The Dairy Arts Center invites artists, curators, and collectives to apply for our 2027 Call for Art Exhibitions.
We are seeking bold, thoughtful exhibition proposals across all visual art mediums. Selected artists will work closely with Curator of Visual Arts Stella Witcher to develop exhibitions presented in 2027.
Our Visual Arts Program centers innovative, socially engaged, and conceptually driven work that sparks dialogue and reflects the complexity of our contemporary moment. We are particularly interested in projects rooted in storytelling, cultural inquiry, community connection, and experimental approaches to material and form.
We welcome proposals for solo or group exhibitions that challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and invite audiences into meaningful exchange—whether through personal narrative, collective history, ecological inquiry, or boundary-pushing visual practice.
If your work asks strong questions and creates space for inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, we want to see it.
Important Dates
Deadline for Application: April 30th, 2026
Juror selection of art: May 1 – 22nd, 2026
Artist notification: May 26, 2026
Exhibition dates: between January 2027 and January 2028
Eligibility Information
Eligibility Criteria
All mediums are welcome, and artists at all career stages are encouraged to apply
Artists over 18 years of age are eligible to apply (younger artists may apply with parental permission, please reach out to stella@thedairy.org for more details)
Works must be original, no recreations will be considered (unless conceptually grounded within an exhibition)
Artists must live and be able to mail/transport artwork from within the United States
- Application Type:
- Applications may be submitted for an individual artist or a group of artists/collective.
- If applying as a collective, submit one consolidated application
- Each artist or group may submit one application.
- Applications may include up to 10 images for consideration (any media accepted) and must submit a minimum of 2 work samples.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cohesive body of work that best represents their artistic vision.
Additional Opportunity Information
Application Requirements
All applications must be made through the CaFE platform.
Artist Biography: A brief bio about yourself.
Artist Statement: A short statement describing your application concept and the relation of your works to the exhibition you are applying for
Work Samples: Submit at least 2 and up to 10 work samples (any media accepted, including a combination of video, audio, and images).
$40 per application, non-refundable. We encourage artists from all socioeconomic status to apply. If the required application fee is a financial barrier for your application being submitted, please reach out for assistance to stella@thedairy.org
Awards or Stipend Information
Exhibition Process
The Dairy’s Visual Arts Curator, Stella Witcher, and the guest jurors will select proposals and artworks based on their relationship to the exhibitions and 2027 Dairy Programming. Applications will be reviewed by a jury composed of members from The Dairy’s Visual Art Committee, a group of artists, curators, university faculty, art collectors, and local creatives. They will also determine the layout and installation of the works within the gallery space. Selected applicants will collaborate with Curator of Visual Arts, Stella Witcher, the jurors, and The Dairy Arts Center’s team to refine their proposal or create original works for the exhibition.
Upon selection, artists will be notified and put in direct contact with Stella Witcher, Curator of Visual Arts. Working in collaboration, The Dairy will assist in producing the proposed exhibition, including:
Exhibition Support: Exhibition title vinyl, Exhibition guide, Developed online exhibition, Online sales platform for salable works, Exhibition installation and deinstallation, Exhibition documentation
Marketing and Programming: The Dairy will provide comprehensive exhibition documentation, an opening reception, studio visits, marketing, and curatorial advising. Further details upon selection.
Sales: Works for display should be for sale but is not a requirement. The Dairy Arts Center retains a commission of 40% on artwork sold. Please consider this in your pricing.
Delivery and Shipping: Artists are responsible for shipping costs, unless otherwise arranged in specific cases. Further details will be provided if your work is accepted.
Additional Support: Multiple studio visits, curatorial advising, opening reception with a photographer present, additional programming opportunities