Megan Landon
Calling all artists: Five reasons you should apply to Overture Galleries
January 2, 2025
If you’re an artist looking to showcase your work, build your audience and grow your career, Overture Galleries in Madison, Wis., might be the perfect opportunity. Located inside Overture Center for the Arts, our five gallery spaces offer artists from Dane County and beyond the chance to display their work in a beautiful, high-traffic environment. Whether you’re emerging or established, Overture Galleries is a place where your art can be seen, appreciated and celebrated.
Overture Center attracts thousands of visitors each month—families, theatergoers, students and tourists—through Broadway tours, concerts and community events. The galleries are free, open to the public and a dynamic space where art connects with people beyond traditional gallery audiences.
Why display your work here?
Exhibiting at Overture Galleries offers benefits that go far beyond simply hanging your art:
1. Visibility like nowhere else
Our galleries expose your work to a large and diverse audience. Visitors often pause mid-stride to admire a piece, take photos or share it with a friend. It’s exposure you can’t find anywhere else—and one of the reasons artists love exhibiting here.
“Overture has made great use of the space to share other art forms,” said artist Hannah Sandvold. “People may come to see a performance, but they get to view the galleries at the same time.”
2. Support for artists at every stage
Whether it’s your first show or one of many, Overture Galleries welcomes you. We’ve worked with artists of all backgrounds and are here to guide you every step of the way.
“I was excited to be a part of Overture Galleries’ exhibit. I felt proud to have my work displayed in this prestigious institution.”
Erin Liljegren, artist
3. Build your resume and credibility
Displaying in an established gallery boosts your portfolio and professional reputation. For emerging artists, it’s an opportunity to take that next step and show your work deserves recognition.
“To list an exhibit at Overture Center on my resume is a huge benefit as I work to get into more exhibits around the state. Overture Center is the most prestigious place in Madison for amateurs to exhibit their work. It’s the highest honor an amateur artist can get,” said artist Robert Jaeger.
4. Be part of Madison’s vibrant art community
Exhibiting here means joining a community that celebrates diverse voices, mediums and perspectives. You’ll connect with fellow artists, meet people passionate about supporting local art and engage with an audience eager to discover and appreciate your work.
5. Opportunities to sell your work
Overture visitors come from all walks of life, and seeing art in person creates connections that online viewing can’t match. We’ve seen visitors fall in love with a piece and decide to purchase it that day.
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Artist Erin Liljegren installing her work in Gallery I's "Abandoned Abundance" in September 2024. -
Artist Joe Landis presenting his work at the Spring Galleries reception on Rotunda Stage in March 2024. -
Artist Mary Gill with her work in Gallery II's "Color Play" in March 2024. -
Attendees at the "Her Art" reception in Rotunda Gallery, Fall 2024. Photo by Beth Skogen. -
Artist Nastia Craig with reception attendees in Gallery I's "Echoes of the Mind" in June 2024.
How to apply
We keep the application process simple and accessible to artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. Here’s what to know:
- Who can apply? Artists from Dane County and the surrounding region, regardless of career stage.
- What’s required? Images of your work, your artist resume/exhibition history and details about your proposed exhibition.
- When’s the deadline? Applications for the 2025–2027 exhibition seasons are currently open and due Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT.
- New to applying? Check out our FAQs, and don’t hesitate to reach out—gallery staff are happy to help.
What happens next?
Applications are reviewed by a jury panel, who curate seasons that showcase a variety of artists, mediums and perspectives. If selected, we will work with you to plan the logistics of your exhibition, including layout, installation and promotion.
Take the leap – apply!
We’ve had the privilege of working with so many talented artists through Overture Galleries, and it’s always a joy to see what each new exhibition brings to life. We’ve watched artists gain new fans, learn new skills, sell their work and grow in ways they hadn’t expected.
If you’re an artist looking for a sign to share your work, this is it! We hope you’ll apply, and we can’t wait to see what you create.
Contact Gallery Coordinator Megan Landon at mlandon@overture.org if you have further questions.