2026 Exhibition Proposal From Riverside Arts Center

Applications Closed

  • Type: Exhibition
  • Geography: Local
  • Submission Deadline: August 10, 2025 @ 11:59PM (America - New York)

Submissions Closed

DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 10TH, 11:59PM!

Riverside Arts Center (RAC) is looking for exhibition proposals for 2026. This includes groups of artists, guilds, and collectives. This call prioritizes collaborative, thematically-driven shows that foster dialogue, experimentation, and community engagement.

The North Gallery is best suited for projects that benefit from a shared curatorial vision, multiple artistic voices, and dynamic use of space. While we appreciate the ambition of solo exhibitions, proposals that feature two or more artists tend to be a better fit for the scale and intent of this gallery. We are not accepting proposals for solo exhibitions at this time.

We’re especially interested in proposals that:
  • Present a cohesive curatorial or conceptual framework across works by multiple artists
  • Encourage cross-disciplinary or cross-cultural perspectives
  • Foster collaboration or dialogue between emerging and established voices
  • Engage with the social, historical, or material context of Southeast Michigan
We encourage artists to think beyond traditional exhibitions—consider proposals that include participatory elements, site-specific installations, public programming, or community partnerships.

Selection Process

All proposals will be reviewed by the Riverside Arts Center Program Committee. One to two exhibition proposals will be selected and announced in August 2025. Selected exhibitions will be scheduled for Fall 2026. Final dates will be coordinated with selected artists after notification.

The program committee will be looking for professionally finished work with a cohesive theme and unique viewpoint. 

*Content Disclaimer* Riverside Arts Center does not wish to censor artists from making their own social and geo-political statements, especially through the means of their creative works. However, RAC maintains an all ages environment and serves a wide and general public. As such, RAC does require artists to work with the staff and board to either make clear disclaimers to the public about the nature of their work in advance of observing it and / or decide together that RAC is the right venue for potentially offensive works.

Gallery Information
Riverside Arts Center offers a 3000 sq/ft gallery with eleven panels for 2D art and a multitude of pedestals for 3D objects.
Gallery Layout

We use the Walker hanging system. Information can be found at https://walkerdisplay.com/product-category/hooks-holders/ 

Riverside Arts Center recommends an exhibition with no fewer than 30 works and no more than 60, depending on size. RAC staff will assist in installation and will have final say on exhibited pieces. 

Venue: Riverside Arts Center 76 N. Huron St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Open to artists in Southeast Michigan.

  2. Group Format
    1. Proposals must involve two or more artists. We prioritize group exhibitions that reflect a shared curatorial vision, encourage dialogue, and make dynamic use of the space.
  3. Primary Contact / Project Lead
    1. One person over the age of 21 must act as the main point of contact for scheduling, communication, and coordination with RAC staff. This can be the curator, one of the artists, or a collective lead.
    2. Artists of all ages are welcome to participate in the group exhibition. However, a designated primary contact who is at least 21 years old must assume legal and contractual responsibility for the show.'
  4. Artist Delivery & Pickup - Participating artists (or a designated representative) must:
    1. Deliver and pick up work within the designated window.
    2. Be responsible for transportation, packaging, and any insurance during transit

Application Requirements:

  • 5–10 high-quality/clear images of representative work per artist (JPEGs or PNG)
  • Image upload: Include title, artist, medium, size, and price/value
  • Exhibition title and description (max 500 words)
  • Curatorial statement or concept/theme (if different)
  • List of participating artists with brief bios
  • Installation or spatial considerations (if applicable)
  • Optional: proposed public programming, artist talks, or workshops

Rules and Terms:

  1. Original artwork only
  2. AI Disclosure: Riverside Arts Center does not prohibit the use of AI in gallery submissions; however we do require artists to disclose the specific ways in which AI has been used in the creation of the submitted work.
  3. No application fee
  4. All participants must adhere to deadlines for delivery, installation, promotional material submission, and deinstallation.
  5. RAC retains a 30% commission on all artwork sales. Sold work must remain on the premises until the end of the exhibition. 
  6. RAC does not offer financial support, stipends, or shipping reimbursements. Artists are responsible for all expenses related to their participation in the exhibition.
  7. Medium and format:
    No uncured or unstable materials (e.g., wet paint, uncured resin)
    No installations requiring major on-site construction or modifications to the space
  8. Artwork valued at over $5,000 must be accompanied by a recent appraisal certificate from a qualified appraiser,  provided upon acceptance. 
  9. Installation-Ready Work. All work must be:
    1. Professionally presented and installation-ready (wired or otherwise ready to hang, with clear installation instructions if needed)
    2. Safe for public display and compliant with basic building and fire codes
    3. Art pieces shouldn't exceed twenty-five pounds for 2D work or fifty pounds for 3D work

Contact

For questions about the application itself (application requirements, terms, etc), please contact us directly at [email protected]

For questions or issues with the application process (setting up an account, submitting to the call, login issues, etc), please contact Artwork Archive or call 720-900-5506

Riverside Arts Center