Durham Arts Council Call for Artists-2027 Exhibits
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This page provides an overview of the Call for Artists. To access the application, use the link at the bottom of the page to set up a free account.
The Durham Arts Council showcases up to 12 solo and/or group exhibitions each year in 2 onsite galleries and at the Durham Convention Center. Typically, over 125 artists are exhibited annually. Only 2-dimensional works that can be hung on the gallery walls will be considered because our galleries also serve as main entries to the building and special event and reception spaces. 3-dimensional works will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applications will be reviewed by a jury.
- Please use this form to propose a solo or group exhibit for consideration to exhibit at the Durham Arts Council (DAC) galleries in 2027-2028. Exhibits are generally up for 8 weeks, and majority of the shows receive two openings that coordinate with Third Friday Durham. There are two public-facing galleries that the DAC operates, here is the Allenton Gallery floorplan and the Semans Gallery floorplan.
- You can also use this form to propose a solo exhibit for consideration to exhibit at the Durham Convention Center (DCC) in their pre-function corridor. DCC requires work to be no smaller than 30" x 30" and exhibits rotate every 6-months, with an opportunity to program a reception with DCC staff. For reference, please find an image of the entrance to the pre-function corridor, where accepted artist's work will hang.
Please note that the Durham Arts Council can only provide the exhibit space and marketing for the exhibiting artists at either Durham Arts Council or at the Durham Convention Center. We do not fund transportation, framing, installation, or any additional costs.
Expectations of work if chosen to exhibit: Your work should be ready to hang, strung with wire on the back, or have a claw/comb, or D rings, and displayed in a professional manner. We will consider 3-4 small 3D works that can be displayed on a pedestal, but please be mindful when submitting 3D work that DAC is a public space and works may need to be removed from the space during event rentals. The Durham Arts Council reserves the right to decline any proposed 3D works.
Restrictions on work: Electrostatic prints, imports or commercially manufactured items, items made from “kits,” paper/plastic flowers, live plants or any consumable items (food, soap, lotions, candles, etc.) free-standing installations, and work displayed in an unprofessional manner are not accepted. The Durham Arts Council reserves the right to ask any applicant for more information about his/her creative practice before or after a contract is issued for an exhibit. If an applicant is selected to exhibit, the exhibit contract allows the Durham Arts Council to review and possibly not except for exhibit any artwork proposed which is significantly different from the work samples submitted in this application.
The Durham Arts Council strives to feature artists that represent the full range of creativity and diversity of Durham in our exhibition program and encourages anyone interested to apply. We welcome applications from all over, but we are unable to accept shipped artwork, artwork must be hand delivered to the Durham Arts Council. Priority will be given to artists in Durham. Must be 18 years or older to apply.
*Please note there is a $5 application fee. Once you submit your application, you will automatically be redirected to the payment site. Applicants who do not submit the application fee will not be considered. *
*Solo artists please note that for some of the responses you will only fill out your information, please disregard the group prompts. *
Online info-session with Artist Services Manager, Colleen Scott, will be hosted on Tuesday, March 31st at 6PM EST. To register, email cscott@durhamarts.org. Completed application and payment are due Monday, May 4th, 2026