Propose an exhibition

Are you looking for an opportunity to 

The School of Art Galleries invites you to submit your artwork, research, collaborative project, group exhibition, performance series, or innovative idea, form or practice. 

The School of Art galleries accept proposals for exhibition projects in Harry Wood Gallery and Step Gallery. All ASU School of Art students, faculty, alumni and ASU-affiliated groups/individuals are eligible to apply. Exhibitions and events are scheduled throughout the academic year.

The application for the 2025-26 exhibition season opens on February 3. The deadline for submissions is April 15.

The following items must be submitted via the link located at the bottom of this page:

• Exhibition or project title.
• Space preference. We only accept proposals for Harry Wood Gallery and Step Gallery.
• 300–500-word proposal narrative. See instructions below for proposal criteria.
• Visual support of up to 10 images or videos with accompanying captions (artist, title, year, medium, size) as visual references for the type of art to be included.
• Resume/biographical information of participating artists, as well as curator/s and club/organization if applicable.
• Name of a faculty sponsor/mentor and their contact information. Letter of support is highly recommended. 
• Gallery layouts are optional but are encouraged.
• Proposal materials may be submitted individually or combined into a single PDF. Please note that the application can only accept up to 10 files. 

Proposal criteria

• A clearly articulated statement of a central idea for the exhibition or project which is appropriate for the venue selected.
• Aesthetic and conceptual resonance/dialogue between works/ideas presented and across multiple disciplines if applicable.
• Applicant has followed instructions and submitted all requirements which are clearly labeled.

Your proposal needs to advance the School of Art mission and the School of Art galleries principles:

The School of Art Mission can be found here.

The School of Art is a leader in the development of artists and arts educators. We challenge our faculty and our students in a transdisciplinary environment to be optimal artists, socially engaged, creative and relevant.

• Exemplifies interdisciplinary thinking/scholarship and art practice
• Models research for an art school that is part of an R1 Research Institution
• Serves students’ needs and student diversity (student-focused)
• Fills in curriculum knowledge gaps and includes/considers a variety of ideas and disciplines across the School of Art 
• Promotes visibility of artists and scholars that are usually underserved and provides opportunities for the school to come together as a learning community

The proposal narrative is a 300-500 word written narrative detailing the proposed theme and contents of the exhibition/project. Consider the following when writing your proposal narrative:

• The title of the exhibition/project. Describe how the title relates to your intent.
• Curatorial statement describing the proposal. Explain conceptually why and how the art and concepts work together for this exhibition/proposal. If you are proposing a solo artist, include their statement. 
• Argue how the exhibition/project advances the mission of the School of Art galleries and the ASU community.
• The artistic, social and/or cultural implications of the exhibition/project.
• Name and relevance of exhibitors/participants.
• Types of media represented and why they were chosen. A preliminary checklist is highly recommended.
• How the space will be utilized and how the work will be coherently and professionally presented.
• Technical requirements for exhibition, performance or other event/time based project (e.g. internet connection, digital projection and displays, etc.).
• If the artists in the exhibition/project have not already been selected, detail the call for work and how you will ensure that the proposal will be successful.
• Describe any additional supporting events in conjunction with the exhibition/project not listed in the proposal. (e.g. silent auction, gallery talk, lecture, performance, screening, etc.).

All proposals are reviewed by the Gallery Committee. If the galleries cannot accommodate all approved proposals during the semester requested, the proposals are considered for the following semester. Note that while exhibitors may request a specific space, successful proposals are generally placed in the most suitable and available space.

Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision at the end of the Spring semester.

There is a $25 fee after the show has been accepted that must be paid before installation. Once the committee accepts a proposal, no changes may be made to the content, theme or title of the exhibition without the permission of the committee. 

Each exhibitor/event organizer is expected to abide by the gallery guidelines and procedures, which are provided after the proposal has been approved.

Exhibitors/event organizers are responsible for planning, installation and execution of their exhibitions/projects with the support and guidance of the Galleries Director. You are required to host the opening reception and events and oversee the de-installation and restoration of the gallery to its original condition. You will work with the Galleries Director to meet promotional deadlines for the School of Art.

Your participation throughout the opening reception and events you sponsor is required. 

Use the link below to submit your proposal materials via Google form.

Application link