CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES

About the City of Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Division:

MISSION: We provide and promote a diverse, lively and welcoming arts environment that enriches the lives of all

VISION: Our vision is a future where art is integrated throughout the community, diverse in medium and content and accessible to all residents and visitors to Upper Arlington

The Cultural Arts Division provides a variety of arts and culture programming throughout the year and is also responsible for managing the City’s extensive collection of interior and exterior public art. Arts programming includes public galleries featuring an annual schedule of, educational programming, summer outdoor concerts, and the City’s signature special event – the Labor Day Arts Festival. The City’s art collection includes many inspiring and creative permanent installations located in parks and public grounds throughout the City, as well as an extensive collection of interior art pieces installed in public buildings.

Housed within the Parks & Recreation Department, the Division is advised and supported by the Cultural Arts Commission. The Commission is a seven-member group that is appointed by City Council for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the development and preservation of arts in the community.

About the Galleries:

Upper Arlington’s gallery spaces serve to highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to the arts through revolving and diverse exhibits that are educational, engaging, and accessible for all residents and visitors.

The City of Upper Arlington offers two galleries for visual artists to share their work with the Upper Arlington community.

CONCOURSE GALLERY

3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Open M-F | 8 am-5pm and by appointment

Free Admission and Parking

ADA Accessible

Since its inception in the 1970s, the Concourse Gallery has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence within Upper Arlington, hosting renowned artists and serving as a premier exhibition space. Nestled within the Municipal Services Center, this space remains dedicated to providing a platform for professional, emerging, and student artists to showcase their creations in a variety of mediums. Free and accessible to all, this gallery encourages engagement with the community through the arts.  

Features:

• 181 linear feet and 3,500 square feet of space
• Suitable for 2D, 3D, and installations
• Exhibits typically hung for 2-3 months
• Best for individual artists with a large body of work or collaborative shows

Goals:

(artwork does not need to meet every goal to be exhibited)

• Provide opportunities for emerging and established artists to exhibit their work in a community focused space through a formal selection process
• Enrich the community’s cultural experience by offering diverse exhibitions that expose residents and visitors to a wide spectrum of artistic styles, perspectives, and cultural traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for arts and culture.
• Foster an inclusive, accessible and educational space for the community to gather
• Create fun experiences to engage with art to draw people in that wouldn’t normally explore a gallery or museum

Eligibility:

• Works submitted for consideration may be either 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional.
• Artists must enter only their original work.  No reproductions accepted.
• All 2-dimensional artwork must be framed and ready for hanging.
• Application open to Individual Artists, Art League, Group or Collective, and Collaborating Artists.

COMMUNITY CENTER GALLERY

3200 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Open Monday – Sunday | Timed TBD

Free Admission and Parking

ADA Accessible

Introducing the newest addition to Upper Arlington’s vibrant art scene: the Community Center Gallery. Perched on the fifth floor of the brand new Bob Crane Community Center, this gallery may be small, but it packs a punch in terms of creativity and community impact.  Situated within a bustling public community space, this gallery offers local artists a unique opportunity to showcase their work amidst the pulse of community life. 

Features:

• 40 linear feet
• Suitable for 2D works
• Exhibits typically hung for 2-3 months
• Best for individual artists with smaller bodies of work or smaller collaborative shows

Goals:

(artwork does not need to meet every goal to be exhibited)

• Provide opportunities for emerging and established artists to exhibit their work in a smaller setting.
• Support and elevate artists and groups residing and working in Upper Arlington and surrounding regions, providing them with opportunities for recognition and growth within the community.
• Enrich the community’s cultural experience by offering diverse exhibitions that expose residents and visitors to a wide spectrum of artistic styles, perspectives, and cultural traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for arts and culture.
• Foster an inclusive, accessible and educational space for the community to gather in the Bob Crane Community Center.
• Create fun experiences to engage with art to draw people in that wouldn’t normally explore a gallery or museum

Eligibility:

• Works submitted for consideration must be 2-dimensional.
• Artists must enter only their original work.  No reproductions accepted.
• All work must be framed and ready for hanging.
• Application open to Individual and Collaborating Artists.

Application Requirements

Application Process

All applications must be submitted electronically through CaFÉ.  The following will be required:

• Artist(s) information
• Artist biography
• Artist Statement or description of art league, group or collaborative
• Website and Social Media pages (if applicable)
• Exhibit Proposal – Title or theme of proposed show and short description of concept
• 5-10 high resolution images of work including the following information
• Title, medium, size, price (if applicable)
• 1-3 videos if applicable

Eligibility Criteria

Nature of Exhibitions

All artwork must be suitable for public viewing in a government office building and community center frequented by citizens of diverse opinions, backgrounds, physical abilities, and ages.  The City reserves the right to reject any artwork which, in the City Manager’s sole discretion, is either unsafe or not appropriate in theme, content, or quality to the building’s primary function. 

The Community Center Gallery is directly adjacent to the Event Center at the Bob Crane Community Center.  Artwork displayed must support the function of the space as an event center for the community. 

Installation

• Artists are responsible for delivering their artworks to the gallery.
• All work must be framed, mounted, or presented in as professional a manner as possible.
• 2-dimensional artwork will be hung using a Walker System. Pieces should be wired or have D-rings installed for hanging.
• Hanging work may not exceed 6’ x 6’ or 60 lbs.
• Artists considering a floor installation (Concourse Gallery only) need to be aware of the limited space available and the need to maintain traffic flow.
• Artists proposing video or computer-based artworks must provide necessary equipment for display.
• Pedestals and hanging shelves can be used for 3-dimensional work in the Concourse Gallery.
• Any special requests for painting or marking on walls, altering the floors, miscellaneous floor and wall treatments, suspension of objects from the ceilings, special lighting needs or requirements, works requiring electrical components or use of video equipment must be cleared by City Staff.
• All artwork must remain installed during the entire duration of the exhibit, including sold work.

Artwork Labels & Exhibit Information

The City shall produce either a Gallery Guide with corresponding numbers or labels for each work.  The artist should provide the following information no later than 1 month prior to the opening of the exhibit:

• Artist biographical information
• Artist Statement specific to exhibit
• Image of artist (optional)
• List of artworks:
  • Title of Work
  • Medium
  • Size
  • Price or NFS (Not for Sale)
  • Description of artwork (optional)

Sales

The City will process all sales transactions of art contained in exhibit, based on the prices provided by the artist(s) unless other arrangements are made.  The City will compensate the artist/organization 90% of the purchased price within 45 days after the exhibit has closed and will retain 10% of sales. 

Exhibit Reception

Artists may choose to host a reception for the exhibit.  These are typically held weeknights or Sunday afternoons for 2 hours.  The City will provide light refreshments.

Exhibit Promotions

A high-resolution image to promote the exhibit should be submitted to the Arts Manager no less than 3 months prior to the event.  The Arts Manger will work with artist(s) to formulate a description for each exhibit.  The City will promote the exhibit through the City’s Website, the Parks & Rec Activity Guide, social media, seasonal rack cards listing upcoming exhibits, and e-newsletters.  The Arts Manager will seek additional promotional opportunities as they see fit.   

Selection Process:

All applications are reviewed by a scored by a selection panel.  The following rubric is used to score each application:

 Artistic Excellence: 40 Points 

• Originality and creativity of the artist's work
• Quality of the artwork
• Technical proficiency

Relevance to Gallery Purpose and Goals: 30 Points 

• Fits with the gallery's focus on diverse and inclusive representation
• Aligns with the gallery's mission to educate and engage visitors
• Demonstrates a connection to the community

Professionalism: 20 Points 

• Artistic resume and experience
• Artwork presented professionally and would fill space appropriately

Suitable for Public Viewing: 10 Points 

• Artwork is suitable for a government office building frequented by citizens of diverse opinions, backgrounds, physical abilities, and ages.