PROUD+ 2027

PROUD+ 2027 marks the tenth annual national exhibition of contemporary art by LGBTQ+ artists, running June 25–August 6, 2027, at The Studio Door in San Diego. For a decade, PROUD+ has celebrated the breadth of LGBTQ+ experience through the work of artists from across the country. From bold declarations of self to quiet explorations of inner worlds, the exhibition welcomes each artist’s unique perspective on identity, belonging and the lives we build.

Juror: Xiangqi Chen, OUT Museum in San Francisco

Artists can enter up to three pieces for consideration. Payment of $35 per initial entry and $5 for per additional media. [1 work of art = $35; 2 works = $40; or 3 works = $45].

Submission Deadline:  May 8, 2026  - 10:59 PM PST 

Awards: 3 works will receive a Juror's Award with a check for $100

PROUD+ 2027 PROSPECTUS

The tenth annual PROUD+ exhibition will be held June 25–August 6, 2027, at The Studio Door in San Diego. This national exhibition showcases contemporary art by LGBTQ+ artists from across the country.

For a decade, PROUD+ has provided a platform for artists to express the breadth of LGBTQ+ experience. From bold declarations of self to quiet explorations of inner worlds, the exhibition welcomes work that speaks in each artist’s own voice. Artists are invited to share their perspectives on identity, belonging and the lives we build.

For this anniversary exhibition, The Studio Door welcomes juror Xiangqi Chen of OUT Museum in San Francisco. A developing collaboration with the museum also opens the possibility of an additional exhibition in San Francisco highlighting Chinese and Chinese-speaking queer artists.

Gallery walkthrough videos of past exhibitions can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thestudiodoor

EXHIBITION DATES

June 25–August 6, 2027

Artwork, including items sold, must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

Saturday, July 10, 2027 • VIP reception begins at 4 PM • Public reception • 6–9 PM

JUROR

Xiangqi Chen • OUT Museum, San Francisco

Xiangqi Chen is a queer artist and activist whose work connects artistic expression with the preservation of LGBTQ+ history. For more than two decades, she has contributed to China’s LGBTQ+ movement, bringing community experiences into public view.

In 2026, Chen opened OUT Museum in San Francisco’s Chinatown, creating a home for queer art and stories rooted in Chinese-speaking communities. The museum builds on her work to preserve LGBTQ+ history and bring greater visibility to Chinese queer experiences.

As juror for the tenth annual PROUD+, Chen brings a perspective shaped by the relationship between personal expression and collective memory.

A DEVELOPING COLLABORATION WITH OUT MUSEUM

In conjunction with PROUD+ 2027, an additional exhibition is being planned by OUT Museum in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This developing project will focus on queer artists who are Chinese or Chinese-speaking, reflecting the museum’s mission to preserve and share the experiences of these communities.

The collaboration offers an opportunity to connect artists and audiences across San Diego and San Francisco while bringing greater visibility to voices within the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Exhibition dates, participation arrangements, and selection details are still being developed. Interested artists will have an opportunity to indicate their interest during the application process and receive further information as plans take shape. Expressing interest does not guarantee selection or commit an artist to participate.

PROUD+ at The Studio Door remains open to LGBTQ+ artists of all backgrounds.

BEST IN SHOW

Three artists will each receive a $100 Juror’s Award for artworks that offer imaginative and compelling expressions of the exhibition’s theme. Works will be considered for originality, artistic execution, emotional impact, and creative interpretation.

GALLERY & ONLINE GALLERY

The juror will select works for exhibition at The Studio Door in San Diego and additional works for the online gallery only. The online exhibition allows more artwork to be seen beyond the physical gallery’s capacity.

Artists may select consideration for “in gallery,” “online gallery,” or both during the application process. All accepted works, including online-only selections, are eligible for Best in Show.

These selections apply to PROUD+ at The Studio Door.

CATALOG

All selected artwork, both in-gallery and online-only, will be included in the PROUD+ 2027 national exhibition catalog. The catalog will be available online and through print-on-demand.

USE OF IMAGERY

Participating artists grant The Studio Door permission to photograph accepted artwork and reproduce submitted artwork images in the exhibition catalog, online exhibition, and related marketing and publicity without compensation.

ARTWORK PRESENTATION

Two-dimensional artwork must arrive professionally presented, gallery ready, and ready to hang. Black wood or natural wood frames are preferred when framing is used.

Due to shipping challenges, framed two-dimensional artwork must use plexiglass rather than glass. Glass and ceramic works will be accepted only if hand-delivered and picked up by the artist.

CaFÉ SUBMISSION PROCESS

All submissions are handled through CaFÉ at https://www.callforentry.org. Artists must create a free CaFÉ profile, upload their artwork images and information, and complete the exhibition application.

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS

Submit JPG or JPEG images measuring at least 1,200 pixels on the longest side, with a file size no larger than 5 MB per image. Follow CaFÉ’s current upload requirements.

For technical assistance with image uploads, contact CaFÉ directly.

NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS

Artists will be notified by Friday, May 14, 2027.

Every applicant will receive an email, whether or not artwork is selected. Artists may receive separate notices for in-gallery and online-only selections.

If you have not received notification by May 15, please check your spam folder before contacting The Studio Door.

SHIPPING OF ARTWORK

Shipped artwork must arrive no later than Friday, June 18, 2027. Unsold artwork will be shipped out on Tuesday, August 10, 2027.

Artwork must be sent in reusable packaging with no Styrofoam packing peanuts. Fragile works must be double-boxed and sufficiently padded to prevent damage in transit. The Studio Door is not responsible for damage caused in transit.

Artists are responsible for shipping costs and must provide prepaid return shipping labels through UPS or FedEx. Labels must accompany the artwork unless other arrangements have been made with The Studio Door before the exhibition. Artwork without return shipping arrangements will not be exhibited.

If your carrier cannot provide a prepaid return label, contact The Studio Door to discuss alternatives.

These shipping arrangements apply to the San Diego exhibition.

HAND-DELIVERY OF ARTWORK

Saturday, June 19, 2027 • 11 AM–5 PM Earlier delivery is available by appointment.

Delivery of large works or small installations must be scheduled to avoid interfering with other exhibitions.

Artwork accepted for the online gallery only does not need to be delivered.

PICKUP OF ARTWORK

Saturday, August 7, 2027 • 11 AM–5 PM Tuesday, August 10, 2027 • 11 AM–5 PM

Artwork left beyond the scheduled pickup dates may be subject to a late fee of $50 per day and/ or discarded by The Studio Door.

SALES OF ART

Artists receive 50% of the sale price, and The Studio Door retains 50%. All artwork must be available for sale. Sold works must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show.

The Studio Door will mail artist commission checks within 30 days after the exhibition closes, no later than September 5, 2027.

PRICING CONSIDERATION

Artists are encouraged to consider price points when applying. Based on the gallery’s experience, sales remain strongest below $2,500, with $500 being an average first-time patron purchase.

Participation also offers opportunities to reach new audiences. Artists are encouraged to document their inclusion and use the exhibition to support their own marketing efforts.

SUSTAINABILITY NOTE

Artists are encouraged to use sustainable, environmentally responsible packaging when shipping artwork.

IMPORTANT DATES

QUESTIONS?

Email: forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com Website: https://www.thestudiodoor.com

To support the exhibition through a donation or funded award, please contact The Studio Door. Help spread the word by encouraging fellow artists to enter.

NONREFUNDABLE ENTRY FEE

Artists may submit one to three artworks. The entry fee is $35 for the first artwork and $5 for each additional artwork.

• One artwork: $35
• Two artworks: $40
• Three artworks: $45

Payments are processed through CaFÉ.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Saturday, May 8, 2027 • 10:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time Equivalent to 11:59 PM Mountain Daylight Time.

The complete application, including artwork images and payment, must be submitted through CaFÉ before the deadline.

ARTWORK MAXIMUM SIZE

Two-dimensional work: Maximum height of 60” and width of 40”, including the frame.

Three-dimensional work: Sculpture and small installation work are encouraged. Works must fit through an average doorway and may not exceed 8 feet in height. Installation artists should reach out to The Studio Door before applying.

Contact forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com before submitting if you have questions about size or installation requirements.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

PROUD+ is open to visual artists who identify as LGBTQ+.

This is considered a national exhibition based in the United States. Due to shipping costs, tariffs, and potential customs issues, international artists may participate exclusively in the online exhibition. International sales will be handled through The Studio Door, with shipping costs determined in consultation with the artist and paid by the purchaser.

Accepted media include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, artist books, and sculpture. Oversized jewelry that can be presented as fine art is also eligible.

Glass, stained glass, ceramics, and stoneware are subject to the hand-delivery and pickup requirements stated above.

Performance art is not accepted. Video, film, installation, and works requiring an external electrical source require gallery approval before submission. Contact forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com to discuss these works.

All submissions must be the artist’s original work and available for sale.