Organizer Information

The Umbrella Arts Center, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a prominent cultural hub in the MetroWest Boston area, welcoming nearly 30,000 visitors annually. Founded as a comprehensive arts organization, it provides broad access to performing arts, visual arts, and arts education. The Center hosts year-round gallery exhibitions, professional theater productions, concerts, film series, and educational programs for all ages. Additionally, The Umbrella is home to over 50 studio artists and artists-in-residence, offering state-of-the-art facilities including multiple gallery spaces, a 350-seat main stage theater, a 100-seat black box theater, a ceramics studio, and classrooms for diverse artistic practices. The organization promotes creativity, learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth through inclusive and accessible programs.

Title & Description

Call for Proposals: Vertical Gallery Installation, 2026/27 Season
The Umbrella Arts Center is seeking proposals for a vertical installation in its atrium Vertical Gallery for the 2026/27 season (September 2026–June 2027). The gallery space is ideal for hanging or “floating” works and features a large skylight, providing natural light throughout the day. The installation will be visible from 360 degrees and must engage viewers from all angles. Lightweight, fire-compliant materials are preferred. Selected works will be on display for up to six months. The opportunity encourages bold, engaging, and innovative installations that create dialogue with the surrounding community and activate the atrium space.

Categories

  • Visual Art
  • Installation Art
  • Sculpture
  • Mixed Media

Eligibility

  • Open to individual artists only
  • No geographic restriction specified (primarily regional artists featured, but international applications may be considered if aligned with the Center’s guidelines)
  • Emerging, mid-career, and established artists welcome

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Honorarium of $1,000 for the artist
  • Materials allowance up to $500
  • Insurance coverage for artwork up to $50,000 (insurance rider required for individual works over $15,000 or total show over $280,000)
  • Exhibition in a high-visibility gallery space in The Umbrella’s atrium for up to six months
  • Opportunity for exposure to a diverse audience and engagement with Concord’s community

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  1. About You:
    • Artist statement (max 500 words), including interest in working with The Umbrella
    • Resume or CV with contact information
    • Portfolio of 5–10 representative images
    • Website or social media links (optional)
    • List of three references
  2. About the Installation:
    • Installation statement (max 300 words) describing your vision and interaction with viewers
    • Proposed budget for the project
    • Up to 6 images of the proposed installation (design drawings or photos of models)

How to Apply?

Proposals can be submitted to Julia Martorell, Visual Arts Manager, at julia@theumbrellaarts.org as one PDF document that includes all of the application materials.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 7 January 2026
  • Exhibition Period: September 2026–June 2027

Location

Concord, Massachusetts, United States

Additional Details

  • All work must be ready to be hung, mounted, or installed at the designated time.
  • Transportation and shipping are the artist’s responsibility.
  • Works may be offered for sale with a 30% commission taken by The Umbrella.
  • Artworks must comply with fire codes and be durable for extended display.
  • The Umbrella is not liable for injury, loss, or damage during transport or exhibition.

Website Link: https://theumbrellaarts.org/visual-arts/call-art

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