About​ the Call

Artists working at all levels of their career are invited to submit work for consideration.  @Central Gallery is open to the public during normal library hours and provides artists with an exceptional opportunity for exposure.  Work submitted should represent the artist’s current style and ability. Artists may be asked to exhibit existing work or create new work for an exhibition. @Central Gallery reserves the right to reject artwork that varies significantly, aesthetically or in quality from the work proposed in the submission.

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 @Central Gallery and artists who have had a solo exhibition in @Central Gallery in the past two years are not eligible for consideration.  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. 

​Selection Process

Submissions will be juried by a panel consisting of the @Central Gallery Coordinators, local artists and art professionals. Selections will be made based on aesthetic quality, artistic merit, technical ability and appropriateness for the library setting. Five to seven exhibitions will be scheduled during the 2017 calendar year.  Exhibitions will be approximately six weeks in length.  Group exhibitions may be created based on the submissions received.  Artists will be notified no later than Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.

Sales

Sales are encouraged and are handled solely by the artist. Artists should provide contact information that may be shared with the public in the exhibition space. Staff will refer interested customers to the contact information. No money may be exchanged on Library property. 

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). Download and the print the application form. Submissions delivered by mail or in-person must be paid using a check or money order, in the amount of $15, made out to the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Deadline

Submission packages must be completed online, postmarked, or hand delivered by Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. Incomplete submissions will not be juried.

Submission Checklist

• Complete the online submission form, or complete the printable 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).

Click here to download a pdf version of the submission instructions.

For additional information or questions call 602-534-7852 or email centralgallery.lib@phoenix.gov.