Information for Artists

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.  

Applicants must live within the US and be able to travel to Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin.  

In-person attendance is encouraged and/or required for the following: one preparatory meeting, installation day, deinstallation day and artist reception. Accommodations will be made when appropriate for artists not living in the Madison/Dane County area.

Preference is given to artists who have not shown work in Overture Galleries in the past three years. Artists who have recently exhibited in a large group show at Overture Galleries may re-apply as an individual or as a member of another group. 

Group and curated exhibition applications must include artwork by a minimum of two artists, at least 50% of whom must reside in Dane County. Group and curated shows should have a strong conceptual and/or visual theme.  

Our call for art selects exhibitions for Galleries I, II and III. Accepted individual artists will be curated into partner or group exhibitions in Galleries I, II and III. Overture Galleries does not currently offer solo exhibitions. 

All applications are reviewed by a selection committee of Wisconsin artists and arts professionals.  

Selections are made based on the following criteria, as well as overall alignment with Overture Galleries curatorial mission and show cohesion.

• Artistic Merit: Evaluates technical skill, creativity, originality and overall quality of presentation; including professionalism, structural integrity of artwork and display readiness.  

• Conceptual Intent: Assesses depth of meaning, narrative strength and emotional impact of the work, highlighting the significance of its themes and the artist’s creative vision and ability to convey messages and ideas.  

• Community Relevance and Equity: Focuses on the artwork’s connection to the community, including cultural significance, engagement potential, accessibility and inclusivity. Emphasizes diverse representation of artists, reflecting a range of backgrounds, experiences, media and perspectives. 

The selection process will occur during February 2025. The exhibitions selected will be announced early March 2025. Curated artists will display for one season during Fall 2025-Summer 2027. 

Gather all your materials together before you start the application – our application software does not allow you to save and finish later.

File names:

• Images should be named with your initials and a two-digit number that corresponds to the number of the piece as listed on the item list.
  • Example: Artist, Sally H. Larson should title the file of her image, Moonrise, which appears first on her image list as: SHL_01 

• Document files should be named with your initials and the document type.
  • Example: Artist, Sally H. Larson should title her exhibition proposal: SHL_Exhibition Proposal

File sizes:

• Files should be high web resolution (4”x6” to 5”x7” at 300 DPI/PPI) 

• Maximum file size: 5 MB or 3000 pixels in the largest dimension 

File types:

• Images should be .jpg or .jpeg 

• Videos should be .mp4 

• Documents should be .pdf or .doc or .docx (.pdf preferred) 

Image quality: 

• No blurry or small images 

• No watermarks or copyright logos (this both obscures the art and prevents the blind round of jurying) 

• Submit recent work that reflects your current practice. 

• When photographing your work:
  • Use natural light: Shoot in soft, diffused daylight to avoid shadows and glare. An overcast day is ideal.
  • Choose a neutral background: Opt for a clean, white or gray backdrop to keep the focus on your art.
  • Keep the camera level: Use a tripod or steady surface to ensure the camera is parallel to your artwork.
  • Adjust settings: Use high resolution and avoid flash to prevent glare.
  • Focus and frame: Ensure your artwork is in sharp focus and centered in the frame. Take multiple shots for the best representation.
  • Edit thoughtfully: Adjust brightness and color balance without over-editing. Crop to focus on the artwork. Do not include framing on 2D works. Include close-ups for intricate details.

SAMPLE OF ITEM LIST

SAMPLE OF ARTIST RESUME/EXHIBITION RECORD

SAMPLE OF EXHIBITION PROPOSAL

Overture Galleries I, II and III serve as entryways to the Capitol Theater. Gallery I is on the first floor, Gallery II on the second floor and Gallery III on the third. Applicants are encouraged to view the spaces prior to applying.  

The Playhouse Gallery is on the lower level and is the main hallway between the Henry Street entrance and the Rotunda Stage. The Rotunda Gallery is just above it on the first floor, running parallel to State Street. These galleries are curated by Overture Gallery staff, guest curators and other local organizations and arts partners.

Gallery I Floor Plans

Gallery II Floor Plans

Gallery III Floor Plans

Playhouse Gallery Floor Plans

Should be original work, not reproductions of artwork

2D work must be hangable with d-rings on our wire hanging system

3D work must be 12 inches or less in depth and either: hangable with d-rings on our wire hanging system, or able to sit on a shelf or pedestal. Shelves and pedestals are limited to specific galleries designed to accommodate that type of work. Overture can provide a variety of pedestals, shelves and vitrines for applicable work

Artwork that requires special assembly or equipment will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There are no medium restrictions, except where logistically impossible.

All display decisions are made to prioritize the safety of the artwork, Overture patrons, guests, staff and our historic building.

Any artist living in the U.S. who is 18 or older is welcome to apply. We encourage you to consider your proximity to our gallery in Madison, Wisconsin, to ensure it’s feasible for you to attend in-person meetings and events.

We welcome artists of all skill levels, abilities, ages (18+), races, genders and beliefs. Our jury makes decisions based on the quality of your art and application. Preference is given to artists who haven’t exhibited with Overture Galleries in the last three years. 

Our call for art application is closed.

This is not required. We understand that you may be applying to multiple exhibitions or opportunities, and we may include you in an exhibition that is two years out. We’ll jury based on the images you submit, but you’re not required to display the exact pieces you apply with. 

First, read through all the resources on this page. Then, attend our in-person informational meeting. Sign up for our email list and follow us on Instagram @overturegalleries for updates and announcements. If you still have specific questions, feel free to email us at galleries@overture.org.

We do not have a specific theme that you are required to adhere to for Galleries I, II and III. However, we do prefer a consistent body of work or a themed proposal from the artist. If you’re selected, you’ll work with your co-exhibitors to find common threads and create a gallery title and “theme” together.

We are a multi-functional arts building open to the public, which includes minors. We are not a private gallery. Therefore, we do have some restrictions. Explicitly sexual nudity, work that promotes violence or gore, and anything hateful or perpetuating hate may not be allowed. If your work borders on these themes, it’ll be reviewed by a council of Overture staff. 

Yes, artists showing in Galleries I, II or III will receive an honorarium for participating in our exhibitions.

No, there are no fees involved in applying for or displaying with Overture Galleries. We strive to provide equitable opportunities for all artists, which is why we do not have an application fee.