Tempe Arts + Culture

Deadline: Tues, Dec 1, 2026 

Eligibility: Arizona-based artists

Exhibition Theme: By Degrees

A single stitch becomes a quilt. A brushstroke becomes a painting. A daily habit becomes a ritual. Small actions can build towards something larger, but accumulation does not always mean progress. Things gather, multiply, wear down, pile up, disappear, and begin again.

By Degrees explores how small actions, objects, experiences, and changes can take on new meaning over time.      The artwork does not need to depict accumulation literally or use a repetitive process. We are interested in how your existing work brings a distinct perspective to the question:      When small things accumulate, what do they become?

Your work might connect to this theme through:

• Process: repetition, layering, pattern, mark-making, building, removing, revising, or other sustained ways of making.
• Materials: collections, multiples, fragments, found objects, accumulated materials, or evidence of use and wear.
• Time: growth, aging, erosion, decay, maintenance, habits, or gradual change.
• People: individual actions becoming collective experiences, traditions, relationships, communities, or movements.
• Stories: memories, histories, experiences, or small moments that gather meaning as they are remembered, retold, or layered together.
• Unexpected Outcomes:  small actions or changes that eventually lead somewhere surprising, for better or worse. A passion might become an obsession, a collection might become clutter, a routine might become a ritual, or something new might be built while something else is lost.

Three Opportunities

Artists may apply to one or multiple opportunities through the same application.

1. Group Exhibition: Gallery at TCA | May–August 2027

Submit existing (complete or in progress) artwork for consideration in the By Degrees group exhibition.

All visual art media and interdisciplinary practices are welcome. The jury will consider artistic strength, originality, connection to the theme, and the perspective each work adds to the larger exhibition.

Artwork drop off: May 20–21   Installation: May 24–28   Artwork pick up: August 9–10

2. Tempe Post Office Window Exhibition: Mill Avenue | May 13–September 8, 2027

Four artists will each receive a $325 artist stipend to transform one of four storefront windows at the Tempe Post Office.

Selected artists will develop an eye-catching 3D installation responding to By Degrees. New and/or existing work may be incorporated, but artists should think beyond displaying individual artworks and consider the entire window as an environment.

The jury will consider applicant portfolio’s artistic strength,    connection to the theme, and visual impact.

3. Artist Residency: Gallery at TCA | May 31–August 6, 2027 10 weeks | Approximately 8 hours per week | Stipend up to $2,500

Three artists will be selected to develop a new project responding to By Degrees while working inside the Gallery at TCA.

The residency is designed for projects that change, build, or develop over time. This might happen through an artist's ongoing process, audience participation, collaboration, observation, or another approach that makes the ten-week experience meaningful to the work.

Visitors will encounter artists at work and see projects develop throughout the summer. Workspace, display space, and storage are provided. Residents will also participate in    community programs, professional development,    and social media opportunities. 

How to Apply

Complete one free online application through Submittable. Artists may apply to multiple opportunities.

All Applicants Submit

1. Work Samples

• Up to 10      images
• Artwork      title, media, dimensions, and year for each image

2. Artist Statement | Maximum 700 words

Tell us about your artistic practice. How does your work connect to the theme of By Degrees? What ideas or questions drive your work, how do your materials or processes support those ideas, and what do you want audiences to encounter through your work?   

3. Artist Biography | Maximum 300 words

Briefly tell us about your background and artistic practice. You may include relevant education or training, exhibitions, residencies, commissions, awards, community connections, or other experiences that have shaped your work.

4. Resume/CV

Residency Applicants Also Submit

• Letter         of interest and project proposal
• Contact      information for two references

Your letter should describe what you want to explore or create during the ten-week residency, how the project connects to the theme of By Degrees, and why developing the work over time is important to the project.

Timeline

• December   1, 2026           Call closes
•  December   7–11, 2026    Selection panel
• December   14–18, 2026   Artists notified
• May   13, 2027                    Post Office installation 
• May   20–21, 2027            Gallery artwork drop off 
• May   24–28, 2027            Gallery installation
• May   31, 2027                    Artist Residency begins
• August   6, 2027                Artist Residency ends 
• August   9–10, 2027         Gallery artwork pick up
• September   8, 2027         Post Office deinstallation

For Questions Contact:

Dani Godreau   

Visual Arts Curator

Dani_Godreau@tempe.gov 

(480) 793-1257

Arts in the Parks 2027

Call for Choreographers   

Description   

The City of Tempe is seeking choreographic works to present at the Arts in the Parks event series this spring. Dance showcases will travel to 6 Tempe neighborhood parks, featuring 4 choreographic works at each park. Dance companies/collectives/crews will be selected to perform at up to 4 parks.

Choreographic works may be in any style of dance and can be pre-existing or new. The work should be adapted to present with audiences on all sides and should be enjoyable for all ages and demographics represented in Tempe’s neighborhoods. The showcases will occur in outdoor park settings on a flat, 30’x20’ dance floor covered with marley. (Note: a few select parks will occur on a stage.) Experienced, energetic, and community-focused dance companies/collectives/crews are encouraged to apply.   

IMPORTANT NOTE: These showcases will be featured as part of the Spring Arts in the Parks events, programmed by the Tempe Community Arts team. Commissioned choreographers will work collaboratively with our team, and the events will also incorporate artmaking activities, food trucks, and live music pre-performance.   

Arts in the Parks Program Description   

The Arts in the Parks Program creates memorable community connections by bringing the arts to neighborhood parks. Arts in the Parks celebrates connectivity between neighbors and exposure of local artists/artforms to those who may not engage with the arts in their regular lives. The program is inspired by residents and reflects the identity and values of the park’s community. www.tempe.gov/ArtsintheParks 

Compensation

$600 - $1,500 per company (dependent on # of dancers) 

Compensation Breakdown:  

 · $400 Choreographer Stipend 

• Additional $50 stipend if choreographer is performing in their own work
• Works must have at least two performers   

· $150 Performance Stipend for each dance artist performing your work (up to 7 dancers)

• Additional $50 stipends per artist (up to 7) for additional performances; choreographers can be chosen to present work at up to 4 parks           

Choreographic works should be: 

· 8-12 minutes in length   

· Duets, trios or group works   

· Appropriate for all ages in outdoor park settings   

· Suitable for low-tech   

· Suitable for daylight or night   

· Engaging / Exciting / Impactful   

· Accessible (relatable and enjoyable for all community members)       

Spring Arts in the Parks Dates: 

(Choreographers selected for up to 4)   

· March 25   

· April 2, 7, 14, 30   

· May 5           

Expectations 

Successful applicants must:   

· Prepare and present one 8–12-minute piece at up to four parks within the dates listed above. Event times are from 5:30PM – 7:30PM or 6:00PM – 8:00PM.   

· Stay for the community dance party at the end of each event they present in   

· Work collaboratively with the Community Arts team by attending up to 2 planning meetings   

· Be fully self-sufficient in transporting, setting up, and storing props/set/costumes for and in-between Arts in the Parks events. (This does not include the stage, sound, or power source).       

Qualifications 

Artists who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:   

· Experience with performing for all ages and engaging with audiences   

· Experience with choreographing for outdoor, in-the-round spaces   

· Interest in using creative skills in social practice, creative place-making, community engagement   

· Reside in Maricopa County   

· Are available on majority of the event dates: March 25, April 2, 7, 14, 30, May 5   

NOTE: The more availability you list, the more likely you are to be chosen for at least one park. While choreographers can be selected to present at up to four parks, you can note in your application the number of performances you want to be considered for. (I.E. Only want to be considered for two performances)           

Pre-Submittal Info Meeting: 

We will host a virtual pre-submittal meeting to go over this call in detail, answer your questions and provide tips for applying. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov 19th from 12pm-1pm. For the link to attend the meeting or to receive the recording, click here.              

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

11:59 PM on Tuesday, December 1st, 2026

Timeline

November 19: Pre-Submittal Meeting: Virtual Info/Q&A Session with Ellen Sickenberger 

December 1: Application Deadline

December 16: Selection Panel 

December 17/18: Artists notified

Early January: Onboarding Meeting 

Early March: Logistics Meeting

March 25 – May 5: Arts in the Parks dance showcases 

For Questions, Contact:

Ellen Sickenberger, Community Arts Coordinator 

Ellen_Sickenberger@tempe.gov

(480)316-1389   

The Project’s Final Report must be submitted by July 15th to the City of Tempe. Pursuant to the Grant’s terms and conditions, the City of Tempe has the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes. 

Reminder: You must use the Final Budget Form when completing your Final Report. Do not use the original Application Budget Form. 

Additional information can be found at www.tempe.gov/ArtsGrants