ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

MTV and Hirshhorn Launch Reality Show 'The Exhibit' for Emerging Artists

other · 2026-05-01

MTV has launched a new reality series titled 'The Exhibit: Finding The Next Great Artist' in collaboration with the Hirshhorn Museum. The show debuted on March 3, 2023, on MTV and will air on the Smithsonian Channel starting March 7. Featuring seven up-and-coming artists, including Jamaal Barber and Frank Buffalo Hyde, the six-part series offers a $100,000 award and a chance to display their artwork at the Hirshhorn. Each episode includes distinct challenges judged by a panel of art specialists, with Melissa Chiu leading as head judge and Dometi Pongo hosting, aligning with the museum's inclusive art initiatives.

Key facts

  • The show is called 'The Exhibit: Finding The Next Great Artist'.
  • It premiered on March 3, 2023 on MTV and March 7 on Smithsonian Channel.
  • There are six episodes featuring seven emerging artists.
  • The artists are Jamaal Barber, Frank Buffalo Hyde, Misha Kahn, Clare Kambhu, Baseera Khan, Jillian Mayer, and Jennifer Warren.
  • The prize is $100,000 and an exhibition at the Hirshhorn.
  • Melissa Chiu is the permanent head judge; Dometi Pongo is the host.
  • The show is a collaboration between MTV and the Smithsonian/Hirshhorn.
  • A similar reality show, 'Work of Art: The Next Great Artist', aired on Bravo from 2010 to 2011.

Entities

Artists

  • Jamaal Barber
  • Frank Buffalo Hyde
  • Misha Kahn
  • Clare Kambhu
  • Baseera Khan
  • Jillian Mayer
  • Jennifer Warren
  • Melissa Chiu
  • Dometi Pongo

Institutions

  • MTV
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Bravo
  • Artribune

Locations

  • United States

Sources