Call Description

Kahilu Exhibits is the visual arts program at Kahilu Theatre. Each year, Kahilu seeks proposals from solo artists, artist groups and collectives, and curators for exhibitions in our two galleries for the 2026 calendar year. As many as six proposals will be selected to fill open exhibition slots from June through December 2026. Kahilu’s Simperman Gallery and Suli T. Go Gallery offer different exhibition opportunities for large-scale artworks or more intimate exhibitions. 

Proposals can be made to use both galleries, or focus on one gallery in particular. 

Kahilu’s Simperman Gallery is a large open space that features two 38 foot long exhibition walls that stretch 10 feet tall under a slanted wooden ceiling that begins 4 feet above the exhibition walls. It is tailormade for large wall mounted artworks, hanging installations, and large sculptures. This space is often used to showcase the artwork of established mid-career artists on Hawaiʻi Island and beyond.

Our Suli T. Go Gallery offers a more intimate exhibition experience, with 6-7 walls of various sizes. This space has proved to be wonderful for smaller wall mounted artworks and experimental installations. Kahilu’s Exhibitions Committee has made it a point to consider first-time solo exhibitions for this gallery space, offering the expertise of our staff to help shape an emerging artists’ first solo exhibition.

Possible exhibition dates (subject to change) are:

• June 11 – July 19, 2026
• July 30 – September 13, 2026
• September 24 – November 1, 2026

Applications must include the following:

• Artist Statement (1000 characters or shorter)
• Artist CV or Resume (attachment)
• Artist biography (1000 characters or shorter)
• Detailed Exhibition Proposal
• 10-20 examples of artwork

Kahilu’s 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, and traditional crafts. Kahilu is not well equipped to showcase jewelry and very small items, but would welcome such elements. Please indicate how you can help support the display of such items.

Kahilu cannot commit to helping with any shipping or travel costs associated with an exhibition in 2026. Artists will receive 60% from all art sales (unless otherwise agreed upon), and Kahilu will create all signage, labels, and special display items for accepted proposals. Kahilu will also be responsible for installing all accepted artworks (unless otherwise agreed upon).

Exhibitions will be selected in September 2026. All applications and artwork will remain on file for future consideration, including exhibitions beyond 2026.

No stipend or honorarium for selected exhibitions can be offered at this time, but Kahilu is pursuing funding to support selected artists. Proposals including accompanying paid programming such as workshops and classes offered by exhibitors are welcomed. Proposals with committed funding through grants or private funds are encouraged.

***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 can not commit to assisting in covering any shipping costs.

Kahilu Exhibits will coordinate all shipping and delivery of artwork sold during an exhibition.

Kahilu Exhibits is located in the Simperman and Suli T. Go Galleries at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea (Kamuela) 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.

Waimea is located in the South Kohala district of Hawaiʻi Island, and is home to about 10,500 residents. Located about an hour Northeast of Kailua-Kona and 75 minutes Northwest of Hilo, Waimea is a rural area where cattle ranching has thrived for the past 200 years. Waimea is also home to around a dozen school campuses and is the home of many of the research centers associated with telescopes on Mauna Kea.

Kahilu Theatre hosts local, regional, and international performing artists in our 500 seat auditorium. Kahilu also hosts educational camps and opportunities for local youth.

Application Requirements

All requested materials must be provided for consideration.

Eligibility Criteria

All artists 18 years of age or older are invited to submit proposals.