ABOUT THE SHOPS AT SHARP END
Located on the corner of 5th and Walnut Streets, The Shops at Sharp End is a retail incubator dedicated to coaching upcoming entrepreneurs. The vision of The Shops at Sharp End is to highlight innovative and creative retail businesses in a collaborative gathering space where passionate entrepreneurs come together, connect with the public, share their ideas, and grow their businesses. The mission is to reduce barriers to entry for low to moderate income individuals and minoritized populations who desire to start new retail enterprises by helping them become financially viable, freestanding, successful business owners through participation in the retail incubator program.
For more information about The Shops at Sharp End visit the website theshopsatsharpend.com.
EXHIBIT AND DISPLAY FOR SALE OPPORTUNITY
Within The Shops at Sharp End, there is exhibit space for local artists to feature their work and display for sale as part of the retail space. In the southeast stairwell, two walls are dedicated to exhibiting artists’ work.
The rotating exhibit is planned for 4 month cycles throughout the year.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
The exhibit opportunity is open to artists residing in mid-Missouri, 18 years and older.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS
Please review Exhibition Guidelines (PDF) before submitting (provides important information on how artworks should be accepted for display at The Shops at Sharp End). Artwork in all mediums will be considered that can be hung on the wall. Works accepted must be ready to hang with appropriate hardware and no more than 3" deep due to stairwell handrail. Due to wall space available, consider submitting smaller works or no bigger than dimensions of 36” x 36”. Though not required, work that is inspired by or reflective of The Sharp End’s history may be submitted.
The City’s Standing Committee on Public Art will base their selection on the following evaluation criteria:
- Artistic merit
- Design reflects life in Columbia and/or the history of The Sharp End.
When making selections, the Standing Committee on Public Art may end up choosing multiple works by one artist.
Artists should consider the following guidelines when selecting artworks to submit:
- Designs must not be offensive. Please keep in mind that the Shops are a family-friendly environment and serves as a multipurpose incubator with many different types of events.
- Artworks should not contain profanity or depictions of violence, drug use or illegal activity.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please use the online form to submit an application. The following will be requested:
- Name and contact information
- Artist website or social media (if applicable)
- Statement of interest
- Up to 10 images of works to exhibit
- Artwork information: title, medium, dimensions*, brief statement about the piece(s), and if listed for sale. *Cannot be more than 3" deep due to stairwell handrail.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, as the City's Standing Committee on Public Art plans to meet quarterly to review submissions.
Submit online using the application form below.
EXHIBIT AND SALE REQUIREMENTS
If selected, artists will be asked to complete a License Agreement with The Shops at Sharp End. In addition to the License Agreement, artists will need a current Business License certificate from the City of Columbia along with required product liability insurance as outlined in the agreement. Please carefully review all of the content in the Requirements for Exhibit and Sale PDF.
Artists listing their works for sale will not have to pay a commission fee or royalty to The Shops at Sharp End (i.e. the price listed on the piece will be the total amount received by the artist, in addition to the sales tax which will be the responsibility of the artist to remit to the State of Missouri).
TIMELINE & REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IF SELECTED
Sept. 26, 2025: Submission deadline for September - December 2025 Exhibit
Early October: Artist selection at Standing Committee on Public Art meeting
October 24, 2025: Deadline for completion of all documents (license agreement with The Shops at Sharp End, City of Columbia business license and product liability insurance requirements).
Week of Oct. 27, 2025: Deliver artwork for installation.
QUESTIONS
The call to artists is being administered by the City of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs. Please contact us at OCA@CoMo.gov with any questions about the program.