Installation photo of the Main Gallery’s August 2025 Exhibition
KCAC supports artists in bringing bold ideas to life. Through our Exhibition Series, we showcase diverse work from emerging to established artists in solo and group shows.
KCAC Open Calls
Now in our 49th year, we’ve presented more than 1,200 exhibitions — transforming spaces, inspiring audiences, and strengthening the arts community.
We are continuing our Extended Exhibition format in 2027, to give artists greater gallery time and exposure!
Instead of 4-week shows, each exhibition are programming our exhibitions to run for 6 weeks, giving artists the chance to be featured across two First Fridays—doubling exposure and engagement. Between exhibitions, we have introduced artist-focused programming like critique nights and community events designed to build connections and strengthen your practice.
Applications must be of original work, completed in the last two years and not previously shown in The Artists Coalition’s Galleries. Selected proposals will be scheduled between March - December 2027.
All media is eligible. Work requiring special installation (including large or heavy works) will be accepted ONLY IF the artist is available to install the work. Please also provide installation instructions for KCAC Staff.
KCAC encourages a majority of the exhibited artwork to be listed for sale. If there is a reason where 20% or more of the artwork is unable to be listed for sale, please include that in your submission.
Artists living/working outside of the MO/KS area will be responsible for travel and/or any shipping expenses.
KCAC has limited equipment on site for video artists. We encourage artists to provide their own projectors, monitors, etc for installations.
Artists and curators may apply with group exhibition proposals. Submit one form with a primary contact and list all participating artists in the submission form details.
Contact Director of Exhibitions, Thayer Bray for more information or questions about exhibition submission requirements. exhibitions@kansascityartistscoalition.org
2027 Exhibition Series
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Submission Open | April 15 - July 15, 2026
Exhibition Series Announcements | September 20, 2026
Selected proposals on view | March - December 2027
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Click the “Apply Now!” Button at the bottom of this block. this will take you to our Awardforce page.
Create a profile and apply for an exhibition! you ca use this profile for all future open calls and events.
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KCAC Galleries (Main & Snap Space)
3200 Gillham Rd. KCMO 64109
Submit your work for Critique Nite!
In 2026, the Kansas City Artist Coalition will host a bimonthly event called Crit Nite.
What it is:
Crit Nite is an opportunity for artists to receive constructive, meaningful feedback on their work. Held between gallery exhibitions, each session will be moderated by Thayer Bray, KCAC Director of Exhibitions, along with rotating guest artists and arts professionals.
How it works:
Each 2-hour session features three artists presenting their work—whether a few pieces, a full body of work, or works in progress. After sharing their artwork and statement, the audience offers structured, supportive critique aimed at fostering artistic growth, peer connection, and skill development. Crit Nite is ideal for artists seeking honest feedback to strengthen their practice or clarify a specific idea. The goal is to provide fresh perspectives, practical advice, and community connection.
Who participates:
The Critiquors: Led by Thayer Bray with rotating artists and arts professionals; and an audience of artists of all levels and mediums.
The Critiqued: Artists of any level who want substantive feedback to advance their work or communicate their ideas more clearly.
Artists wishing to have their work critiqued should apply HERE.
Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
Schedule:
Tuesday, Mar 10, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, May 12, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, July 7, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, Sept 8, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, Nov 10, 6–8 pm
Contact Director of Exhibitions, Thayer Bray for more information or questions about submission requirements: exhibitions@kansascityartistscoalition.org
Crit Nites 2026
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Tuesday, Mar 10, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, May 12, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, July 14, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, Sept 8, 6–8 pm
Tuesday, Nov 10, 6–8 pmArtists will be slected 2 weeks before each Crit Nite
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fill out this form:
Selected artists will be contacted two weeks before each Crit Nite.
Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
If artists aren’t selected, their submission will be considered for later Crit Nites!
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Kansas City Artists Coalition
3200 Gillham Rd. KCMO 64109
Applications are open with a rolling deadline for consideration as a selected artist for Curation Services
Apply HERE
Please email Programs Director, Babs O’Halloran at babs@kansascityartistscoalition.org if you have questions about submitting with the form linked above.
Curation Services Program
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Selected artists would be asked to create artwork for two windows measuring 44” x 106” each. Selected artists must present a proposal for approval and are required to execute this project during mutual agreed upon hours on site at Midtown KC Now.
Artists must submit proposals with the understanding that any materials used to execute the artistic vision must be easily removable from the windows upon the conclusion of the exhibition and the Midtown KC Now window space is returned to the way that the artists found it. The artists will be responsible for installation and un-install*
*Selected artists will receive a budget for installation supplies up to $700.
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Applications must be of original work created by the submitting artist.
Artists MUST submit the following items below:
Artist’s Statement
C/V or Resume
Link to website or social media account(s)
Optional: pdfs of reviews, catalogs, show announcements, social media handles and/or videos.
Applications submitted on a rolling deadline.
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KCAC shall receive a 40% commission on all sales. Prices submitted must include KCAC commission. The artist agrees to pay this commission on any sale of art that was exhibited at KCAC during the exhibition and for a period of one month following the end of exhibition.
Sketchbook Project for 2026 is closed! as of 4.16 all sketchbooks purchased will be shown in the 2027 Sketchbook Project!
KCAC is excited for the 3rd Annual Sketchbook Project!
A group exhibition featuring various local artists like YOU. This is a non juried show. Your participation fee ($20) allows us to provide you with an A5 Sketchbook (8.3 x 5.5 inches) that has a durable blank Kraft cover for you to fill in your own personal style. All sketchbooks will be included in a digital catalog and featured on KCAC’s website.
All sketchbook appropriate medium is encouraged. Must be of original work. All content is at the artists’ discretion but may not include defamatory or offensive content.
Contact Director of Exhibitions, Thayer Bray for more information or questions about submission requirements: exhibitions@kansascityartistscoalition.org
KCAC is excited to announce the return of The Sketchbook Project! Your participation fee allows us to mail you an A5 Sketchbook (8.3x5.5 inches) that has a durable blank Kraft cover for your creativity to go wild. Once you’ve finished working in your sketchbook return it to KCAC to be included in The Sketchbook Project group exhibition in July 2025.
IMPORTANT DATES
July 1st, 2025 thru March 31st, 2026: The Sketchbook Project participant registration is open
April 1st thru 18th, 2026: Return sketchbook to KCAC
July 5th thru 31st, 2026: The Sketchbook Project exhibition on view at KCAC
Month of August 2026: Sketchbooks picked up or mailed out
Sketchbook Project 2027
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Open Call | April 18, 2026 - April 19, 2027
Return sketchbook to KCAC | May 1-17, 2027
Exhibition on view | TBA
Sketchbooks returned to artists | Month of September 2027
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This is a non juried show. Your participation fee ($20) allows us to provide you with an A5 Sketchbook (8.3 x 5.5 inches) that has a durable blank Kraft cover for your creativity to go wild. Once you've finished working in your sketchbook return it to KCAC to be included in The Sketchbook Project 2027 group exhibition in mid 2027
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Snap Space
Kansas City Artists Coalition
3200 Gillham Rd. KCMO 64109
ART FOR ALL is an annual KCAC Member Showcase.
This is a non-juried show for KCAC members only.
All submitted works from members will be accepted into the show and as we believe art should be affordable for everyone, all works are priced at or under $500. To ensure we have room for every member to be shown please only submit one work no larger than 18" in any dimension.
All applications must be of original work, completed in the last two years and not previously shown in The Artists Coalition's Galleries.
All media is eligible. Work requiring special installation (including large or heavy works) will be accepted ONLY IF the artist is available to install the work.
KCAC has limited equipment on site for video artists.
Please contact Director of Exhibitions, Thayer Bray if you have questions on submission requirements: exhibitions@kansascityartistscoalition.org
Art For All, KCAC Members Exhibition
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Submission Open | June 18, 2025 - October 25, 2025
Artwork Drop-Off | October 18, 2025 - November 1, 2025 from 11am - 4pm
Exhibition on view | November 7 - 28, 2025
Artwork Pick-Up | November 29, 2025 from 11am - 4pm
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Your KCAC membership must be valid through November 30, 2025 to submit and show in Art For All. If you are unsure on your membership status or would like to join to become a new member, please contact Membership coordinator, Terri Pollack
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Main Gallery
Kansas City Artists Coalition
3200 Gillham Rd. KCMO 64109
Screen // Seen
Digital Art Series (July–Dec 2026)
KCAC’s first exhibition series dedicated exclusively to digital art;
one artist each month on public screens and online.
Submissions Now Closed
From July through December, KCAC features one digital artist each month on our public screen (gallery + lobby) and in a curated online gallery. Submissions are reviewed by a panel with representatives from BlackDove, the Museum of Art + Light, and the KCAC Exhibitions Team using a published rubric (artistic quality, concept/originality, technical execution & display readiness, statement, CV/track record, feasibility/accessibility, references). Artists exhibited will be considered for exhibition at exhibit at the Museum of Art + Light.
Open Calls
May 15th 12pm - Call Opens
June 15th 11:59pm - Call Closes
June 16th-26th - Jurying
June 29th or 30th - Announce First Six Artists
July 3rd - First Display
In partnership with BlackDove and the Museum of Art + Light
Screen//Seen
Digital Exhibition Series
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About the series
Screen // Seen: Digital Art Series is KCAC’s monthly exhibitions series exclusively for digital art. We present one artist each month (July–Dec 2026) on public screens at KCAC (gallery + lobby) and in a curated online gallery. Artists exhibited will be considered for exhibition at exhibit at the Museum of Art + Light.Who should apply
U.S.-based artists (priority given to local and regional artists) working in video, animation, generative/algorithmic, real-time capture, net-based/screen recordings, or AI-assisted media (with disclosure). Collaborative teams welcome (one lead contact).What to prepare (checklist)
1–3 work links (Vimeo/YouTube/Drive; note passwords if used)
1–3 still images (JPG/PNG, each ≤ 10 MB)
Artist statement (250–400 words)
1-page PDF CV (≤ 10 MB)
Two references (names + emails)
Tech notes (resolution, aspect ratio, duration/loop; audio Y/N)
Accessibility notes (captions if speech; flashing/strobe advisory if applicable)
Create an account / Log in to KCAC Open Calls.
Select “Screen // Seen: A Digital Art Series.”
Complete Start here (contact + eligibility).
Review Criteria (rubric & fairness policy).
Add your video links and stills; upload CV; enter statement + references.
Submit (you can save and return until the deadline).
Key dates
May 15th 12pm - Call Opens
June 15th 11:59pm - Call Closes
June 16th-26th - Jurying
June 29th or 30th - Announce First Six Artists
July 3rd - First Display
How work is reviewed (snapshot)
Panel with representatives from BlackDove, the Museum of Art + Light, and the KCAC Exhibitions Team, using a published rubric: Artistic Quality; Concept & Originality; Technical Execution & Display Readiness; Statement; CV/Track Record; Feasibility & Accessibility; References. -
What it is
Screen // Seen is KCAC’s monthly exhibitions series dedicated exclusively to digital art—one artist each month (July–Dec), on our public screen at KCAC and in a curated online gallery. One artist from the six will be considered to exhibit at the Museum of Art + Light.Create an account / Log in to KCAC Open Calls.
Choose “Screen // Seen: A Digital Art Series.”
Complete the Start here tab (contact, eligibility).
Review the Criteria tab (rubric & fairness).
Upload 1–3 stills (≤10 MB each) and paste 1–3 video links (Vimeo/YouTube/Drive).
Add a 250–400 word artist statement, 1-page PDF CV, and two references.
Submit (you can save and return until the deadline).
Key dates
May 15th 12pm - Call Opens
June 15th 11:59pm - Call Closes
June 16th-26th - Jurying
June 29th or 30th - Announce First Six Artists
July 3rd - First Display
Notes
U.S.-based artists (priority given to local and regional artists); collaborative teams welcome (one lead contact).
Flashing/strobe advisories will be added if applicable.
Questions? exhibitions@kansascityartistscoalition.org
KCAC will present its 32nd Annual Undergraduate Juried Exhibition in the Main Gallery. Artists currently enrolled in any undergraduate program In Kansas And Missouri are encouraged to apply!
The Leigh Rosenberg Earnest Memorial Fund will award a total of $2,250 in scholarships to exhibition participants, awarded by the juror and distributed in tiers ($1,000, $750, and $500).
The 2027 Juror is pending!.
Jurors are asked to select an exhibition of artworks from submissions made by currently enrolled undergraduate college students in Missouri and Kansas. The intention is for jurors to select the highest quality artwork and present an exhibition of what the juror finds most interesting, compelling, and noteworthy. The exhibition is an opportunity for students to be recognized as emerging artists in an established and professional art gallery while introducing the collecting community to the artists that will be entering the arts scene over the next several years.
Questions? Contact Director of Exhibitions, Thayer Bray, for more information or questions about submission requirements: exhibitions@kansascityartistscoalition.org
32ndAnnual Undergraduate Juried Student Exhibition
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To be updated with 2026 Dates…
Open Call | February 1, 2026 February 28, 2027
Applicants notified | March 6 , 2026
Artwork Drop Off | March 8 - 16, 2026
Exhibition Opening | March 19, 2026
Artwork Pick Up | April 28, 2026
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This is a juried exhibition.
Interested students must submit an application via Awardforce
There is no application fee and only one entry allowed per student. To apply, students will be asked to create a free account on Awardforce.