National Exhibits by Blind Artists’ shows are organized by sending invitations across the country and abroad to artists who are legally blind. They are asked to submit slides of their work to a panel of judges, distinguished in the Philadelphia art world.

Paintings, sculptures, photographs, woodworking and crafts are included. Artwork must be original. From these entries, works are selected creating shows that represent all regions of the United States and abroad. The shows range in size from 50 to 80 entries.

Upon arrival in Philadelphia, the works of art chosen for all the shows are viewed by a panel of experts, and from this collection, monetary prizes are then awarded.

Contracts with participating artists are for one year to eighteen months and usually include two or three presentations in different venues. All artwork must remain with the show until the end of the exhibit and the termination of the contract, when they may be claimed by the purchaser or returned to the artist.
A list of the artists, titles of their work, insurance value, sales price, or not for sale (NFS) agreements are sent with the show along with the sales agreement forms. Checks are accepted at the time of purchase and forwarded to the NEBA treasurer for deposit until the tour is completed. Only at that time may the artist receive his check and the buyer claim his artwork.

For prospective host museums and galleries, the prime considerations are timing, appropriate exhibit space and cost. Insurance and security coverage, while under the auspices of the host, must be guaranteed.

Communicating with prospective hosts is constantly on the agenda. Juggling tour schedules with a number of interested entrepreneurs involved problems not only of mutually agreeable dates, but those of shipping. To make the show cost effective, the minimum presentation must be for at least two, and preferably, three months. With multiple venues, the exhibition may travel for twelve to eighteen months.

Need for funding for this viable enterprise is ever with us as it is with most other charitable organizations today. Through benefits, individual donations, and grants, efforts must be continuously made not only to finance current expenses but also to provide a basis upon which operations may be activated for the next show. The record of NEBA's many achievements and faith in its potential for the future provides the inspiration and motivation for its dedicated volunteers.

NEBA solicits grants from government and private foundations and corporations, as well as contributions from individual donors. Currently, all work is done by volunteers, including many blind artists. Proceeds from sales of artwork benefit the artists directly.

On the part of National Exhibits by Blind Artists, Inc., a quality art exhibit representing accomplishments by legally blind artists is provided for presentation by prominent museums and galleries thereby enhancing their public relations and attracting an enthusiastic public response.

For further information, please contact us.