PROPOSAL FORM WINDOW: January 4 - January 19

Please read all of the information below carefully before completing this form. All items below are subject to change.

Exhibiting your work is not a degree requirement for BA/BFA candidates.
 
This proposal form is for all currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students majoring in Visual Arts interested in exhibiting their work. Priority will go to graduating MFA students, and BA/BFA students who are expected to graduate during the Spring 2026 term with strong proposals. Please check with your advisor and/or ensure your TDA (Titan Degree Audit) is updated, as we will be checking your graduation status.

  

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE PROPOSAL FORM

If you plan to do a group show, only one person must fill out a proposal form. This person will be our main point of contact, so be sure to delegate someone who will be responsive. A group show may include Visual Arts students with different projected graduation terms. However, to qualify as a priority applicant, only the primary contact must be expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

 

STEP 2: WAIT FOR CONFIRMATION VIA EMAIL IF YOUR PROPOSAL HAS BEEN APPROVED

Following your proposal submission, there is no need to follow up with gallery staff; you will be notified by no later than Friday, January 23 if you have been chosen to exhibit your work. Proposals will be accepted based on completeness of concept and preparedness demonstrated in the submission. Early submission of proposals is encouraged. Please be sure to provide an email address that you check often to avoid missing messages.

 

STEP 3: CHOOSE ORIENTATION DATE

Upon receiving a confirmation email from the gallery, you will be asked to choose your preferred exhibition and orientation date. Exhibition dates and galleries will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and are subject to change. You must attend one of the two mandatory orientation dates provided before your installation period. Refer to the date options below.

 

STEP 4: ATTEND THE MANDATORY ORIENTATION

At orientation, you will be provided with information regarding the installation of your work, gallery policies, and a Gallery Use Agreement to sign. If you plan to have other students help you install your exhibition, those assisting you in the gallery are encouraged to attend orientation as well.

 

The three gallery space options are as follows:

Marilyn & Cline Duff Gallery (600 sq. ft., projector available)
Leo Freedman Foundation Gallery (600 sq. ft., projector available)
Mark Stan Ryan Gallery (600 sq. ft., projector available)

Gallery dimensions are available on the COTA Student Galleries website.

General Installation Guidelines are available here.
 

Date breakdown:
You are not choosing a date at this time; dates are listed here for your reference. If you receive an approval email for your show, you will be provided with a link to pick your preferred date and gallery space, first-come, first-served. 

 

All dates are in Spring 2026.
 

3 OPENINGS
Orientation: Wednesday, January 28, 1:30pm OR Friday, January 30, 3:00pm
Installation: Thursday, February 11 – Thursday, February 12, and Saturday, February 14 (campus closure February 13)
Exhibition: Tuesday, February 17 – Saturday, February 21
Reception: Wednesday, February 18, 4pm – 6pm
De-Installation: Monday, February 23 – Tuesday, February 24

3 OPENINGS
Orientation: Wednesday, February 4, 1:30pm OR Friday, February 6, 3:00pm
Installation: Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28
Exhibition: Tuesday, March 3 – Saturday, March 7
Reception: Wednesday, March 4, 4pm- 6pm
De-Installation: Monday, March 9 – Tuesday, March 10

3 OPENINGS
Orientation: Wednesday, February 25, 1:30pm OR Friday, February 27, 3:00pm
Installation: Thursday, March 12 – Saturday, March 14
Exhibition: Tuesday, March 17 – Saturday, March 21
Reception: Wednesday, March 18, 4pm - 6pm
De-Installation: Monday, March 23 – Tuesday, March 24

3 OPENINGS
Orientation: Wednesday, March 25, 1:30pm OR Friday, March 27, 3:00pm
Installation: Thursday, April 9 – Saturday, April 11
Exhibition: Wednesday, April 14 – Tuesday, April 18
Reception: Wednesday, April 15, 4pm – 6pm
De-Installation: Thursday, April 20 – Friday, April 21

3 OPENINGS
Orientation: Wednesday, March 25, 1:30pm OR Friday, March 27, 3:00pm
Installation: Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25
Exhibition: Tuesday, April 28 – Saturday, May 2
Reception: Wednesday, April 29, 4pm – 6pm 
De-Installation: Monday, May 4 – Tuesday, May 5

 

Any questions regarding this process can be directed to Marie-Andrée Chinchilla, Gallery Operations and Projects Coordinator, mchinchilla@fullerton.edu. 

Tips for submitting a successful proposal

A strong exhibition proposal has unifying themes, ideas or questions that link the art being shown together. The narrative of your proposal should connect selected works cohesively, offering a meaningful experience for viewers.

Be specific when writing about your work. Avoid describing your practice generally; write about the specific artworks you want to exhibit, and make a clear, compelling case for its inclusion. 

Consider the logistical aspects of your proposal; strong proposals lend to a realistic and detailed plan for installation. Clearly describe the number of works, type of media, and any special installation requirements. How will viewers experience the work? Consider the scale and layout of the gallery space. Addressing practical details demonstrates professionalism and foresight. Refer to PRELIMINARY GALLERY USE GUIDELINES before submitting your proposal.

Be sure to include images of all works in your proposal. If your exhibition includes a performance component, you must submit either a detailed written description or a video recording outlining the full scope of the performance. The final performance must adhere closely to the description or video submitted. Substantial changes may require additional review and approval. Please refer to the PRELIMINARY GALLERY USE GUIDELINES for further information.

Proposals with works in progress will not be considered.

 

Requirements:

• Name, CWID, contact information, degree program, projected graduation
• Title of exhibition
• Description, number, dimensions, and medium of works
• Hardware specifications
• Installation specifications
• Performance component (if applicable)
• Artist statement (150 words max)
• PDF of all anticipated works for exhibition
• Image for COTA Student Galleries website and/or socials
• Professor reference

 

***GUEST PANELIST*** 

- Solomon Salim Moore -

Form will be fillable below on January 4 - January 19, 2026.