CALL FOR ENTRIES OPENS: April 28th, 2026   

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: May 31st, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

    Learning Curve is an annual exhibition celebrating HCP students’ work from the past year. It features a range of photo-based work—including digital, analog, and alternative processes—and highlights HCP Education's various programs. There is no fee for entry.

Every year the Learning Curve exhibition is juried by a leading curator, editor, or artist who is in dialogue with the medium of contemporary art and/ or photography. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited at HCP and highlighted on our digital platforms (website, newsletters, and social media).   

About the Juror: 

Jessi Bowman is a Houston-based photographer and curator with over 15 years of experience. Bowman has curated various exhibitions, including Sight Lines at Houston Center for Photography, and has worked with notable organizations like FotoFest International and Project Row Houses. She is the Founder and Curator of FLATS, a community darkroom and photo lab that began as a nomadic exhibition series showcasing local artists. Bowman’s passion lies in collaborating with organizations to bring art into non-traditional spaces, fostering vibrant photo communities. Additionally, she has started FLAT Files, the only photo publication dedicated to highlighting Southern Central photographers and curators.

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Eligibility

Students who attended a course or a workshop at HCP from January 2025 onward are welcome to apply, no matter the level of photographic knowledge or experience.  

Call For Entry Guidelines

 STEP 1. Prepare your images and all related texts           Carefully edit a group of no more than 5 images and/ or videos that describe your current photographic work.  For videos, your files must be either QuickTime (.mov) or MPEG-4 (.mp4) filetypes. For images, please use the following specifications:

• JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) filetype for images
• 72 DPI
• 2000 pixels on the LONGEST side
• Adobe RGB (1998) Color Profile

For each image, you will need to fill out the following information:

• Title
• Year
• Medium
• Size (inches)

You will also need to have the following information available for upload:

• Artist Bio
• Artist Website (if applicable)

STEP 2. Click "Submit"! 

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 NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE: Applicants will be notified of the jurying results by June 9th, 2025. Please note; HCP retains the right to reject any selected work that differs from the work submitted.

 LIABILITY & AGREEMENT: Works will be insured while on the premises of HCP. HCP retains the right to display and reproduce work accepted for this exhibition for publicity and promotional purposes.

    - ARTWORK PRESENTATION: Upon your acceptance, the work to be exhibited must be delivered ready-to-hang in either a simple white, black, or natural wood frame; matting is optional, and frames that do not meet this criteria should be pre-approved by the Exhibitions and Programs Coordinator in advance. In the case that a pedestal or specific hardware is needed for presentation, you must inform the Exhibitions and Programs Coordinator of what will be necessary for the installation of your work. Artists exhibiting slide or video projection, installation or sculptural works beyond a two-dimensional format are expected to provide the hardware and equipment necessary to exhibit the work as it is intended to be shown. HCP does not provide slide or video projectors. HCP does have a few small-to-medium sized TV monitors and media players for displaying video work. 

   - Your entry constitutes understanding and agreement with the conditions outlined in this prospectus.

 DEADLINES/CALENDAR:

April 28th, 2026 – Entries for Learning Curve 18 open for submission

May 31st, 2026 – Entries for Learning Curve 18 close 

June 11th, 2026 – Acceptance notifications sent via email

June 29th, 2026 – Accepted works due at HCP 

July 16th, 2026 – Opening reception, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Exhibition On View: July 16 – August 16, 2026

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBMISSION PLEASE CONTACT:                   Areli Navarro Magallón, Exhibitions and Programs Coordinator                   713-529-4755 or areli.magallon@hcponline.org