Clone of Original - EXHIBITIONS OPEN CALL 2025

EXHIBITIONS PROPOSAL APPLICATION

Chicago Art Department is now accepting applications for our 2026 exhibitions calendar!

Deadline for submissions: December 27th, 2025
Application fees: None
Exhibition length: 2 months
Sales: Participating artists receive 100% of artwork sales
Curator Honarirum: TBD (contingent on 2026 CAD budget)

East Gallery Exhibition Windows

What We’re Looking For:

Group Shows: Must feature 6+ artists, with a civic focus, compelling curatorial frameworks, and strong exhibition materials.

IMPORTANT:
Starting in 2024, Chicago Art Department is no longer reviewing exhibition/event applications on a rolling basis. All proposals for 2026 must be submitted by Dec 27th, 2025

Contact:
For questions or help with submitting proposals, reach out to Director of Programs and Opertations Carlos Flores at carlos@chicagoartdepartment.org.

Primary Contact*

First NameLast Name

Best Email*

Best Phone*

Area CodePhone Number

Preferred Pronouns

TITLE OF PROPOSED EXHIBITION*

Brief Description: (This will serve as the blurb we use on our socials, please write in 3rd Person. (175 words max) *

Please share an exhibition statement (write in 3rd Person). We will use this for our website and newsletter *

Please upload 3-4 images of art, performance, or promotional materials associated with your proposal:*

Upload a File

5 images MAX. Please include a 400 by 600 pixel JPEG to include in our Webpost if you're exhibition is selected

Our shows open on 2nd Fridays. Is that Ok? *

Preferred space and exhibition window. Please reference timelines above. CAD will determine the ultimate space for the shows.

East Exhibition Window 1East Exhibition Window 2East Exhibition Window 3

Please explain space needs here:*

Please note: Open hours will be by appointment during weekdays from 12 to 6 PM, overseen by CAD staff. Curators will be given keys to the space for the duration of the show to accommodate additional one-on-one walkthroughs and small viewings. Any groups larger than five people must be approved in advance to avoid conflicts with CAD’s programs calendar. Do you agree?*

What type of art will be featured in this show?*

If other, please explain:

Please list names of artists that will be shown, or explain your plan to recruit artists.*

Will you charge submission fees to partcipating artists? Please know that we have a no-pay model across our exhibitions. Fees for the public to engage are discouraged except in some instances.

Who is helping you with this show? Please list names with specific responsibilities, if possible. We want to be sure that you have the capacity to mount the show, deinstall, etc. CAD will offer some support too :)*

Any other questions for CAD?

We ask that you include our logo in all your promotional materials. Do you agree? *

EXHIBITIONS OPEN CALL 2026 PROPOSAL