Calls for Artists

Check here for calls for submissions and portfolios! To have your call placed on this page, email kwhite@40north.org.

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY MUSEUM NETWORK– invites artists to submit artwork that reflects the following themes for an exhibition entitled: Our American Stories in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial.

 

Artists may create and submit artwork in whatever art medium you choose–visual, performing arts, creative writing, new media, music, and more. Submit items in the following formats where possible:

Click HERE to submit.

Pieces gathered from this project will be compiled and displayed in a video airing on the Champaign County Museum Network website and social media channels, and archived for potential use as future historical documents and exhibitions.

The submission deadline is May 30. For questions and more information, contact the network at: Champaign.County.Museums@gmail.com. 

THE GREAT ARTDOORS – The Great ARTdoors, a collaboration between the Urbana Park District, the Champaign Park District, UIUC College of Fine and Applied Arts, Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Illinois Arboretum, and 40 North, is kicking off a new cycle of awarding selected local artists stipends to create outdoor art installations in several Champaign and Urbana parks and community gardens. The 12 selected artists will receive a $1,500 stipend and the artwork will be featured in one of designated locations. Artists are asked to submit a proposal of artwork by 11:59pm on May 18th. Click HERE to submit. Selected artists will be notified via email by May 25th and artwork will need to be ready to install by June 22, 2026. The selected artworks will remain installed approximately through the end of November.  Email Kelly White at kwhite@40north.org with questions. 

ILLINI UNION ART GALLERY– seeks artwork from faculty, staff, students, and community members. The Art Gallery is located in the historic Illini Union building and hosts exhibits monthly. A variety of different visual media is welcome. Submissions are accepted over the summer. Check this website for more information: https://union.illinois.edu/artgallery Access the application here: Art Gallery 2026 – 2027 Application Please email iuboard@illinois.edu with questions. The application closes on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. All submissions must be submitted on-line.  Hard copies will not be considered. 
 
UTILITY BOX MURALS– 40 North and the Urbana Arts & Culture Program are thrilled to kick off a new round of utility box murals in two locations throughout Urbana. In submitting artwork for consideration, artists understand that a detail or section of the winning piece may be ultimately used. 40 North will work with the artist to ensure the integrity of the piece while effectively wrapping the box in a way that best features the image. Selected artists will also receive a $300 stipend. Submission deadline is 11:59pm on Monday, May 4, 2026. Email Kelly White at kwhite@40north.org with questions. 
 
CHAMPAIGN PARK DISTRICT– seeks artists to display at the historic Springer Cultural Center. Located in Downtown Champaign, Springer Cultural Center hosts 6-8 professional art exhibits each year. These art shows are determined by review of applications.  Proposals are accepted for solo or collaborative group exhibitions on an ongoing basis, and artists have the opportunity to give a brief talk about their work at a reception provided by Champaign Park District. Apply online: https://champaignparks.org/art-exhibits/

COMMON GROUND FOOD CO-OP FLATLANDER GALLERY– Apply to show your local art at Common Ground Food Cooperative! We are looking for many local artists to feature in our gallery. Our Art Gallery is located in our highly utilized Flatlander Classroom. This multi-use Classroom is ideal for integrating the arts into the urban environment and creating partnerships among artists, the community, and the Co-op. Selected artists will be invited to install for around 1.5 months (approximately 6 weeks). Selected artists will be allotted 2 identical locked cases in the gallery each measuring 8’ long x 44’’ high x 4’’ wide.

For more information, email marketing@commonground.coop.