PROPOSAL FORM WINDOW: July 20 - August 3, 11:45pm

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. Students must be enrolled during the semester they are proposing a show. Priority will go to graduating MFA students, and BA/BFA students who are expected to graduate during the Fall 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 enrollment and graduation status. Graduating MFA and BA/BFA students are not guaranteed an exhibition solely based on their graduation status.

Students are allowed one proposal-based exhibition in VA-G for the entire duration of their time at CSUF. For example, if you are accepted and reserve a gallery during your sophomore year, you will not be eligible to exhibit again during your graduating semester. This policy does not apply to the E-Gallery.

 

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 Fall 2026. All students participating in a group show must be currenlty enrolled.

 

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

Following your proposal submission, there is no need to follow up with gallery staff; you will be notified by no later than INSERT DATE 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 mandatory orientation before your installation period.

 

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., stationary projector available)
Leo Freedman Foundation Gallery (600 sq. ft., stationary projector available)
Mark Stan Ryan Gallery (600 sq. ft., stationary projector available)

Gallery dimensions are available on the COTA Student Galleries website. General Installation Guidelines are available here.
 

Exhibition cycle structure:
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. The first round of student exhibitions installations will open Monday, September 21, 2026.

Installation: Wednesday - Friday the week before your exhibition (during business hours)

Exhibition: Monday - Friday (during gallery open hours)

Deinstallation: Monday - Tuesday after your exhibition (during business hours)

 

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.

The COTA Galleries are academic exhibition spaces dedicated to showcasing students’ creative growth and supporting their transition into professional artistic practice. In alignment with this mission, the galleries are not intended to function as commercial or retail environments, and exhibitions should not be designed primarily for sales or tabling activities. Exhibitions must prioritize artistic presentation, curatorial intention, and the integrity of the gallery environment.

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 of work (150 words max)
• 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
• Professor reference
• Image for COTA Student Galleries website and/or socials (1200 pixels across and horizontal; image will be placed into a 1200 x 600 window)

 

***GUEST PANELIST*** 

- TBA -

Form will be fillable below on July 20, 2026.