Call for Exhibitions

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.

Exhibition Guidelines

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.

Requirements

To be considered, proposals must meet the following requirements:

  1. Group Format
    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.

  2. Installation-Ready Work
    All work must be:

    • Professionally presented and installation-ready (wired or otherwise ready to hang, with clear installation instructions if needed)

    • Safe for public display and compliant with basic building and fire codes

  3. Artist Delivery & Pickup
    Participating artists (or a designated representative) must:
    • Deliver and pick up work within the designated window
    • Be responsible for transportation, packaging, and any insurance during transit

  4. Primary Contact / Project Lead
    One person 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.

  5. Installation Participation
     At least one member of the group must be available during installation and deinstallation (RAC can provide assistance but does not fully install shows).

  6. Professional Materials for Promotion
     If selected, exhibitors must provide:

    • High-resolution images of the work and/or installation
    • An exhibition statement and artist bios (150–200 words each)
    • Optional: artist talks, workshops, or community engagement ideas

  7. Commitment to Timeline
    All participants must adhere to deadlines for delivery, installation, promotional material submission, and deinstallation.
  8. Artist Support & Costs
    Please note that Riverside Arts Center does not offer financial support, stipends, or shipping reimbursements. Artists are responsible for all expenses related to their participation in the exhibition.

How to Submit:

Complete the online submission form available on the Riverside Arts Center website.

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

Name digital images YOURLASTNAME.FIRSTINITIAL.TITLE.EP.25
Ex Doe.J.Title.EP.25
Ensure all submission materials are received

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.

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. 

Riverside Arts Center retains a 30% commission on all artwork sales. Sold work must remain on the premises until the end of the exhibition. 

Submission Deadline: August 8, 2025

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

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: August 8, 2025

Announcement: August 2025

Exhibition Dates: Fall of 2026 (exact dates TBD)

Apply Here!