Call for Proposals: Solo Exhibition

Call for Solo Exhibition Proposals

James Library & Center for the Arts
24 West Street, Norwell, MA
 

Exhibition Dates: July 2, 2027 to August 27, 2027
Opening Reception: Friday, July 2, 2027 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

 

Eligibility:

You must be age 18 or older to submit a proposal. Proposals are accepted from artists anywhere in the world, however, you must be available to drop of and pick up your artwork; we cannot accept shipped artwork. All proposals must be submitted online through this form. 

Description:

This is an opportunity for both emerging and mid-career artists to present a collection of 2D artwork. Exhibitions run for approximately one month. Desired artwork is large, fitting the scale of the Concert Hall, images of the space and dimensions below.

 

What the James Provides:

• Printing of show text, poster, and promotional postcards
• Online exhibition listing, press release, and social media promotion
• Installation assistance
• Refreshments and staff support at the Opening Reception
• Staffing of the space during the exhibition
  
  

Artwork Requirements:

• All pieces must be available for exhibit throughout the duration of the exhibition
• Artists, or an assigned representative, must submit artwork in person
• All artwork must be labeled on the back with artist name, title of work, phone number, email, and mailing address
• Artworks must be entirely the work of the artist, executed without the supervision of an instructor
• Artists should have all the rights to present and publish their artworks
• Entries must not be copies or derivatives based in any way on other copyrighted or published paintings, photographs, or other artistic work
• A 35% commission/donation for sold artwork is due to the James within 14 days from close of the exhibit

 

Application Checklist:

• Artist's Bio (300 word maximum)
• Artist's Statement (300 word maximum)
• Exhibition Proposal, uploaded as one PDF with the following components:
  • Proposal text that outlines the exhibition theme, concept, and overall vision
  • An explanation of why the exhibition is relevant now and how it connects to the larger body of work by the artist and, optionally, to the mission and community of the James Library & Center for the Arts
  • Proposed artworks with images and image text (Title, Dimensions, Medium, Year Completed)
  • Installation sketch (optional but recommended) that gives a general idea of how the artwork might be displayed

 

Submission Fees*:

$30 entry fee
*All fees are non-refundable

 

About the James Library & Center for the Arts

Named the best gallery on the South Shore 2025, the James Library & Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization offering programs in music, art, and literature. Housed in a landmark 1874 Victorian building in the heart of historic Norwell Center, in Norwell, Massachusetts. The James features a concert hall with a Steinway B grand piano, a free lending library, and art gallery exhibition opportunities.

The James Library & Center for the Arts will use care in the handling of all work, but in no way is responsible for any damage that may occur in moving or hanging artwork. The James is also not responsible for any loss or theft of artwork. Artists should obtain their own insurance as deemed necessary.

The James Library & Center for the Arts reserves the right to disqualify and reject any work that cannot be displayed in a safe and secure manner (including poorly framed or wired work).

You hereby grant The James Library & Center for the Arts an irrevocable, assignable, worldwide, royalty-free right to copy, excerpt, adapt, distribute, publicly display, and use photographs of any works accepted for the exhibition, whether provided by you or created or modified by The James (including without limitation, images or photographs provided in the submission process) in The James’s publications and promotional materials in any and all forms and media, including on its website. The James Library & Center for the Arts will use its best efforts to include an attribution with the artist’s name and title of the work in any such use.

You understand that The James Library & Center for the Arts requests a 35% donation/commission for any pieces sold during the run of the exhibit and a 10% donation/commission for any pieces that sell within 60 days after the close of the exhibit and are sold as a result of being included in this exhibition.

By submitting artwork for consideration, you hereby agree to all said terms and conditions stated in this Call for Proposals.