Artists’ Open Call

Apply
to Exhibit

The DC Arts Center accepts applications to exhibit in our Main and Nano Galleries on a rolling basis.

Artists’ Open Call

Apply to Exhibit

The DC Arts Center accepts applications to exhibit in our
Main and Nano Galleries on a rolling basis.

Why Exhibit at
The DC Arts Center?

The DC Arts Center (DCAC) is the only institution in the greater Washington, D.C., area solely dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline, and since its founding, offers artists one of the only coveted opportunities to exhibit in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Located in Washington, D.C.’s vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, The DC Arts Center comprises two art galleries, The Main Gallery and The Nano Gallery, a 41-seat black box theater, and office space. Founded in 1989 as an accessible alternative arts center in response to eroding support for local artists, DCAC has become a hub of creativity in the visual and performing arts, receiving local, national, and international attention. Artists of all types, including poets, painters, actors, storytellers, sculptors, and performance artists, have been drawn to DCAC from around the corner and around the globe.

When selected to exhibit at The DC Arts Center, artists are provided with all the resources necessary to execute a successful exhibition in one of the nation’s largest cities, including access to DCAC's rich network of artists, curators, and collectors. DCAC provides additional curatorial, marketing, and advertising support alongside numerous ancillary programming opportunities, such as opening and closing receptions and artists’ talks.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The DC Arts Center (DCAC) accepts proposals from artists on a rolling basis. Artists may submit their original work for consideration in either a solo or group exhibition. We accept applications from all artists working seriously in their field and do not discriminate on any basis.

DCAC's Visual Arts Committee reviews applications on a quarterly basis based on the evaluation calendar below. Once your application is received, a member of the Visual Arts Committee will communicate next steps, which may include a studio visit or a virtual or in-person meeting.

2024 Evaluation Calendar

March 13 - all applications received by this date have been reviewed, and decision outcomes have been communicated.
June 12
September 18
December 11

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Artist Statement & Biography

Artist Resumé

Proposed Exhibition Details (title and description)

Image/Video List

High-resolution images or videos that clearly reflect
your work as you intend it to be exhibited.

$25 application fee (waived for Artist Members)

GALLERY QUICK FACTS

The DC Arts Center has two art galleries — The Main Gallery and the Nano Gallery.

The Main Gallery features full-size work of all mediums and is approximately 700 square feet.

The Nano Gallery features small format artwork that can be easily hung and is approximately 125 square feet.

The DC Arts Center retains a 40% commission on all work sold. (just 30% for Artist Members)

Ready to
take the
next step?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Of course! While the application fee helps to support our non-profit operations and mission-critical programs, we don’t want it to be a barrier to entry for any artist who can’t afford it. Simply email us at info@dcartscenter.org, and we’ll be happy to waive the fee.

  • Typically exhibitions run for three or four weeks, depending on the yearly calendar. This allows us to serve as many artists as possible in a single year. Because fewer artists are working in small format, Nano Gallery shows may run longer.

  • First, we will list and describe your exhibition on our website. In addition, we’ll feature your exhibition via all our social media channels (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook). We also print a physical postcard and mail this to our most dedicated supporters. Our PR partners will generate and disseminate a press release, list your exhibition with East City Art, and we’ll also feature your exhibition in our weekly emails sent to our nearly 4000 subscribers.

  • Because we are a multi-disciplinary arts organization with limited space and resources, storage is not available. All work must be installed and de-installed at the agreed-upon date and time.

  • The DC Arts Center does not offer insurance of any kind and is not liable for any claim of loss pertaining to damage, loss, or theft. It is highly encouraged that all artists insure their own work prior to the exhibition date. To be clear, The DC Arts Center will not compensate any artist for any claim of loss relating to damage, loss, or theft at any point in the process (including shipping).

  • First, celebrate! Next, we’ll calculate our commission percentage and then forward the balance to you. Then, we’ll contact the buyer and arrange for the work to be picked up on the last day of the exhibition. If the work cannot be picked up, we’ll coordinate shipping the work to the buyer. It’s important to note that shipping is at the buyer’s expense and the artists’ risk. The DC Arts Center does not accept any liability for work damaged during shipping (see the insurance question above).