Jobs & Opportunities » Opportunities

Call for National Touring Exhibition Proposals

Type: Exhibition Opportunities [View all]
Posted by: Mid-America Arts Alliance
Deadline: Thu, December 31st, 2026

Request for Proposals

 

ExhibitsUSA, the touring exhibition program of Mid-America Arts Alliance invites dynamic exhibition proposals.

 

ExhibitsUSA is a national traveling exhibition program that produces exhibitions on widely diverse subjects, combining the highest aesthetic standards with engaging and accessible presentations. With a rotating catalog of over 30 exhibitions, ExhibitsUSA reflects Mid-America Arts Alliance’s commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement through meaningful art experiences.

We work with large and small museums, university galleries, private collectors, independent curators, and artists throughout the world to create exhibitions that are relevant to the needs and interests of our constituents.

 

Submit a proposal

We accept proposals on a rolling basis for art exhibitions of existing work that can tour nationally. We are particularly interested in small to mid-sized exhibitions (approximately 2,000 square feet or 250 linear feet and under) with low security and limited environmental requirements that can travel via common carrier or van line (although other proposals will be considered).

 

Proposals should be clearly written and must include the information outlined below: 

- A one-page curatorial statement outlining the exhibition idea, as well as the type and number of works to be featured.

- A preliminary checklist of 10 to 15 sample works with images and proposed sources. You may provide a link to these images online or submit via email (limited to 7 MB).

- Generally, artists should not submit a proposal that features only their own work without first contacting our team to discuss further.

- Work must already be in existence and available to tour.

- Work must be in good condition and stable enough to tour for at least three years.

- Work may not be sold during the duration of the tour

 

Once a topic and body of artwork is proposed as a potential exhibition, Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) conducts an internal review of the materials based on project quality, market viability, project logistics, and ExhibitsUSA needs.

If a proposal is selected as a potential exhibition, we then work with subject experts and guest curators to strengthen the initial idea and finalize the checklist; develop strategies for interpretation; define the appropriate tour length, shipping and security requirements, insurance values, loan agreements, organizer and/or guest curator fees, copyright usage fees, and other line item expenditures such as printing, framing, and crating. Each of these items allow us to develop an overall budget for the project, which then informs the ‘exhibition rental fee,’ which exhibitors will pay to host the exhibition.

Once this information is collected, and marketing images (with rights to reproduce) are obtained, the exhibition moves into a marketing phase that spans up to 16 months. It is not until a required number of bookings and/or holds are made that we are able to release funds and begin actual development. The entire process—from proposal delivery to launch of tour—generally lasts three years or more.

 

Proposals and questions should be sent to:

proposals@maaa.org or M-AAA, c/o EUSA Proposals, 2018 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108

 

For more information visit https://eusa.org/home/request-for-proposals/

 

 

About ExhibitsUSA

This exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA (EUSA), the traveling exhibition program managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance, one of the six nonprofit regional arts organizations (RAOs). ExhibitsUSA expands the depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities, rural and urban, by offering accessible exhibitions to small- and mid-sized venues nationwide. To learn more, visit maaa.org/eusa.

 

About Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. To learn more about M-AAA grants, programs, exhibitions, and fellowships, visit www.maaa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

 

 

Posted on Mon, June 24th, 2024
Expires on Thu, December 31st, 2026

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