The Application Process

“Having a solo exhibition at the DC Arts Center had a positive impact on my professional growth, helping me expand my audience and deepen my connections within the DC arts community. It introduced me to the many opportunities at DCAC and the broader DC arts scene, and I had the chance to connect with other artists whose work I have come to admire.”—Keidy MéridaPrimary, The DC Arts Center’s Nano Gallery, 2024 Exhibit in the Main or Nano Gallery The DC Arts Center accepts applications to exhibit in our Main and Nano Galleries on a rolling basis. Exhibit in our Main or Nano Gallery The DC Arts Center accepts applications to exhibit in our Main and Nano Galleries on a rolling basis. “Having a solo exhibition at the DC Arts Center had a positive impact on my professional growth, helping me expand my audience and deepen my connections within the DC arts community. It introduced me to the many opportunities at DCAC and the broader DC arts scene, and I had the chance to connect with other artists whose work I have come to admire.”—Keidy MéridaPrimary, The DC Arts Center’s Nano Gallery, 2024 Why Exhibit Application Process Apply Frequently Asked Questions Past Exhibitions Intrinsic ToolThe DC Arts Center’s Main Gallery, 2024Curated by Carter Wynne Why Exhibit atThe DC Arts Center?The DC Arts Center (DCAC) is the only organization in the greater Washington, D.C. area solely dedicated to fostering under-represented artists in every discipline. By offering physical space, meaningful programming, and coveted resources, we eliminate predominant barriers to entry or reentry, resulting in a future where the arts are inclusive of diverse cultures, people, and narratives. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, DCAC operates a small arts facility that includes two art galleries, a 41-seat black box theater, and office space. The organization completed a historic full-facility renovation in 2024, marking the first comprehensive overhaul in decades. Founded in 1989 as an accessible alternative arts center in response to diminishing support for local artists, DCAC has consistently upheld this mission, having fostered thousands of diverse artists for more than three decades.When selected to exhibit at The DC Arts Center, artists are provided with all the resources necessary to execute a successful exhibition in one of the nation’s largest cities, including access to DCAC's rich network of artists, curators, and collectors. DCAC provides additional curatorial, marketing, and advertising support alongside numerous ancillary programming opportunities, such as opening and closing receptions and artists’ talks. The Application Process At The DC Arts Center (DCAC), we accept exhibition proposals and artwork submissions from artists and curators year-round. We welcome original work for consideration in both solo and group exhibitions in either our Main or Nano Gallery. While artists are encouraged to indicate the gallery space that best fits their work, final placement decisions rest with DCAC. DCAC is committed to supporting artists at all stages of their careers and across all disciplines. We encourage proposals from those actively engaged in their practice and eager to present innovative, thought-provoking work. We welcome applications from all artists and do not discriminate on any basis. Proposals are reviewed quarterly by DCAC’s Visual Arts Committee according to the evaluation schedule below.EligibilityYou must be a local curator or artist working in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia).You must be available to attend multiple events surrounding the exhibition in person, including an Opening Celebration, Artist Talk, and Closing Reception.Artists who have had a solo exhibition at The DC Arts Center within the past three years will not be eligible for another solo exhibition until three years have passed. Inclusion in a group show is still possible. Participation in the ADMO Art Walk or WallMountables does not count toward this restriction.Our Institutional ValueAs a matter of principle, all DCAC exhibitions are curator-driven. While artists may submit proposals for exhibitions or bodies of work, the final decision on how the work is presented rests with the curator. This may mean:The exhibition proposed, which has already been curated by someone else, is selected as submitted.A piece or pieces from your submitted body of work are included in a group show.DCAC pairs you with a curator from our roster to help shape the exhibition proposal submitted.A curator develops a new exhibition concept around your work.We believe this approach fosters dialogue, context, and artistic growth—ensuring that every exhibition at DCAC reflects a meaningful exchange between artists and curators and is situated within a broader conversation.If Your Application is AcceptedYou will be notified and added to DCAC’s roster of approved exhibiting artists. Your materials will be shared with our curatorial team, who regularly review this roster when planning future exhibitions. If a curator expresses interest in your work, they will contact you to coordinate a studio visit as the next step. This stage is entirely curator-driven—it may move quickly depending on gallery needs, or it may take time. Either way, your work will remain active in our system and under consideration for future opportunities.If Your Application is Not Accepted:You will be notified and receive feedback from the committee’s deliberations. We encourage future submissions after the feedback provided has been taken into consideration and applied to your work. Application RequirementsArtist Statement & BiographyArtist ResuméProposed Exhibition Details (title and description)Image/Video ListHigh-resolution images or videos that clearly reflect your work as you intend it to be exhibited.$25 application fee waived for Artist Members Application CriteriaArtistic QualityConceptual CoherenceReadiness for ExhibitionGrowth PotentialAlignment with