The lingering COVID-19 pandemic is making it harder for nearly everyone to make a living, including artists. Knowing that metro Phoenix creatives are watching for ways to show and sell their work, we’ve put together a list of artist opportunities, ranging from exhibits to works of public art. Don’t delay, because deadlines loom.
Glendale Arts Grants
City of GlendaleDue August 10
The city of Glendale is accepting applications for grants for its Performing Arts Partnership program, which presents free public art projects and performances in community settings. Project budgets for selected artists or performing arts organizations range up to $4,000.
'Nature in Balance' Exhibit
Shemer Art CenterDue August 14
Shemer Art Center is accepting submissions for a group show called “Nature in Balance,” which is scheduled to run from September 9 to October 29. The show will feature works in traditional mediums that reflect “the calming effect of the natural world.”
Lucretia Torva's portrait of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been exhibited at Herberger Theater Center.
Lucretia Torva
'Social Injustice'
Herberger Theater CenterDue August 15
Herberger Theater Center is looking for artworks to feature in a group exhibition addressing social injustices such as racism, gender discrimination, and anti-Semitism. Selected works are scheduled to be shown in Bob’s Spot Gallery from October 2 to December 1.
Heart of Goodyear
Locations VaryDue August 30
The city of Goodyear is looking for artists to create hearts that will be installed at 10 city locations, such as parks and a fire station. Selected artists will receive $1,200, and will be expected to incorporated community outreach into their work.
Library Entrance Art
Flagstaff Public LibraryDue September 2
The city of Flagstaff is seeking artwork to install near its public library entrance. Submissions should reflect “the possibilities a library represents” — such as fueling ideas, imagination, community, learning, and more.
Splash Pad Public Art
Scottsdale WaterfrontDue September 4
Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists interesting in designing public art that will provide visual interest and seating elements for a splash pad on the Scottsdale Waterfront.
'Art Quilts XXV'
Vision GalleryDue September 14
Vision Gallery is accepting submission for its 25th annual exhibition of contemporary quilts, which is titled “Art Quilts XXV: Fleeting Moments.” The group exploring ephemeral moments is scheduled to run from November 21 to December 31.
Umbrella Artwork
City of PhoenixDue September 25
The city of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is looking for 2-D artists to created designs that will be realized by fabricators selected by the city of Phoenix for a project called Walk in the Sun.
'The Human Spirit' Exhibit
Herberger Theater CenterDue September 30
Herberger Theater Center is looking for 2-D artworks addressing uplifting themes for this group exhibition scheduled to run from December 4 until February 2, 2021, inside Bob’s Spot Gallery.
Steve Hampton's take on Donald Trump, shown during a previous exhibit at Fine Art Complex 1101.
Lynn Trimble
'Politics Is Unusual' Exhibit
Fine Art Complex 1101Due October 1
Fine Art Complex 1101 in Tempe has an open call for its “Politics Is Unusual: Art at the Edge of Conspiracy” online and gallery exhibition scheduled to open on November 1. Artists can submit artworks in any medium for consideration. The exhibit will address “strange but true aspects” of the American political landscape during the last four years.
Civic Center Sculpture
Town of Prescott ValleyDue October 2
The town of Prescott Valley and the Prescott Valley Arts and Culture Commission are seeking an artist or artist team to create a work of bronze sculpture for permanent placement on the town’s Civic Center campus. The project budget is $110,000.
“Now It’s Political”
Locations VaryDue TBA
The ArtFarm PHX collective and Practical Art are looking for artists to show their work in various outdoor locations as part of “Roadside Attraction: Now It’s Political,” which is scheduled to run from October 3 to November 3. The multisite exhibition will feature works, including video and film, addressing political activism and voter participation.
Contemporary Crafts Exhibit
Mesa Contemporary Arts MuseumDue October 23
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is accepting submission for its 42nd Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibit, which is scheduled to run from February 12 to April 25, 2021. The national juried exhibition, which includes $2,000 in juror awards, is open to all craft mediums.
North Gallery Proposals
Mesa Contemporary Arts MuseumDue December 11
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is looking for artists to feature in its North Gallery, a community gallery that highlights work by artists with a significant presence in Arizona.
Project Room Exhibits
Mesa Contemporary Arts MuseumDue December 11
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is seeking proposals for solo and collaborative exhibitions in its experimental exhibition space. Artists working in all mediums can apply.
Local Art Projects
Locations VaryRolling Deadline
Curator Engine is looking for artists to pair with businesses, organizations, and various venues looking for artworks such as paintings, murals, installations, and more.
Sculpture on the Street
TucsonRolling Deadline
Sculpture Tucson, a nonprofit dedicated to placing sculptures in public places, is seeking artists to participate in its new Sculpture on the Street program, which pairs artists with businesses in order to display works of art on well-traveled roads in Tucson and other parts of Pima County.
