Come face-to-face with the arts in Durham.

exhibits

How Exhibits Are Chosen

Click here to register with CaFÉ and apply online for the DAC 2012-2013 Call for Artists (For Solo Shows)
Click here for the 2012-2013 DAC Special Exhibit Proposal Application (For Group Shows)
Click Here for the Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery 2011 Call for Artists Application

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What gallery space is available at Durham Arts Council?

The Durham Arts Council building is a 52,000 square foot community arts center in downtown Durham that contains galleries, theatres, rehearsal studios, classrooms and meeting spaces.

There are 4 galleries in the building, but the DAC programs the following 3 galleries:

Durham Arts Council's Allenton Gallery, main floor gallery area approaching the SunTrust Bank Gallery (approx. 42 running feet of hanging space) with halogen lighting.
Durham Arts Council's Semans Gallery, second floor gallery area outside People's Security Insurance Theatre (approx. 78 running feet of hanging space) with halogen lighting.
Durham Arts Council’s Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery, second floor gallery adjacent to the Semans Gallery and the Rollins and Wachovia Dance Studios (approx. 27 running feet of hanging space and flat screen video station) with halogen lighting. This gallery is dedicated to the work of artists who have received Durham Arts Council Emerging Artists Grants.

The fourth gallery in the building is the SunTrust Bank Gallery programmed by the Durham Art Guild, a separate organization granted space in the building by the Durham Arts Council. (3,600 sq. ft., walls move to create quarter or half gallery spaces) with halogen lighting.

Who decides what exhibits are shown?

Durham Arts Council screens for solo exhibitions in Allenton and Semans Galleries. Selected artists will generally receive one entire gallery for solo exhibit. These galleries are frequently scheduled for special events and receptions. Because of this traffic, DAC will only consider two-dimensional works which can be hung on the walls. Although DAC does not endorse any restrictions on any particular artistic content, in making programming decisions the agency will consider the fact that all users of the building must pass through the gallery space as they enter. Artists may reside outside of North Carolina but must deliver/install and remove show.

For additional Durham Arts Council exhibit information contact Lindsay Gordon, Artist Services Manager, lgordon@durhamarts.org.

Every year the Durham Arts Council issues a "Call for Artists" to solicit applications for solo exhibits. Screening panels change annually and consist of artists and arts professionals from the Triangle area. The "Call for Artists" is usually available in August and the application deadline is usually at the end of January.

The Emerging Artists Program Committee screens applications for exhibits in the Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery. The application deadline is usually in October.

The Durham Art Guild screens separately for solo exhibitions in the SunTrust Bank Gallery. More information on exhibiting in the Durham Art Guild’s gallery can be found at www.durhamartguild.org. The Durham Art Guild's phone number is (919) 560-2713.

How do I apply for a solo exhibition?

The application process for solo exhibit in the DAC Galleries for 2011-2012 is online at www.callforentry.org. The site registration process is easy and free of charge. The application process for the call is also very straightforward and requires a minimal administration fee of $10. Artists are able to apply for calls for entry all over the world through this user-friendly site. If you have questions about the registration process, not answered on the site, please contact DAC Artist Services Manager, Lindsay Gordon at (919) 560-2719 or email lgordon@durhamarts.org.

What if I have an exhibit idea that is not a solo show?

The DAC will entertain proposals for exhibits other than solo shows (for example; a show that includes the work of several artists, a show based on a theme, a group or association show). We have a separate Proposal for Special Exhibits application (see top of page). The deadline for submitting special proposals is the same as for solo shows.