This Call for Exhibitions seeks artwork for exhibitions in the Simperman and Hāmākua Galleries at Kahilu Theatre in November 2023. Proposals from solo artists, artist groups and collectives, and curators with strong connections to Hawaiʻi will be considered through this Call for Exhibitions.

Among the finest exhibition spaces on Hawaiʻi Island, Kahilu Exhibits offers a number of unique opportunities for exhibiting artists. Beyond being a destination for Hawaiʻi Island’s contemporary art enthusiasts, Kahilu welcomes upwards to 1000 visitors each week for performances, classes, and events in our 500 seat auditorium hall, studio facilities, and galleries. The Simperman and Hāmākua Galleries are open during special gallery hours, as well as before and after all events at Kahilu Theatre. In 2020, Kahilu Theatre added live streaming and on-demand access to live performances and exhibitions through our Kahilu.tv app. Kahilu Exhibits offers video documentation and presentations of exhibitions in the galleries through this platform and online. Our staff offers museum-quality support to artists and curators in the preparation of exhibition materials, designing layouts, and creating special displays to deliver the highest quality exhibitions possible. 

Exhibits featuring all media are encouraged to apply, including, by not limited to: painting, drawing, photography, fibers, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, video, sound art, installation, new media, fashion, jewelry, and traditional crafts.

Exhibitions featuring works by artists / groups / curators on Hawaiʻi Island are strongly encouraged. Exhibitions from off-island and international artists are also welcome.

Tentative exhibition dates are:

Thursday, November 9, 2023 – January 7, 2024

All applications and artwork will remain on file for future consideration, including exhibitions beyond 2023.

No stipend or honorarium for selected exhibitions can be offered at this time. Proposals including accompanying paid programming such as workshops and classes offered by exhibitors are welcomed.

For applicants outside of Hawaiʻi, please note that the logistics of shipping artwork to Hawaiʻi can be difficult to navigate, and costs can be very expensive. Kahilu Exhibits does not assist in covering any shipping costs.

Kahilu Exhibits will coordinate all shipping and delivery of sold art work.

Kahilu Exhibits is located in the galleries at Kahilu Theatre in Kamuela (Waimea) on Hawai'i Island. Kahilu Exhibits is dedicated to offering exhibition opportunities that feature the works of local, regional, and international artists, artisans, and cultural practitioners- both established and emerging in their fields. 

Kahilu Exhibits is part of Kahilu Theatre, a not-for-profit community arts and education center dedicated to serving our diverse Hawai'i Island community.

Application Requirements

All requested materials must be provided for consideration.

Eligibility Criteria

All proposals from artists, groups, collectives, and curators within or with strong ties to Hawaiʻi will be accepted.