Call For Solo Exhibitions

Eight Walls Gallery | 2025 – 2026 Season

Riverside Arts Center is piloting our newest gallery program: Eight Wall Gallery. This gallery is located in the Off Center, utilizing our new portable gallery walls. This program is designed to serve individual artists working in 2D mediums, by providing solo exhibition space for either one to two days or four to six week periods. 

Timeline 

Application Opens: August 7, 2025
Application Closes: November 1, 2025
Acceptance announcements: December 1, 2025
Exhibition Dates: TBD 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Medium: Open to artists working in 2D visual media, including (but not limited to): painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, and collage. Digital 2D works are allowed if presented in print-ready format. No video, sculpture, or installation work unless it can be presented on or directly adjacent to the 2D display surfaces.

Artist Type: This opportunity is intended for individual artists. Collaborative submissions or artist duos will be considered if the work is presented as a cohesive solo exhibition.

Work Requirements: All work must adhere to the following:

• • Work must be original and created by the applicant.
  • Work must be in exhibition-ready condition (wired or otherwise professionally prepared for wall hanging).
  • Artists may propose a focused body of work (6–12 pieces recommended) or a project-based concept suitable for solo display.
  • Work must fit within the Eight Wall Gallery format (portable gallery walls approx. 8′ wide × 7′ tall, total of 8 panels).

Exhibition Formats: Artists may apply for either:

• • A one to two day pop-up exhibition (ideal for experimental or time-sensitive work), or
  • A four to six week exhibition (standard solo show format)

Location: Open to artists based in Southeastern Michigan and the surrounding area. Priority may be given to local or regional artists to support RAC’s community-centered mission.

Age: Artists must be 18 years or older, or have a parent or guardian co-sign the exhibition agreement and assist with installation.

Availability: Selected artists must be available to install and deinstall their exhibition on the dates agreed upon with RAC staff.

Originality & Copyright: All work must be the artist’s original creation. Work that infringes on third-party intellectual property or copyrights is not eligible.

AI Disclosure: Any work that includes AI-generated content must be clearly disclosed in the application. These works will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Requirements

To be considered for a solo exhibition in the Eight Wall Gallery, artists must submit the following materials:

1. Contact Information (Required)

• • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Website or social media (optional but encouraged)

2. Exhibition Model Selection (Required). Indicate which format you are applying for:

• • Model A – Pop-Up (1–2 days)
  • Model B – Extended (4–6 weeks)

Note: You may indicate flexibility or interest in both models, but must be able to fulfill the associated responsibilities.

3. Artist Statement (Required)

• • 100–300 words describing your artistic practice and approach
  • Include how this exhibition opportunity supports your goals or current body of work

4. Exhibition Proposal (Required)

• • 200–400 words describing the exhibition concept, body of work, or specific project you intend to present
  • Identify whether the work is complete or in progress
  • For Model B applicants: include a brief note about how you plan to provide 6–8 gallery open hours per week

5. Work Samples (Required)

• • 5–10 images of recent or proposed work (JPEG or PNG preferred; max 5MB per file)
  • Include an accompanying image list with:
    • Title
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
    • Year completed
    • Indicate if work is part of the proposed exhibition

6. Installation & Display Needs (Required)

• • List any special installation requirements (e.g., wall hardware, space layout, technical needs)
  • Indicate whether you plan to use only the provided 8 gallery walls or require additional elements (subject to approval)

7. Availability & Scheduling (Required)

• • Provide desired 
  • Note any blackout dates or schedule restrictions
  • For Model B applicants: confirm your ability to staff 4–8 gallery hours per week

8. Consent & Agreement (Required)

Confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the program’s Eligibility Criteria and Rules & Terms.

Rules and Terms

Artists must agree to one of the two exhibition models outlined below:

Model A: Pop-Up Exhibitions

• • Duration: 1–2 consecutive days
  • Artist Responsibilities:
    • • Curate, install, and deinstall the artwork.
      • Be present to host the gallery during all open hours and the reception.
      • Manage all sales directly.
  • Riverside Arts Center (RAC) Responsibilities:
    • • Provide the Off Center space and movable gallery walls.
      • Promote the exhibition via RAC’s website, newsletter, and social channels.
  • Scheduling: Pop-up exhibitions are scheduled during available Off Center dates when no other programming is in place.

Model B: Extended Exhibitions

• Duration: 4–6 weeks
  
• Artist Responsibilities:
  • • Curate, install, and deinstall the exhibition.
    • Provide agreed-upon gallery open hours totaling 4–8 hours per week, which the artist must staff themselves.
    • Host an opening reception, scheduled on a designated alternative month to North Gallery openings.
    • Manage all sales directly.
• RAC Responsibilities:
  • • Provide the Off Center space, movable gallery walls, and a walker hanging system for flexible display.
    • Promote the exhibition through RAC’s website, newsletter, and social channels.
• Scheduling: Extended exhibitions are booked during periods when the Off Center is not in use for the artist-in-residence program or summer camp.

General Terms for Both Models

1. Installation & Deinstallation
   • • Artists are responsible for installing and removing their work, including any hanging hardware or tools.
     • Work must be professionally presented and securely hung. No adhesives or damaging hardware allowed.
     • The space and walls must be returned to their original condition post-exhibition.
2. Sales & Commission
   • • Artists retain 100% of their sales.
     • RAC does not take commission and does not staff the gallery for sales.
     • Artists are solely responsible for handling all payment processing and any applicable tax reporting.
3. Staffing & Gallery Hours
   • • Artists are responsible for staffing their own exhibition during all open hours and receptions. RAC does not provide front desk or gallery attendants.
     • Artists must be physically present during all scheduled hours agreed upon at the time of booking.
4. Promotion & Publicity
   • • RAC will promote exhibitions through its digital channels but artists are also encouraged to promote their show.
     • By applying, artists grant RAC permission to use images of their work for promotion, publicity, documentation, and grant reporting.
     • RAC will credit the artist whenever such images are used publicly.
5. Insurance & Liability
   • • RAC does not provide insurance coverage for artwork exhibited in the Eight Wall Gallery.
     • Artists exhibit at their own risk and are encouraged to carry personal insurance.
     • RAC is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of artwork or personal items.
6. Cancellations & Modifications
   • • RAC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule exhibitions due to facility conflicts, emergencies, or program changes.
     • Artists will be notified as early as possible, and rescheduling will be offered where feasible.
7. Professional Conduct
   • • Artists are expected to maintain clear, timely communication with RAC staff, uphold professional standards, and respect shared spaces.
     • Non-compliance with responsibilities may result in cancellation or exclusion from future opportunities.