photographers regularly.
You’re also ready to open a free account for full access to the database.
It especially helps that listings have been moderated.
They weren’t just scraped by a bot from random sites.
May not suit you if: you work outside visual art and photography — the platform specialises in exactly those.
It also won’t suit you if you’re not willing to register at all.
Organiser contact details stay behind that free account.