Exhibition Open Call
While we are still accepting proposals, please note that we are now programmed through 2026
Lawndale accepts proposals on a rolling basis.
Lawndale’s Exhibition Program presents exhibitions proposed through our open call. We welcome both artists and curators to apply, with an emphasis on practices based in Houston and the Gulf Coast Region.
In 2023, we shifted our open call away from one annual deadline to accepting submissions on a rolling basis (i.e. all year, January 1 through December 31). Each year, we typically accept around 6-8 exhibitions which usually take place within one to two years. For example, an exhibition accepted in 2025 would likely occur in 2026 or 2027. That being said, we like to work with and alongside artists and curators in the production of their exhibitions; thus, we are open to conversation if a different time frame works better.
Proposals are reviewed by our Executive Director, Anna Walker; Operations and Exhibitions Manager, Jeremy Johnson; and Advisory Board made up of artists, curators, and scholars from Houston or with ties to the region. Should you have any questions, please email [email protected].
All submissions should be sent to [email protected].
Review Process & Criteria▼
Proposed exhibitions should align with Lawndale’s mission as a multidisciplinary contemporary art center that engages Houston communities with exhibitions and programs exploring the aesthetic, critical, and social issues of our time.
Lawndale encourages proposals in all artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, and writing. Applicants can request a space (3 different indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden) that best suits their proposal, to ultimately be decided upon based on availability and in conversation with Lawndale staff. More information about Lawndale’s galleries and exhibition spaces can be found on our website here (scroll to bottom of the linked page).
Proposals should be exhibitions not previously shown in Houston. Artists who are accepted into the 2023/2024 Lawndale Artist Studio Program are not eligible for the 2024 exhibition season (and vice versa).
After reviewing submissions, Lawndale will reach out to those proposals of interest. Unfortunately we won’t be able to respond to applicants who were not selected at this time.
Submissions: What to Send▼
Submission via Email
(In the past, we have used Submittable, but are now only accepting submissions through email.)
Please email to [email protected]:
- About (one (1) page, attached as .PDF or .DocX): Please include…
- Short bios for artists involved
- Brief project description, including its contemporary relevance
- Desired gallery space and reason (if applicable)
- Two (2) references (include name, contact information, and relationship to applicant (note: these are not letters. Lawndale will notify you before contacting references, if applicable.)
- Work samples (attached as .JPF, .PDF, and/or .MOV, OR provide a link with access to Google Drive or Dropbox): Please include…
- 5 to 10 images, either for this project or related works
- Artwork descriptions (include title, year, media, dimensions, and any other critical descriptors (as applicable)
Honoraria & Support▼
Lawndale is W.A.G.E. certified and offers the following honoraria options:
- $1,250/artist or curator (1-person exhibition)
- $625/artist or curator (two-person exhibition)
- $315/artist or curator (group exhibition featuring 3-5 artists)
- $190/artist or curator (group exhibition, 6+ artists)
- $500 Performance of Existing Work (divided equally among participating artists/performers)
- $1,000 Performance, Commission of New Work (divided equally among participating artists/performers)
In addition to an honorarium, Lawndale works with each artist, curator, or artist group to develop a budget and provide additional support towards expenses related to shipping, materials, exhibition design, and public programs. When developing exhibitions, Lawndale supports documentation and writing on shows by commissioning essays, designing brochures or catalogs, and printing these materials.
Frequently Asked Questions▼
What does “rolling basis” mean?
“Rolling basis” means we accept applications any time during the calendar year (i.e. January 1 to December 31). There are no distinct deadlines; applicants are always welcome to submit their proposals to [email protected].
Additionally, we also reach out to accepted applicants throughout the year, rather than any specific date or time.
Why the shift from one annual deadline to rolling basis?
The rolling basis opens space to dream! Less structure allows us to remain open to new ideas all year long. Please understand that, due to our small staff size, proposal review and communications with accepted applicants is usually slower.
Can I send multiple proposals?
Yes, we welcome applicants to submit one or multiple proposals. If you do submit multiple, please email them separately for ease of reviewing.
Will I receive a response after I submit my proposal?
Not necessarily. We are unfortunately only able to respond to accepted applicants due to our small staff size. For applicants that are accepted, we communicate frequently and work closely together for the exhibition’s production, from idea to planning to installation and deinstallation.