Open Call for Exhibition Proposals

The advisory committee of the Mesa Community College Art Gallery (MCC Art Gallery)  is accepting exhibition proposals to be reviewed in April 2026 for planning the 2026-2027 academic year.  We are seeking proposals from independent curators, artist-curators, curatorial teams, and not-for-profit arts and culture organizations.

The advisory committee of the Mesa Community College Art Gallery (MCC Art Gallery)  is accepting exhibition proposals to be reviewed in April 2026 for planning the 2026-2027 academic year.  We are seeking proposals from independent curators, artist-curators, curatorial teams, and not-for-profit arts and culture organizations. 

We strive to bring innovative and high-quality programming that represents a broad variety of media and subject matter. Cross-disciplinary curatorial projects are welcome. Selected proposals tie in pedagogically to MCC Art Gallery’s educational goals. Submissions must consider spatial constraints, context and audiences to have the best chance for success. Projects designed to stimulate ideas and dialog are encouraged. Group exhibitions will be given scoring preference and are more likely to be accepted than solo exhibitions. Group exhibitions help the gallery engage diverse audiences and provide more cross-curriculum learning opportunities for students. Solo artists can still apply, but may be considered as part of other exhibitions as well as individually.

We also seek to schedule extracurricular exhibition-related opportunities that directly engage professional artists with current students in our fine art, graphic design, photography, digital illustration, animation and fashion programs (such as artist talks, workshops, or demonstrations).

Works may be for sale, or not for sale, or a combination of both.  MCC Gallery does not charge admission or broker sales.  Any sales inquiries are directed to the artist (if self-representing), curator or commercial gallery representative, as appropriate.  

MCC Gallery does not offer a curatorial or artist stipend.  Works must be delivered or shipped to the gallery at the artists’/curator’s expense.  Return shipping and handling in provided packaging will be provided and paid for by the college and sent via UPS.  MCC Gallery offers a modest stipend for scheduled guest speakers, workshop presenters and classroom visitors.  Travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.

Timeline:

January through March, 2026: Submissions accepted

April 1-15: Committee reviews proposals

April 17: Decisions emailed to applicants

Invited proposals will be scheduled from late August through mid October 2026 or mid January through March 2027.  Proposals not invited may be considered for future scheduling.

All questions marked as required must be answered in detail, as the review committee will make decisions solely on the basis of the information provided.

Local or regional submissions are preferred.  Artist(s)/curator(s) must ship or deliver artwork at their own expense.