Open Call for Exhibitions

The 2025 open call application includes a range of exhibition spaces available within Boulder Public Library locations. Artists are invited to review the information below for each location and check off their desired exhibition space within their application. Artists may be selected for more than one location and can expect follow-up correspondence (if applicable).

The 2025 open call closed on August 31, 2024.

The Open Call

Within the library, there are four unique spaces available for art exhibitions: the Canyon Gallery at Main Library; the Arapahoe ramp at Main Library; the George F. Reynolds Library and the display area at the Meadows Library. At each location, exhibitions are displayed for 2 – 3 month periods.

The library prioritizes exhibitions that:

• Elevate the voices of the diverse communities we serve
• Illuminates a topic that is relevant to the local community
• Creates visitor engagement opportunities, either through participatory in-gallery elements or public programming (this item is specific to the Canyon Gallery)
• Demonstrate the applicant’s ability to produce the proposed project

The Canyon Gallery at the Main Library is for large exhibitions, which typically involve multiple artists vs. solo projects. In this space, we encourage artists to experiment with new ways of sharing community-driven topics. Projects presented here merge visual display with conversation and civic-related content. The three other exhibition spaces within the library seek applications with the qualities listed above, though due to the smaller size they are suitable for both group/community presentations and solo projects.

To make sure the project is a good fit, please review the guidelines specific to the space for which you are applying: Canyon Gallery at Main Library, Arapahoe Ramp at Main Library, George F. Reynolds Library or Meadows Library for a full overview of requirements covering exhibitor responsibilities and available equipment.

Applications must include a completed application form, a CV for the project leader and up to five pages of sample work. Samples can be sent as an individual image attachment or a combined pdf. Selected samples should be related to project scope or demonstrate the applicant’s ability to create the proposed project.

Honorariums

The library values supporting artists and the creative economy and offers honorariums for applicants to use as they see fit. For exhibitions on the Arapahoe ramp, Meadows or George Reynolds, an honorarium of $150/month will be paid. For Canyon Gallery exhibitions a fee of $400/month will be paid. Some exhibitions may require additional funding, please make a note of these needs in your application and special funding requests will be reviewed on an individual basis. Additional stipends are available if an applicant is booked to present a public program(s).

For inspiration about exhibitions we’ve supported, view past highlights.

Special Opportunities

Be a part of One Book One Boulder 2025 “Bridging Differences” 

A “One Book” program seeks to bring the community together through reading and discussing a single book. The Boulder Public Library produces One Book One Boulder every other year, with the next program set to occur during Feb – April 2025 featuring a book about the theme “bridging differences,” a topic voted on by the community following One Book One Boulder 2023. If you’re interested in this theme for the exhibition Open Call, please note this in your application. 

Maker-in-Residence

Studio 24 is a free community workshop in the NoBo Library dedicated to hands-on learning and cultivating purposeful experiences through making. Led by Makers-in-Residence, community presenters and makerspace staff, Studio 24 will offer a new theme every three months. Community members can dive deeply into each highlighted discipline and learn alongside content experts. Themes for 2025 Residencies include printmaking, repair & mending, painting & drawing, electronics, and traditional crafts. Learn more and apply for the Maker-in-Residence program.