Call  for Artists: Tempe Center for the Arts 2026 Summer Exhibitions & Artist Residency

Deadline: Friday, Dec 12th  2025, at 4:00 PM

Description

The City of Tempe is seeking applications from Arizona-based artists to apply for three juried opportunities under the umbrella of the Gallery at TCA’s 2026 summer exhibition.

Exhibition Theme

Everything That Grows Here gathers the work of Arizona-based artists who explore the physical, cultural, and emotional ecosystems of the desert. In a place often defined by scarcity, these artists illuminate what thrives—botanically, creatively, and socially. From deep-rooted traditions to spontaneous gestures of survival, the exhibition considers growth as both a biological process and a metaphor for identity, kinship, and transformation. Whether responding to ancestral land, urban encroachment, or cycles of drought and bloom, these works testify to the quiet tenacity required to grow in a place where nothing is promised but sun and time.

The free application includes three opportunities for Arizona Artists 

Artists may apply to multiple opportunities within one application.

1) Display art in the summer exhibition at the Gallery at TCA. 

2) Display art in the satellite exhibition at Tempe Post Office. 

3) Artist Residency Program at the Gallery at TCA.

Opportunity #1:
Art Display at the Gallery at TCA
  May 23 - Aug. 24, 2026

Apply to have your artworks included in a group exhibition throughout the summer at the Gallery at TCA. Special emphasis will be placed on visual art media; however, other art forms may be considered if works provide interesting visuals and/or experiential display potentials for visitors. Importantly, the jury will be asked to pay special attention to artists and artworks of the highest artistry and vision.

 Opportunity #2:
 Satellite Art Display at Tempe Post Office on Mill Avenue
   May 27 - Sept. 22, 2026

For more than 23 years, the City of Tempe has placed unique and eye-catching art installations into store front windows at the Tempe Post Office in the heart of the Mill Avenue District.  

   Four selected artists will be provided with a $325 supply stipend to create installations with the WOW factor! Each selected artist is challenged to construct an “over-the top” 3D environment for new and/or existing works. Each artist is assigned one of the 4 window spaces which are viewable by patrons inside and outside of the Post Office. 

Opportunity #3:
Artist Residency Program at the Gallery at TCA  
  May 23-Jul 18, 2026

   Artists may also consider applying for an artist-in- residence studio experience. Three artists will be selected to participate in an 8 week/ 10 hours a week residency which takes place inside the Gallery at TCA. Artists-in-Residence are eligible for a stipend up to $2,500.

   Selected artists will participate in community programs, professional development sessions and social media while also sharing their art making practices with visitors. Studio spaces include plenty of room for art displays, workspace and storage.
 

 Timeline 

• November 3 Call opens
• December 12 Call closes
• December 15-19 Selection panel
• December 19-22 Selected artists notified
• May 14-15 Gallery artwork drop off
• May 27-28 Post Office installation
• August 24-25 Gallery artwork pick up
• September 22 Post Office deinstallation

How to apply

1. Work Samples 

• 10 images
• Image list: Include titles, media and dimensions for all submitted artwork

2. Artist Statement (max. 500 words)

•  What inspires or motivates your work?
• What central themes, ideas, or questions do you explore?
•  What materials, techniques, or processes do you use?
• Why do you choose these materials or methods?
• How do you want people to experience or interpret your work?
• How does your work connect to larger contexts (culture, history, community, environment, etc.)?
• What do you hope viewers take away from your art?

3. Artist Biography (max. 250 words)

• Where do you currently live and work?
• What education, training, or mentorships have shaped your practice?
• What professional highlights stand out in your career (exhibitions, residencies, commissions, awards, collections)?
• What communities, places, or institutions have you worked with?
• How has your career developed over time?
• What key experiences or milestones best represent your journey as an artist?

4. Resume/CV

If applying to residency program, we will also need contact information for two references and a letter of interest.

 For Questions Contact:

 Dani Godreau, Visual Arts Curator

 Dani_Godreau@tempe.gov 

 (480) 793-1257