The Iowa Biennial Exhibition is an international survey of contemporary miniature prints showcasing works selected from around the world. From among approxiamtely 2,000 submissions to date, the works of 98 exhibiting artists represent 30 nations and a variety of print mediums, from traditional to digitally informed.

The Iowa Biennial Exhibition introduces the public to contemporary prints from around the world. It also serves to support the collection of works within The Iowa Biennial Exhibition research archive while making them available for academic research, museums, artists, and print students. Works within the archive will be used to promote a greater awareness of the uniqueness and beauty of the print and print media.

Maximum size in any dimension for submitted works is three and a half inches [3 1/2 inches or 9 cm]. Works in all print media, both traditional and non-traditional alike, were eligible, and include editioned, uneditioned, as well as uneditionable works. Only original prints created within two years of the exhibition are considered. In addition to prints, the participants also include an Artist's Statement and a Statement of Artistic Process. These documents illuminate the ideas and experiences of the artists in relation to their work and enhance the research potential of the archive.

All works entered are submitted before a committee of jury members for exhibition selection. Distinguished jurors invited to participate are established professionals from a diverse selection of art disciplines within Iowa. The previous and current selection committees include Virginia A. Myers, Peter Feldstein, and Dr. Rachel M. Williams, all from the University of Iowa’s School of Art & Art History, as well as Julie Leonard from the University of Iowa’s Center for the Book and the School of Art & Art History, and Shannon Kennedy from the University of Iowa’s School of Art & Art History, Coe College & Kirkwood College, as well as Helen Grunewald, Doug Hall, Kayt Conrad, & Rahat Sodaev all from Kirkwood College's Arts & Humanities Department.

All jury-selected works are retained by The Iowa Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Miniature Prints while all works submitted will be retained within The Iowa Biennial Exhibition Archive for research. The Iowa Biennial Exhibition initially exhibited at The University of Iowa and thereafter will become an international traveling exhibition for a period of up to two years with exhibitions scheduled for travel to venues to be scheduled.

Works of Distinction accepted for submission into The Iowa Biennial Exhibition Archive, but not exhibited in the Biennial Exhibition, have also been recognized.

The Iowa Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Miniature Prints is a nonprofit, cultural and research-oriented event and no profits will be sought from its submissions and/or participants. For questions or comments, please contact The Iowa Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Miniature Prints at information@iowabiennial.org