2026 Call for Curators

Crown Gallery at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport is seeking proposals from curators for an art exhibit to be held from November 7, 2026 to January 2, 2027. The gallery is particularly suited to large installations and conceptual art, as well as more traditional art forms. The deadline for proposal submissions is September 2, 2026. A $350 stipend will be paid to the selected curator. 

Crown Gallery at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport is seeking proposals from curators for an art exhibit to be held from November 7, 2026 to January 2, 2027. The gallery is particularly suited to large installations and conceptual art, as well as more traditional art forms. The deadline for proposal submissions is September 2, 2026. A $350 stipend will be paid to the selected curator. 

Interested parties should complete an application describing their proposal, the overall theme or concept, and the approximate number of artists and artworks that will be involved. Proposals should include and be mindful of the following requirements:

• A curatorial statement explaining the focus and concept of the exhibit
• Proposals must contain a minimum of 3 artists
• A minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 Images of the work you plan to include in the final exhibit; examples of similar work is acceptable. All work in the exhibit must be for sale
• Artwork by the proposing curator cannot account for more than 33% of the exhibited artworks
• Exhibitions must be installed in under 4 days and be completed by November 4, 2026
• Any audio/visual equipment required for the exhibit will need to be provided by the artists
• The curator is responsible for creating and printing wall labels for the exhibit (Crown will provide a template, if needed), price list, and other in-gallery material. Crown Gallery will provide exhibit titles
• We encourage a visit to Crown Gallery before applying, or a review of the gallery floor plan and photos
• Special consideration will be given to proposals that reflect a commitment to our values of access, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Metro Art Studios and Crown Gallery are not responsible for the cost of shipping, or any installation costs. There are pedestals available
• All artwork is fully insured while in the possession of Metro Art Studios/Crown Gallery and the facility has 24 hour security
• The opening reception for the exhibit (November 7, 2026) coincides with a weekend-long, city-wide open studio event that brings almost 2,000 visitors to Metro Art Studios

About Metro Art Studios:

Metro Art Studios is a non-profit arts organization located in the South End of Bridgeport, CT. The three-story renovated corset factory houses 39 loft studios for professional musicians and visual artists, as well as Crown Gallery, a large for-profit gallery space on the ground floor. Crown Gallery hosts 6-7 exhibitions a year, a mix of juried and invitational curated shows. Metro supports local, regional, and national artists with professional development workshops and panels, and provides inclusive cultural experiences and diverse opportunities to the Greater Bridgeport area and beyond. 

Crown Gallery is approximately 1250 square feet (25' wide by 50' long) with 11' tall ceilings in a restored mill building. Floor plan attached.

Calendar:

Submissions Due: September 2, 2026

Notification: September 6, 2026

Installation Dates: October 31 - November 4, 2026

Dates of Show: November 7, 2026 to January 2, 2027

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 7, 1 - 4 PM

Sales:

A commission of 40% will be retained by Metro Art Studios on all sales. A sale or retail price must be indicated for all work. Artists will be paid for works sold within 30 days after the closing date of the exhibition and the collection of the sales proceeds.

Questions:

Please contact us with any questions. Jane Davila, Executive Director, Metro Art Studios & Crown Gallery, jane@metroartstudios.org 

A minimum of 10 images and a maximum of 20, and a curatorial statement describing the concept or theme of the proposed exhibition. Images can be entered individually or as a PDF

Open to curators working or residing in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. All visual art mediums will be considered.