• Apply by emailing your proposal to exhibit@artworksdowntown.org

• Include the following items: (We prefer to have all the information included in one PDF document under 20MB.)

  • Exhibition Vision Statement: Outline the exhibition’s concept. Explain how the artists and artwork support your vision and goal of the exhibit. (2000 words maximum).

  • Images of proposed artworks

    • 5–20 images showing the artworks to exhibit. We recognized the selection of art in the proposal may not be be guaranteed, but the images should provide a good example of what the exhibit will include.

  • Include a list of artwork information featured in the proposal images including title, media, dimensions.

  • Artist information: resumes, bios, artist statements, and links for each artist you plan to exhibit

  • Curator resume, bio, links, curator statement, examples of past exhibits

  • You’re welcome to submit additional information if it helps to explain your vision.

Proposals are reviewed by an anonymous committee. Applicants may not receive a response unless they are approved. Please understand we are unable provide critiques or feedback about your proposal.

• Proposals are evaluated based on qualities such as strength of concept, quality of artworks, quantity of proposed artworks, and feasibility of exhibit plan.

• Attention is given to proposals supporting themes of inclusivity, diversity, equity, or accessibility.

• Concepts should be accessible to a wide spectrum of audience from art-educated guests to people who are new to art.

• Artwork content with explicit sexual content or graphic violence is prohibited.

• Artists must reside within 100 miles of San Rafael

• Video art is welcome, but must qualify as follows.Audible works must use headphones; they can not broadcast sound through the space.

  • Most display equipment required for the exhibit must be provided.

  • Projections are usually prohibited because the space contains too much light.

  • Audible works must use headphones; they can not broadcast sound through the space.

• AWD perfers to exhibit original artwork.

  • Originals of limited editions are permitted. They must be signed and numbered. For example: photographic prints, printmaking, bronze castings.

  • Un-editioned reproductions such as giclée’s, or print-to-order, are prohibited.

Sales:

• AWD sells the artwork and processes the sales tax. AWD asks for a 40% donation upon sale.

• At least 50% of the exhibiting artworks must be for sale.

Call for Entries group exhibits
This model provides a theme for see how artists’ work relates to the theme. Artists apply to the call, then a juror of art professional stature chooses the artwork to exhibit. The application process is managed through a third-party service and requires an entry fee. Accepted artists exhibit for free. These exhibits usually occur in Gallery 1337.

Curated group exhibits
This model invites curators, groups of artists, or arts organizations to pre-organize an exhibit. These exhibits usually occur in Gallery 1337 or the Invitational Galleries.

Solo exhibits
AWD generally aims to offer the most opportunities for the most artists. Solo exhibits in Gallery 1337 are rare, but always considered. Most solo exhibits occur in the Invitational Galleries.

Members’ benefits
AWD Artist Members receive discounts on Call for Entries application fees, participate in the annual Members’ exhibit, and are considered for unique opportunities and invitation to exhibit. Join the membership

Each gallery space has unique characteristics. Where do you see your work exhibiting?

Gallery 1337:
AWD’s flagship gallery features traditional, contemporary, and cutting edge work. This is the most sought-after gallery space. The exhibit schedule offers various Call for Entries group exhibits and a few high-concept exhibits. Curated or solo exhibits are rare. The street-facing gallery space is also the main entrance into the AWD art center.

Invitational Galleries:

The Founders’ Gallery offers a broad space in the lower level of AWD. The gallery is available for solo and group exhibits and good place to show sculpture. The space is also an intersection between artists’ studios and parts of the art center.

The Donors’ Gallery offers an elongated display area located on the street level opening onto Fourth Street. The display space is primarily for wall-art and acts as an egress into and out from the art center. This is a great space for displaying a series.