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Deadline for applications:
11:59pm (CT), Sunday, August 31, 2025
Austin Central Library invites artists, collectives, curators and beyond to submit proposals for consideration to exhibit at the 2700sq ft. gallery for a 12-week exhibition period, taking place between Fall 2026-Spring 2027. Selections will be made by impartial juries comprised of local artists, curators, educators and community leaders through a jury-scoring process. Candidates will be announced in Fall 2025. It is free to apply, and the call is open to applicants residing in Texas.
The Gallery at Austin’s Central Library offers a dynamic space for showcasing a wide range of contemporary art, featuring rotating exhibits from both local and national artists. With a mission to make a meaningful impact on Austin's creative landscape, the gallery enhances access to diverse art forms and presents exhibitions that celebrate a variety of identities and interests.
As a free public venue, the gallery strives to offer high-quality exhibitions while serving as a key destination for arts, creativity, and educational programs in the city. Visitors are encouraged to explore the gallery’s curated displays in both The Gallery and the 6th Floor Living Room Gallery during regular library hours, embracing the opportunity to engage with art that reflects the rich, multifaceted culture of Austin.
How to Apply:
Submit your application by the deadline of August 31, 2025, with the following items:
- Exhibit Proposal (250 Words)
- Artist(s) Statement (150 words)
- Installation needs
- Why is Austin Central Library the right venue for your exhibition (100 words)
- Digital Images;
Labelled ArtistName_Image #
Individual artists must submit 10 Digital Images of artwork completed in the past 5 years.
Small groups of up to 6 collaborating artists must submit 2-3 Digital Images by each participating artist of work completed in the past 5 years.
Organizations and larger groups must submit 2 - 3 Digital Images by each participating artist of work completed in the past 5 years.
Image List Please include artist name, image file number, title of piece, year created, medium and dimensions of all images uploaded.
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Artist Stipend and Exhibition Details:
- Artist Stipend: Upon acceptance of a proposal, an artist stipend will be offered, dependent upon the availability of funding
- Exhibition Duration: Exhibitions are held for 12 weeks and include an artist reception and artist talk. Gallery demos and workshop opportunities may also be available to the exhibiting artist.
- Costs and Responsibilities: Exhibitors are responsible for all costs related to the production of artworks, installation, de-installation, shipping, and travel.
Gallery Space Regulations:
- Floor Manipulation: No manipulation or alterations are allowed on the floor of the gallery space.
- Hanging/Suspending Items: Hanging or suspending items from the ceiling is not permitted.
- Wall Modifications: If the walls require painting, the exhibitor will be responsible for the cost of labor and materials. Walls must be returned back to their original color during de-installation.
- Additional Equipment: Exhibitors are responsible for providing any structures, furniture, or equipment not provided by the Library.
- Security: The library is equipped with security cameras, but there is no designated security guard assigned to the Gallery.
- Visibility: Avoid walls or structures that obstruct the view of the Gallery’s perimeter to ensure open sightlines throughout the space.
- Individual Viewing Experiences: Covered spaces designed for individual viewing are not recommended, as they may interfere with the public nature of the space.
- Display Requirements for Fragile Art: Small or delicate three-dimensional artwork must be displayed within secure display cases to ensure safety.
- Sound Art: Headphones for sound-based artworks are not encouraged.
- Video Equipment: Library staff will not be responsible for maintaining, setting up, or powering video equipment during the exhibition. Exhibitors must ensure their equipment is functioning for the duration of the event.
- The City of Austin respects freedom of expression in visual art. However, the locations of the Austin Public Library do not function solely as galleries or as museums, but to complement library services and programs. The City reserves the right to remove or relocate artwork at its sole discretion. Display of artwork in an Austin Public Library location does not create a public forum.
Recommended:
- Experience or knowledge of exhibiting artwork in a public space or institution
- Capacity to meet deadlines
- Ability to work with a variety of library staff
- Ability to obtain a vendor registration number with the City of Austin
Consideration for Community Exhibition:
Austin Central Library offers alternative spaces, such as the 6th floor Living Room Gallery and alternative Austin Public Library branch locations If you would like your application to be considered for this opportunity, please mark your answer in the application. Each submitted work must be less than 40lbs and have a display mechanism for the wall-mount track system provided by the Library. Once jurors make the selections, the final exhibiting location will be determined by the Exhibit Coordinator.
Please contact Exhibit Coordinator, Nicole Parker at lib.exhibits@austintexas.gov for any questions.
FAQ:
Image upload specs:
· Acceptable file types: .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .mp3, .mp4, .mov
· Max file upload size of 400mb, and a default maximum total submission size of 800mb
· Please get in touch if you think your files or submission will exceed these size limits
Do I have to submit 10 pieces of artwork?
· Yes, the minimum number of artwork submissions for an individual artist is 10. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Can I email my proposal to you?
· Generally, emailed proposals will not be accepted. Please contact lib.exhibits@austintexas.gov or 512-974-7379 for accessibility requests.
Will my application be accepted if it is late due to technical issues?
· Late applications will not be accepted. Please leave yourself plenty of time to work on your submission in case you run into any technical issues.
Does Submittable save drafts of your application?
· Yes, Submittable allows you to save work and return to it later to finish.
How are the exhibits selected?
· Selections will be made by impartial juries comprised of local artists, curators, educators and community leaders through a jury-scoring process. The number of annual exhibitions is decided upon by Austin Public Library Exhibit Coordinator.
When are artists notified of selection?
· Artists will be notified by September 30, 2025, for the 2026-2027 exhibition period.
Are there any specific guidelines or criteria for selecting artists for exhibitions? We exhibit work by both established and emerging artists. Some important criteria and guidelines include:
· Experience or knowledge of exhibiting artwork in a public space or institution
· Possess legal rights/copyrights to exhibit original artwork
· Capacity to meet deadlines
· Ability to work with a variety of library staff
· Ability to obtain vendor registration number with the City of Austin
Is there a particular theme or style that the library prioritizes?
· We have not done any specifically themed shows or styles. Exhibitions take place to showcase artistic endeavors and to encourage public dialogue, understanding, and enjoyment of visual art. The goal of these exhibitions is to present works of art that reflect the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Austin and beyond.
Can artwork be for sale?
· Yes, artwork may be for sale unless the artist is a City of Austin employee. Although artwork may be for sale, the City is unable to handle transactions and no commission is taken. The exhibitor is responsible for providing copies of a sales price list and contact person(s) and managing all sales. Artwork may not be sold on Library property.
Who is responsible for installing the exhibition?
· Artists are required to be present on-site during installation to collaborate with the Exhibit Coordinator and a professional fine art installer, who will be contracted by Austin Public Library (pending availability of funding).
Is the artwork insured while at the Library?
· Exhibits are afforded property insurance coverage under the Fine-Arts Floater on the City of Austin property insurance policy. The City of Austin is not liable for any damage in an amount falling below the deductible ($2500).
Does APL provide marketing?
· The Gallery at Central Library includes descriptions and images of exhibits on the APL website, calendar listings, social media, or other free media outlets as available. Artists are responsible for promoting their own exhibits as well.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
· Nicole Parker, Exhibit Coordinator, lib.exhibits@austintexas.gov, 512-974-7379