Organizer Information
The Riverside Art Museum (RAM) is a vital cultural hub in Southern California, integrated across two distinct sites: the historic 1929 Julia Morgan-designed building and the newly opened Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture ("The Cheech"). RAM is dedicated to uplifting diverse artistic voices and fostering community connections through regionally focused exhibitions and educational programming. "The Cheech," a public-private partnership between RAM, the City of Riverside, and renowned actor/collector Cheech Marin, is the first cultural center of its kind, serving as a premier space for the study and celebration of Chicana/o/x art and its evolving global impact.
Title & Description
Call for Exhibition Proposals: Altura Credit Union Community Gallery (Spring 2026)
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture is inviting emerging and mid-career artists and curators to submit proposals for the Altura Credit Union Community Gallery. This 1,500-square-foot space, located at the very entrance of The Cheech, is specifically dedicated to showcasing the stories and talent of the Inland Empire region. For the Spring 2026 cycle, the museum is prioritizing proposals for single-artist exhibitions (occupying a 750 sq. ft. half-gallery), though group shows utilizing the full space will also be considered. The goal is to produce professional-quality exhibitions that explore regional themes, cultural significance, and diverse curatorial viewpoints.
Categories
- Visual Art (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture)
- Photography
- Mixed Media & Installation
- Chicana/o/x Art and related cultural narratives.
Eligibility
- Regional Roots: Open to artists and curators who have roots in the Inland Empire region.
- Career Stage: Targeted toward emerging and mid-career practitioners.
- Scope: Individual artists, artist collectives, or independent curators may apply.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Curatorial Fee: A fee of $1,000 is paid for a half-gallery exhibition (750 sq. ft.) or $2,000 for a full-gallery exhibition (1,500 sq. ft.).
- Professional Support: Selected participants work with the museum’s professional staff to secure art loans and oversee marketing.
- Installation & Reception: The museum handles and funds the exhibition installation and hosts a public reception at its own expense.
- Additional Stipends: Extra stipends may be available for organizing or participating in related public programming.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Contact Information & CV: A current resume or CV for all lead artists/curators.
- Exhibition Abstract: A 1–2 page document describing the exhibition’s premise, themes, intended audience, and regional/cultural significance.
- Visual Materials: At minimum, 3–5 images of representative works.
- Preliminary Checklist (if available): Including artist names, titles, dates, mediums, dimensions, and lender locations.
- Logistical Notes: Details regarding any works requiring shipping from outside the region, special handling, or loan fees.
How to Apply?
Proposals should be submitted via email to: proposals@riversideartmuseum.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 January 2026
- Notification Date: January 2026
- Exhibition Period: March 28, 2026 – September 13, 2026.
Location
Riverside, CA, United States
Additional Details
The selection process involves a review by an exhibition panel comprised of museum staff. Incomplete proposals will not be considered. For specific inquiries prior to submission, applicants can email the organizers at the address above with "PROPOSAL QUESTION" in the subject line.