Artists are invited to apply with exhibition ideas for a number of different spaces throughout the Madison Public Library system.

All mediums are welcome! Madison Public Library exhibition opportunities are highly competitive and not all proposals to display will be accepted. Work is chosen based on how it fits with Madison Public Library programming at a particular moment, not on its merit alone. In unique circumstances, applications may be accepted outside of these deadlines if aligned with current Madison Public Library targeted goals and programming. Applications are monitored as they are submitted in order to be flexible within our approach.

We prioritize…

• Working with emerging visual artists and curators,

• Providing local artists (WI based) with paid opportunities,

• Elevating artists who reflect our diverse communities,

• Encouraging artists to speak and create from their own experiences through community engagement,

• Facilitating intentional engagement between exhibiting artist(s) and community partners

• Welcome collective artistic efforts and emerging curators who develop exhibits with community groups

• Exhibiting work that draws people in, stimulates inquiry, and broadens horizons

Current cycle and timeline:

July 2023: MPL Art Application form opens to the public
March 4, 2024: Application deadline
March 4 - April 29, 2024: Applicants reviewed by a jury consisting of community artists and library staff members
April 29, 2024: Results will be shared with applicants via email

This application cycle will focus on exhibitions between Summer 2024 - Summer 2025. The duration of each exhibition may vary by location; desired timelines are typically 4 months.

The spaces:

See photographs and descriptions of library exhibition spaces.

Artist compensation for exhibition*:

We value compensating exhibiting artists and curators. Accepted applicants will receive a stipend to be used in whatever way the artist sees fit.

• Exhibition duration: Typically 4 months
  Timelines within our libraries vary by location.

• Neighborhood library honorarium: $400 for a 4 month exhibition
  The Madison Public Library provides a modest honorarium of $400 for a 4 month solo exhibition by a selected artist exhibiting original art works in our neighborhood library spaces. For shorter or longer exhibitions the artist will be paid at a rate of $100 per the number of months on display.

• Diane Endres-Ballweg Gallery honorarium: $800 for a 4 month exhibition

  Due to the square footage and scope of the Diane Endres Ballweg Gallery at Central Library, the Madison Public Library provides a honorarium of $800 for a 4 month solo exhibition by a selected artist exhibiting original art works in that dedicated space. For shorter or longer exhibitions the artist will be paid at a rate of $200 per the number of months on display.

• Curatorial honorarium and group shows:
  Some exhibitions may represent a number of artists/artist collective or require the skillset of an outside curator. Those exhibitions will be reviewed and contract terms will be determined by library staff upon acceptance.

  *The 2024-2025 period is our second system-wide cycle of paying exhibiting artists in our public library spaces. These rates are subject to change in the future based on an annual review of equitable payment structures and shifts in funding priorities within Madison Public Library.

Community engagement

Along with exhibiting work within our public library spaces, we encourage the selected artist(s) to plan for 1 to 3 community engagement opportunities in relation to the show’s theme, medium, and/or maker(s). These community engagement opportunities can take on various forms such as:

• a hands-on workshop for the public,

• an artist talk/panel discussion,

• and/or a community group collaboration.

Experience in community collaboration, teaching, and facilitation is desirable but our Library staff have access and expertise to support the artist(s) in this work. As plans are finalized, artists can expect to receive an additional stipend for things like workshops, events, etc.

Still have questions?

Please contact Trent Miller, Bubbler Program & Gallery Coordinator via email at: bubbler@madisonpubliclibary.org or via our contact page.

To apply, scroll up to the top of this page and click the ‘Apply now’ button.