Procedures and Rules | Phases | Entry Form
The Valley of Dry Bones art invitational seeks to inspire the creation of new artwork based on Ezekiel 37:1–14, the biblical vision in which God brings life, renewal, and restoration to a valley of dry bones.
Museum of the Bible invites Christian and Jewish artists residing in the continental United States to create original pieces in a variety of media that show their personal and spiritual reflections on this powerful theme. The goal is to show how the Bible can shape modern art and give visitors a meaningful way to connect with biblical themes through creativity.
Museum of the Bible will choose 15 artists through a national call and design a professional exhibition to showcase their art from May 7–November 7, 2027. The museum will also help promote the artists and their work through talks, social media, and special events.
Each artist chosen will be paid a stipend of $3,000 to cover the costs of creation, travel, and shipping.
Procedures and Rules
- Only one entry per artist.
- Artists must be of the Christian or Jewish faith.
- Entries must reflect a positive and respectful approach to the Bible and to the interpretation of the selected text.
- Artists must be a legal resident of the United States and live within the boundaries of the continental US.
- Entries must fit the theme of interpreting Ezekiel 37:1–14 as a vision for life, renewal, and restoration.
- All submitted entries must be functional and created exclusively for the Museum of the Bible exhibition. This means the entry has never been shown publicly or sold prior to this competition.
- By applying, artists grant Museum of the Bible permission to photograph and reproduce their work for education, promotional, and archival purposes.
- Artist collaborations are permitted.
- All visual media accepted (no perishable materials, please)
- If an entry requires technical support (digital files, projection, electrical or moving components), please be specific in the proposal.
- All entries must ship ready to hang or display with all necessary hardware. In-bound shipping is the responsibility of the artist. Return shipping will be coordinated and covered by Museum of the Bible.
- Artists (or a proxy) must be able to travel to attend the opening in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2027. Artists will be needed throughout the day for last-minute display questions, press, and educational programs.
Phases
Phase I: Entry Deadline — Entries must be received by April 24, 2026
When submitting the online application, please include:
- Letter of interest
- Artist’s biography with photo
- List of qualifications/prior exhibitions
- Digital JPG images of prior work
- Planned vision for artwork (including approximate dimensions and materials) with sketches or samples
- Artist statement — up to 250 words describing the entry
Phase II: Selection of Artists — May 1, 2026
Artists to be included in the exhibition will be chosen by the Curator of Art for Museum of the Bible and the Biblical Art Collections Committee. Artists will be notified of their status by May 8, 2026, and will be issued their stipend after completing the required paperwork.
Phase III: Submissions Deadline — March 1, 2027
Artists will be responsible for crating and shipping their work to Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, and insuring their work during its transfer. Specific shipping and insurance details will be provided.
Phase IV: Exhibition — May 7 – November 7, 2027
An opening event will take place at Museum of the Bible on May 6. Artists will be needed throughout that day for last-minute display questions, press, and educational programs.
Phase V: Return of Objects
Museum of the Bible will return the piece to the artist at the conclusion of the exhibition.