DAA 2026 Key Dates
- Submissions Open — Now
- Submission Deadline — November 15, 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)
- AI Evaluation Period — November 16 – December 20, 2026
- Results Announced — December 31, 2026
- Certificates Issued — January 2027
Plan Your Entry
Don't wait until the last minute. Here's a suggested timeline for a strong submission:
- Now – August 2026: Explore categories, brainstorm concepts, create drafts
- September 2026: Refine your best work, get peer feedback
- October 2026: Finalize your piece, write your artist statement
- Early November 2026: Submit with time to spare for any revisions
Early Submission Benefits
Submitting early gives you the flexibility to revise. You can update your entry — including the artwork file and artist statement — any time before the deadline. Early submitters also avoid the last-minute rush that can lead to technical issues or forgotten details.
After the Deadline
Once submissions close on November 15, all entries enter the AI evaluation pipeline. During this period, the AI panel reviews every submission against standardized criteria. This process takes approximately five weeks.
Results and Awards
By December 31, 2026, all participants will receive their evaluation results via email. Award recipients (Gold, Silver, Bronze) will receive digital certificates and can be verified through the DAA website.