DNDNXT GEN

DNDNXT GEN is a curated exhibition platform designed to connect emerging and mid-career artists with collectors, cultural institutions, and strategic partners while strengthening Maryland’s creative economy.

DNDNXT GEN is the exhibition platform of the DNDNXT artist development ecosystem.

DEADLINE

May 10, 2026

at 11:59 pm EST

ELIGIBILITY

Emerging, early-career, and mid-career artists based in Maryland.

SALES & RENTENTION

Our team manages the sales process surrounding the showcase allowing artists to remain focused on building their network.

Artists Retain 100% of All Profits.

APPLY HERE

Apply in 7 minutes. No submission fee.

LEARN MORE

Gaithersburg, MD • September 19, 2026

WE WANT THE NEXT GENERATION OF ICONS.

LIMITED COHORT FOR THE FIRST CYCLE OF DNDNXT GEN.

ALL WORK IS REVIEWED BY THE CURATORIAL TEAM.

SELECTED ARTISTS WILL BE NOTIFIED AFTER THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.

DNDNXT GEN

ABOUT

DNDNXT GEN is a curated exhibition platform designed to position artists within collector-focused environments where artwork is experienced beyond the traditional gallery setting. Hosted within a transformed luxury home environment, the showcase presents artwork as it would exist in real living spaces — creating an intimate viewing experience that encourages authentic engagement between artists, collectors, and cultural audiences.

Through intentional curation and presentation, DNDNXT GEN prioritizes meaningful visibility, professional presentation, and long-term artistic opportunity rather than one-time exhibition exposure.

DIFFERENT?

WHAT MAKES DNDNXT GEN

Artwork is exhibited within a luxury residential environment, not a traditional gallery booth

  1. Collector-focused exhibition environment

  2. Residential installation setting

  3. Curated artist selection

  4. Professional documentation

TIMELINE?

WHAT’S THE SUBMISSION

  1. Submit application before 11:59 pm on May 10th

  2. Curatorial review process is on-going

  3. Selected artists will be notified starting May 31st

  4. Professional marketing and media curation from artists will occur between June - July 2026

  5. Artist art pick-up and arrangements will occur August 2026

  6. Showcase on Saturday, September 19th

  7. Artists will receive their payouts within 2-4 weeks post show via check

PROCESS?

WHAT IS THE SUBMISSION

ARTWORK SIZE & PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

All submitted artwork must be prepared for professional exhibition display.

Artist a required to submit up to 7 works that share the following:

  • Required materials:

  • Artist bio

  • artist statement

  • artwork images

  • dimensions

  • medium

  • price — All works must be for sale

To ensure a smooth installation process, artists should review the following guidelines before submitting work.

Presentation Requirements

• All wall-mounted works must be ready to hang with secure hardware installed (D-rings and wire recommended).
• Works should be professionally framed or gallery wrapped when applicable.
• Artwork must be structurally stable and exhibition-ready at the time of installation.

Size Guidelines

• Wall works should not exceed 72 inches on the longest side unless previously approved.
• Sculptural works must be self-supporting or include an appropriate display base.

Digital Artwork

• Digital work must be fully formatted and ready for exhibition display (screen-ready or framed print format).
• Artists may be asked to provide specific file formats and resolution requirements upon acceptance.

Condition of Work

• Artwork must be completed within the last 3 years and in excellent condition.
• Work that arrives damaged, unstable, or improperly prepared may be declined for installation.

ACCEPTED MEDIUMS

Submissions are accepted in the following mediums:

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Mixed Media
• Textile
• Other (if your medium is not listed above, you are still encouraged to submit)

NXT GEN Artist Experience

( aka — here’s what you get)

To ensure a cohesive and elevated experience for both artists and collectors, DNDNXT GEN provides full sponsorship of production, presentation, and curatorial management for the showcase. Selected artists are supported through a professionally curated exhibition environment designed to position their work within a collector-focused setting.

Accepted artists will participate in:

  • A curated exhibition

  • Collector preview and access

  • Cross-industry networking

  • Media visibility

  • Professional documentation (videos and pictures— we’ve got you covered!)

  • Ten (10) artists from the inaugural cohort will be awarded honorariums. Recipients will be selected by a committee consisting of DND curatorial staff and the program’s lead sponsor.

The Venue

The DND NXT Showcase takes place in a luxury lakehouse in Gaithersburg, Maryland, offering an exclusive and intimate setting where your work can be experienced by collectors, cultural influencers, and industry leaders.

"We believe that if a piece feels right in a home, it’s destined to go home."

DND Curatorial Team

@cyanatvae

CT DENBY

CURATED BY

CT Denby is an NFL alumna, curator, creative strategist, and founder of DND Infinity Group, recognized for producing artist-centered exhibitions that connect emerging talent with collectors and cultural institutions. Her work spans the intersections of entertainment, fashion, and contemporary art, with projects involving major brands, galleries, and international exhibitions. Through DNDNXT GEN, Denby creates real-world opportunities for artists to present their work in collector-focused environments designed to foster visibility, meaningful connections, and long-term growth.

Our Track Record

While the DNDNXT GEN showcase is a new, immersive format, it is built on DND Infinity Group's proven experience in curating and executing high-profile art and cultural events. We don't just host shows—we build careers.

We don’t just talk about connecting artists to collectors — we make it happen. Over the years, we’ve had:

Experience, Not Experiment

20+

ARTWORK SALES ACROSS EMERGING AND MID-CAREER ARTISTS

*WITHIN THE PAST YEAR

30+

BRAND COLLABORATIONS

2

SUCCESSFUL BIENNALE PLACEMENTS

15

GALLERY PLACEMENTS FOR PARTNERED EMERGING ARTISTS

4+

WEEK AVERAGE EXHIBITION RUN TIME FOR SOLO/GROUP SHOWS

100%

RETURN RATE FOR PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

2 / 3

OF ATTENDING ART COLLECTORS JOIN THE DND NETWORK

*AFTER EVERY EVENT

80K

AND MORE IN DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS MONTHLY ACROSS DND PLATFORMS

PREVIOUS EXHIBITION

CLARITY & PERSPECTIVE

HOWARD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

2025

Clarity & Perspective (2025) was a curated group exhibition at the Howard County Arts Council (Aug 15–Sept 27, 2025) featuring artists who explored, challenged, and redefined narratives around Black identity, history, joy, and resilience. The show was curated by C.T. Denby and held in Gallery I.

TESTIMONIALS

  • Working with CT and the DND team on the Miss Universe Guyana project was an extraordinary experience. Their artistry, attention to detail, and professionalism elevated every aspect of our production. From concept development to final execution, they brought our vision to life with creativity and precision. The team’s ability to blend cultural richness with contemporary aesthetics made the entire presentation shine. We’re beyond grateful for their dedication and the impact they helped us create on such a global stage.

    T. Brown-Walker, Director of Miss Universe Guyana

  • I was referred to DND by a friend, and I’m so glad I reached out. From the start, the team’s approach to art advising and curation stood out—they took the time to understand my taste, space, and goals, then guided me toward pieces that felt both personal and timeless. The purchasing process was effortless, shipping was seamless, and the artwork arrived beautifully packaged and ready to display. It now feels like the perfect addition to my home.

    Dr. T. Daniel, Art Collector

  • Working with CT and the DND team was seamless. They were extremely communicative, resourceful, and so supportive. This organization is one of the most professionally run art groups I've ever worked with.

    J. Marshall, artist

  • Art production led by the DND team was incredibly helpful. Their direction, creativity, and curation elevated our project to a whole new level—bringing out ideas and details we didn’t even know we needed. The result was a production that felt twice as powerful and infinitely more cohesive.

    The AIM Society, Media & Production

Are you

NXT GEN

material?

DNDNXT GEN connects emerging and mid-career artists with collectors and cultural professionals through a curated exhibition experience.

DEADLINE: APRIL 30TH

APPLY