ArtsWorcester engages artists and the public to advance and celebrate contemporary art. Through exhibitions and workshops, we advance the careers of contemporary artists in all traditions and mediums, and cultivate excellence through competitive opportunities and prizes. Our exhibiting artists include those just beginning their practice, those with established reputations, and those in between. Public openings, artist talks, events, outreach, and education grow the audiences for art in our region. All are welcome.
ArtsWorcester membership is required to submit work and exhibit through our galleries. Membership is open to all, and is free to students enrolled in Assumption University, Clark University, the College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester State University
CALL FOR ART
The Thirteenth Annual One
ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland Street, Worcester MA
Registration Deadline: June 25, 11:59 PM
Drop off period: July 7 - July 13
Exhibition run: July 24 - August 24
Reception: Friday, July 25, 6- 9 PM
Pick up period: August 25 - August 31
All ArtsWorcester members are invited to participate in the Thirteenth Annual One! Bring us the single piece you want to exhibit most, regardless of medium or theme. To make room for all, there is a strict size limit of 36” in any direction for any artwork that hangs on the wall- including wall-hanging sculptures. Artworks that stand on the floor or pedestal are limited to 90” in height and 36” at their widest point.
Prizes will be awarded by Dina Vazquez, Executive Director of Gallery Marquee. Dina Vazquez is a multidisciplinary Puerto Rican-American artist and curator based in Fitchburg, MA. She blends pastel galactic aesthetics with urban high-fashion influences to explore identity, resistance, and cultural pride. As Executive Director of Gallery Marquee, she curates exhibitions that uplift underrepresented voices and enrich the local arts community. She is currently preparing work for a solo exhibition opening in July 2025.
This is a non-juried, open members’ exhibition that has no theme. Each artist may register one work, and all registrations must be made online. All media are welcome, including but not limited to fine craft, painting, photography, sculpture, digital, and video. Have a question about the call, or want to share what you’re thinking of submitting? Email alice@artsworcester.org or call the gallery at 508-755-5142.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please read this list thoroughly before registering your work. Any works that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
- Current ArtsWorcester membership is required to submit. If membership fees are a financial obstacle to participation, please write alice@artsworcester.org or ask in the galleries about the Pay It Forward Fund.
- Each artist may submit one artwork.
- All submissions must be made through this Submittable form.
- All work must be original, created within the last ten years (2015 onward), and not previously exhibited at ArtsWorcester.
- Two-dimensional or wall-hanging artworks- including sculptures that go on the wall- must not exceed 36” in any direction, including frame.
- Three-dimensional artworks that do not hang on the wall are limited to 90” in height and 36” at the widest point.
- Artworks suspended from the ceiling are limited to 25 pounds.
- Works must be exhibition-ready with framing and wire as appropriate. Alternative hanging methods (suspended from the ceiling, installed with magnets, etc.) must be tested prior to submission to ensure successful installation, and additional required hardware must be provided.
- ArtsWorcester has limited screening devices for video artworks. Video artists may be asked to provide their own screening device that fits the size requirements of two-dimensional artworks.
- All artwork submissions must include one high-quality image to be included on the exhibition website.
- Artwork must be brought to ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland Street, Worcester, MA during the designated drop off period. ArtsWorcester cannot accept or return artworks by mail.
- Artists receive sixty percent of each sale made through our galleries.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Member-Curated exhibitions
ArtsWorcester, Worcester MA
Rolling submission deadline
Notifications: beginning early June, 4-6 weeks after submission
ArtsWorcester invites proposals for our 2025-26 gallery season. Member-Curated Exhibitions are an opportunity for artists to use their curatorial skills and gain independent, hands-on experience producing an exhibition. Located in ArtsWorcester’s Central Corridor, these shows include at least 3-4 artist members’ work, chosen by one curator. The curator may include their own artwork in the proposal. All participating artists must be ArtsWorcester members.
Curators are responsible for communicating with participating artists, collecting, delivering, and retrieving artwork, providing an exhibition statement, and installing the exhibition in the Central Corridor. ArtsWorcester staff will be available for input on layout and to train the curator on the Arakawa hanging system.
Successful proposals should clearly state a curatorial vision for the space and the artists to be included. Curators should have experience working with ArtsWorcester and must demonstrate their capacity to fulfill this leadership role. Proposals are welcome on a rolling basis, and will be evaluated by ArtsWorcester staff and volunteers.
All work must be wall-hanging and may not extend more than 12” from the wall. Artworks are hung on a secured Arakawa hanging system (track and wire) and D-rings. This space cannot accommodate free-standing or pedestal artwork. Further questions about what type of artwork is feasible in this space may be directed to alice@artsworcester.org.
Submission requirements and guidelines
- Current ArtsWorcester membership is required for all artists at the time of submission. There is no geographic restriction on membership, but artists (or their proxy) must deliver and pick up all artwork. If membership fees are a financial obstacle to participation, please write alice@artsworcester.org or ask in the galleries about the Pay It Forward Fund.
- Artists must have exhibited in at least one members’ or juried exhibition at ArtsWorcester in the last two calendar years prior to submitting an exhibition proposal.
- All submissions must be made electronically using Submittable. Hard-copy and email submissions will not be accepted.
- Artists may submit different proposals to the different exhibition options available.
- The committee prioritizes proposals from artists who have not had a solo exhibition at ArtsWorcester in the past three years.
- Exhibited works must have been completed within the last five years and not previously shown at ArtsWorcester.
- Artists under final consideration for Member-Curated exhibitions may be asked to bring in examples of proposed works for in-person viewing.
- Artists earn 60% on sales made through our galleries. Artists exhibiting through our corporate art program also receive loan fees for their artwork.
- While on view through ArtsWorcester, all artwork is insured for its market value.
What we need from you:
- An exhibition proposal, not to exceed 175 words, that describes the scope of your proposed exhibition.
- A list of the artists you intend to include in the exhibition.
- Answers, each not to exceed 100 words, to the following questions: How complete is your proposed exhibition? What one to three ideas, concepts, or experiences does this body of work/ exhibition communicate? What inspirations or traditions guided or influenced this body of work/ exhibition? How are the methods or techniques used important to this body of work/ exhibition?
- A curriculum vitae or artist resumé. Click here for examples of CVs for both gallery-based and public artists.
- 5 .jpg images of works from the artists to be included