Overview
Urban Arts Space invites visual artists to submit work for Artist Commune: Being and Belonging, a community-centered pop-up exhibition exploring the complexity of identity, relationships, connection, emotions, and healing through creative expression.
In an increasingly fragmented world, this exhibition creates space for artists to examine what it means to exist authentically and find connection—with ourselves, each other, and the communities we inhabit. We seek work that probes the tender, complicated, and transformative experiences of being human: the search for belonging, the navigation of multiple identities, the vulnerability of emotional truth, and the ongoing process of healing.
Submission Deadline: Monday, October 20, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
Key Dates & Timeline
- Submission Period: Now through October 20, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
- Selection Process: October 20–November 3, 2025
- Artist Notification: November 3–6, 2025
- Work Drop-off: November 17–24, 2025 at Urban Arts Space
- Installation: December 1–5, 2025
- Exhibition Duration: December 9–20, 2025
- Artist Reception: TBD
- Deinstallation: December 22–23, 2025
Support
- Installation Support: Professional installation assistance provided
- Marketing Support: Promotional materials and outreach by Urban Arts Space
- Documentation: Intern photography of installed work for portfolio use
Artistic Vision & Themes
We seek artwork that explores one or more of the following interconnected themes:
Identity & Authenticity
- The multiplicity of self across contexts and communities
- The tension between who we are and who we’re expected to be
- Reclaiming narratives and self-definition
Connection & Belonging
- The human need for community and acceptance
- Chosen families and found communities
- The spaces between connection and isolation
- Belonging to place, culture, and community
Emotional Landscapes
- The full spectrum of human emotion
- Vulnerability as strength
- Processing grief, joy, anger, and hope
- The courage of feeling deeply
Healing & Transformation
- Personal and collective healing journeys
- Art as a tool for processing and recovery
- Growth through difficulty
- Resilience and renewal
Relationships & Interdependence
- The dynamics of human connection
- How we hold and are held by others
- Intergenerational bonds and wisdom
- The complexity of love, care, and kinship
Accepted Mediums
We welcome submissions across all visual art forms, including but not limited to:
Traditional Visual Arts:
- Painting and drawing
- Photography and mixed media photography
- Printmaking and illustration
- Sculpture (lightweight, suitable for hanging or small pedestals)
Mixed Media & Experimental:
- Collage and assemblage
- Textile and fiber arts
- Found object works
Digital & New Media:
- Video art and digital media
- Poetry (audio and/or printed and framed)
Community-Engaged & Collaborative:
- Participatory projects
- Community-generated works
- Collaborative installations
Submission Requirements
Please submit the following materials through the webform.
For All Submissions:
- Project Title(s): Maximum of three individual works
- Work Description: Include title, medium, dimensions, and installation requirements for each piece
- Artist Statement: 250 words maximum describing your connection to the Being and Belonging themes
- Technical Specifications: Detail any electrical, projection, mounting, or interactive requirements
- Installation Plan: Describe how the work will be displayed and any special needs
- Artist Bio: 150 words maximum
- High-Resolution Images: Submit clear, well-lit images of work (multiple angles if applicable)
Exhibition Spaces
Gallery Space:
- Dedicated (upper gallery) exhibition area
- Flexible lighting and mounting options
Visit our space: 50 W Town Street, Suite 130, Columbus, OH 43215
Special Considerations:
- Works must be suitable for high-volume foot traffic
- Installation weight limits: 20 lbs per hanging point
- All electrical installations must meet city safety codes
- Interactive works should accommodate diverse audiences
Selection Criteria
Artistic Excellence (25%)
- Technical skill and craftsmanship
- Originality and creative vision
- Effective use of chosen medium
Thematic Relevance (25%)
- Clear connection to Being and Belonging themes
- Depth of exploration of identity, connection, emotion, or healing
- Cultural resonance and authenticity
Installation Viability (25%)
- Appropriate scale and technical requirements
- Safety and durability for public exhibition
- Compatibility with venue spaces and capabilities
Community Impact (25%)
- Potential to generate meaningful conversation
- Accessibility to diverse audiences
- Contribution to dialogue around belonging and identity
Questions?
Contact Urban Arts Space at uas@osu.edu
About Urban Arts Space
Urban Arts Space is a contemporary gallery, experimental art lab, and community-engaged space connecting The Ohio State University with the Central Ohio community. Founded in 2008 and located in Downtown Columbus's historic Lazarus Building, UAS presents free exhibitions, performances, and events that challenge and inspire broad audiences. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices and stories can be shared, celebrated, and explored.
Urban Arts Space is committed to supporting artists who reflect the diversity of our community. We strongly encourage submissions from artists of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. If you have accessibility needs for submitting your application, please email us uas@osu.edu or call us at 614-292-8861.