Open Call
Proposals are reviewed by the Artist Advisory Board, consisting of artists and arts professionals from the region. The proposal selection process is highly competitive, as Art League Houston receives numerous submissions each year. Artists are selected based on overall quality and innovation. The Artist Advisory Board selection process will take place between December 2023 – February 2024. Once selections have been made, all artists will be notified by email, with updates on the status of their proposal by the end of February 2024. Selected exhibitions will be programmed for the 2024-2025 seasons.
Open Call Dates and Deadlines
- Application Opens: September 1, 2023
- Deadline to Submit: November 30, 2023
An online application via Submittable is available here. Exhibitions from the November 30th deadline will be scheduled for the 2024-2025 seasons.
If you have any questions regarding the process or your proposal documents, please email Zhaira Costiniano, Exhibitions and Curatorial Projects Manager, at zhaira@artleaguehouston.org.
Proposal Review Criteria
The Art League Houston Artist Advisory Board considers proposals by local, regional, national, and international artists and curators in all media. Proposals should include:
- Artworks and projects that have not been previously shown in Houston.
- Clarity and articulation of a central idea.
- Strong artistic quality.
- Artworks and projects addressing social, political, and cultural issues relevant to the local community.
- Relevancy to current dialogues in contemporary art.
- Opportunities for compelling ancillary programming, such as performances, film, lectures, panel discussions, round tables, etc.
- Availability of curator and artist(s) to play an integral role in execution of the exhibition and events.
- Platform artists/curators who reflect the local community.
Proposal & Submission Guidelines
Exhibition proposals are accepted online through www.Submittable.com. Hard copies or CDs of proposals are not accepted. All proposals must include:
- Artwork Examples: Visual Artists — 10 digital images of work in .JPG format, with a corresponding list of images including title, year, medium, and dimensions for each piece. Video and performance artists should include a YouTube or Vimeo link.
- Proposal: Up to 500 words, including the title and description of the proposed project, special requirements (if any), and preferred ALH gallery location (Main Gallery, Front Gallery, Hallway Space, or Sculpture Garden).
- Working Budget: Include estimated expenses and descriptions for travel, lodging, shipping, supplies, installation, and other costs.
- Artist Paragraph Biography: Up to 500 words about yourself, your practice, and your work, saved as a PDF, text file (.txt), or Microsoft Word document (.doc, .docx).
- Resume/CV: A resume not exceeding two pages, saved as a PDF, text file (.txt), or Microsoft Word document (.doc, .docx).
Artist Stipends
ALH’s commitment to supporting artists has been a driving force since its inception. In 2014, ALH became the first arts organization in Texas to be W.A.G.E. Certified, operated by Working Artists and the Greater Economy in New York.
- Main Gallery: $2,400
- Front Gallery: $1,500
- Hallway Space: $600
- Sculpture Patio: $1,500
W.A.G.E. Certification is a voluntary program that recognizes nonprofit art organizations committed to ethical treatment of artists. It signifies solidarity with artists, ensuring an equitable community, regardless of material practice or reputation.
