Call Description

Gallery 2727 is a cooperative, artist-run art gallery located in South Berkeley at 2727 California Street. Our mission is to provide opportunities for emerging visual artists in the Bay Area to show their work and develop their practice. Gallery 2727 supports a vibrant community of artists of diverse styles, mediums, life experiences, and perspectives.

The gallery space hosts co-op exhibitions on a rotating basis, with dedicated 1-month exhibitions occurring 4-6 times per year. In between, the space is dedicated to performance, assembly, and community programming, during which co-op members are invited to collaborate and show work on a short-term basis. 

Members are encouraged to host workshops and events, use communal creative facilities, and take advantage of the 2727 network. We are also committed to providing access to mentorship and professional development in arts and business.

About 2727 California Street:

Gallery 2727 is part of a non-profit public charity (Hellerstein Foundation, a [501(c)3]) that oversees 2727 California Street. Founded in 2017, our community includes performers, poets, musicians, film-makers and writers as well as visual artists.

The building contains art studios, outdoor work and gathering space, and a beautiful theater and performance space with a sprung-dance floor, a balcony and high-quality movie and sound systems. Gallery 2727 features 2-story high display walls, movable walls, overhead controllable lighting grid and striking natural light. 

Benefits of Membership

• A bright, open gallery space for artists to exhibit their work and connect to community members and art buyers.
• Promotion of art openings and events through the Gallery’s extensive contact list and local media.
• Additional access to potential buyers through our website.
• Generous commission of 70% of sales to the artist.
• A community of local artists who mentor and support each other and their creative activities. People of diverse backgrounds, working in a wide range of artistic mediums and styles.
• Availability of free mentorship opportunities from experienced artists to those developing their craft.
• Artist development through workshops, demonstrations and talks, in addition to openings.
• Business and professional skills development.
• Networking opportunities with members, curators, gallerists, and the public.

Responsibilities of Membership

• Membership dues are $75 yearly
• All members share in the responsibility of staffing the gallery during exhibitions
• Members serve on a committee of their choice, such as gallery preparation, marketing, administration, etc.
• Members are expected to attend all opening receptions as well as occasional meetings, which may be remote.
• When exhibiting, members will deliver work ready for installation and will hang and remove their own artwork and contribute as necessary. Members are encouraged to maintain insurance coverage for their work.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

• 5-10 images, videos, or audio samples
• Any skills, experience, or offerings that may benefit the operation of the gallery
• A brief artist statement describing your artistic practice
• A letter of interest in Gallery 2727. Please describe your interest in our community as well as what you hope to gain from membership and how you would be able to support the co-op.

Eligibility Criteria

Basic eligibility

• Artists must be able and willing to be on-site in Berkeley on a regular basis for meetings, shows, and membership responsibilities
• Artists must be serious about their art practice. Prior show experience is not required, but dedication to art making is.
• Artists must be interested in active community building

What responsibilities are expected from co-op members?

• Yearly membership due payment of $75
• Commitment to staffing the gallery for a minimum of 1 shift per show
• Attend the openings that introduce each show (monthly or semi-monthly)
• Volunteer on an intermittent basis to committees in support of the gallery
• Attend periodic membership meetings
• Abide by all rules and regulations of the 2727 Gallery

When artist is exhibiting in a show:

• Attend planning meeting and opening reception
• Deliver work ready that is for installation
• Hang and remove their own artwork
• Participate in install and deinstall of the gallery resources (lighting, moveable walls, etc) as necessary