Call Description

Coos Art Museum invites artists, curators, and creative visionaries from across the western United States to submit proposals for exhibitions scheduled in 2027–2028. We are seeking bold ideas that resonate: projects that spark dialogue, ripple outward, and leave lasting impressions on our community and beyond.

This open call welcomes:

• Solo exhibitions presenting a singular, compelling voice
• Curated group shows that bring artists together in conversation
• Thematic proposals that reframe how we see the world

We are especially interested in work that challenges conventions, bridges disciplines, and amplifies the diverse perspectives of our region. Surprise us with immersive installations, intimate studies, or conceptual frameworks that transform how visitors experience art.

What We’re Looking For

We want to see ideas that make us curious, spark conversation, and stay with our visitors long after they’ve left the museum. Your proposal doesn’t need to be fully polished or perfect; it just needs to show us your vision and how you imagine it coming to life.

We’re excited by:

• Work with a strong point of view – whether deeply personal or globally resonant
• Projects that feel fresh or experimental – pushing boundaries in concept, form, or presentation
• Exhibitions that connect to people – inviting reflection, dialogue, or new ways of seeing
• Feasible plans – ideas that fit within the scale of our museum and can realistically be accomplished

You don’t need to check every box on this list. Surprise us. Show us what feels urgent or exciting in your practice right now.

How Proposals Are Reviewed

Submissions will be reviewed by Coos Art Museum’s Education & Interpretation Committee. We’ll be looking at:

• Artistic Merit & Originality
• Strength of vision and creativity of the concept
• Quality and impact of the work samples provided
• Clarity of Proposal
• Clear articulation of the exhibition’s theme or curatorial idea
• Cohesion between concept and selected work samples
• Feasibility
• Practicality of the proposal in relation to museum resources, time, and installation requirements
• Evidence (via past work or experience) of the applicant’s ability to deliver the project
• Relevance & Resonance
• Potential for the exhibition to connect with audiences and foster dialogue
• Alignment with CAM’s commitment to presenting diverse perspectives and innovative approaches
• Engagement & Experimentation (encouraged but not required)
• Approaches that invite participation, interdisciplinary collaboration, or reimagine traditional gallery experiences

Budget & Resources

Selected exhibitions will receive support from Coos Art Museum for:

• Standard installation and deinstallation assistance
• Marketing and promotion of the exhibition
• Access to gallery furniture, basic AV equipment (projectors, monitors, speakers), and display materials as available

Proposals should be realistic in scope and scale for a regional museum. If your exhibition involves special requirements, such as custom-built elements, complex technology, or non-standard installation needs, please include a brief description of these considerations in your proposal.

You do not need to provide a full budget, but flagging anticipated needs will help us plan for feasibility and explore solutions together if your proposal is selected.

An artist or curator honorarium will be provided for each scheduled exhibition.

Application Requirements

Your proposal must include:

1. Exhibition Proposal (up to 500 words) – Concept, curatorial vision, presentation plan, and relevance.
2. Artist or Curator Statement (up to 1000 characters) – Insights into your practice or curatorial approach.
3. CV or Resume (1–2 pages) – Include CVs for all key participants in curated proposals.

Selection Schedule

• August 6, 2025 – Applications Open
• September 21, 2025, 11:59 pm MST – Deadline
• October 6-10, 2025 – The selection committee meets to select semifinalists;
• October 17, 2025 - All applicants are notified of the application status.
• Early to Mid-November 2025 – Semifinalist Interviews
• Mid- to Late November 2025 – Finalist selected and starts working with the Exhibitions team.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to artists and curators who live and/or work in the western United States, including: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Collaborative proposals and curator-led group exhibitions are welcome.