About​ the Call

Central Gallery is open to the public during normal library hours and provides artists with an exceptional opportunity for exposure. Artists working at all levels of their career are invited to submit work for consideration.

Eligibility

Artists residing in Arizona, 18 years or older, who are not currently represented by a gallery, may submit work for consideration. Submissions must be original works of art completed by the artist within the last two years. Works previously exhibited in Phoenix Public Library galleries and artists who have had a solo exhibition in @Central Gallery in the past two years are not eligible for consideration. 

Installation Requirements

Artists may submit work in any media; however, artists may be asked to provide pedestals or other display materials required for three-dimensional artwork or artwork that requires special installation.  Artists selected for exhibition will be responsible for delivery and retrieval of their artwork and must assist with installation. The artist will also be responsible for framing and any costs incurred to ensure that the artwork is exhibition ready. 

All hanging artwork must be suspended from a rail using picture wire. Average sized, framed pieces or canvases should be wire-backed; pieces that are large or deep tend to lean out from the wall, but will hang better with either eyehooks or d-rings installed near the top. We can discuss additional strategies to ensure your work hangs properly. A gallery floor plan with measurements is available upon request.

​Selection Process

Selections will be made by a jury consisting of professional artists and educators based on aesthetic quality, artistic merit, technical ability and appropriateness for library setting.

Sales

No sales may be transacted in the library.  Artists are encouraged to provide contact information for sales inquiries.

Submit your Work

Please read the instructions for submitting your work before clicking the link below. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2018.

Download a pdf version of the submission instructions.

Click here to complete the online submission form.

How to Apply

Please complete the online submission form. You will need to upload a brief resume (max. two pages), an artist statement and 10 digital images documenting work created within the last two years. A one-page written proposal is optional, but should be included when proposing a body of work that is not yet completed.

Images should be jpg format, 72 dpi, and approximately 10" (720 pixels) on the longest side. Individual image size must not exceed 1MB. Files should be named as: firstname_lastname_title.jpg. Please type the artist's name and artwork title as they appear on the submission form.

Upon completion of the online submission form, you will be prompted to click the "submit and pay" button. A non-refundable fee of $15 must be paid by credit card.

Alternatively, completed submissions can be mailed or hand delivered to:
  @Central Gallery, Burton Barr Central Library, Third Floor
  1221 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

If mailing or hand delivering, include art images on a CD labeled with the artist's name and a self-addressed stamped envelope large enough to accommodate your CD (must be included for return of your materials). Complete and print the online submission from. Submissions delivered by mail or in-person must be paid using a check or money order made out to the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library in the amount of $15.

Deadline

Submission packages must be completed online, postmarked, or hand delivered by Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018. Incomplete submissions will not be juried.

Submission Checklist

• Complete the online submission form, or complete and print the online submission form.
• $15 submission fee -- paid by credit card when applying online; paid by check or money order when applying by mail or in-person.
• Ten digital images of artwork. Please follow instructions above.
• Current resume and artist statement.
• One-page written proposal (optional).

For additional information or questions call 602-534-9670 or email centralgallery.lib@phoenix.gov.