Call to Artists | By Degrees: TCA 2027 Summer Exhibition & Artist Residency

Overview

Tempe Center for the Arts invites Arizona-based artists to apply for By Degrees, a 2027 Summer Exhibition and Artist Residency program. Artists working in all visual art media and interdisciplinary practices are encouraged to apply through a single Submittable application.

Three Opportunities

• Group Exhibition (Gallery at TCA, May–August 2027): Submit existing or in-progress artwork for consideration. Drop-off May 20–21; installation May 24–28; pickup August 9–10, 2027.
• Tempe Post Office Window Exhibition (May 13–September 8, 2027): Four artists will each receive a $325 supply stipend to create a three-dimensional installation in a storefront window responding to the theme.
• Artist Residency (Gallery at TCA, May 31–August 6, 2027): Three artists selected for a 10-week residency will receive a stipend of up to $2,500, work approximately 8 hours per week, and develop projects that change, build, or evolve over time.

Theme

By Degrees explores how small actions, objects, experiences, and changes take on new meaning over time. Work might connect through repetition, layering, pattern, collections, fragments, growth, aging, erosion, maintenance, habits, memories, histories, relationships, collective experiences, or unexpected outcomes.

Eligibility

Arizona-based artists. Application is free.

Application Requirements

• Up to 10 work sample images with title, media, dimensions, and year for each
• Artist statement (maximum 500 words)
• Artist biography (maximum 250 words)
• Resume/CV
• Residency applicants must also submit: letter of interest and project proposal, and contact information for two references

Key Dates

• Call opens: October 1, 2026
• Application deadline: December 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
• Selection panel: December 7–11, 2026