Artists are invited to apply with exhibition ideas for Central Library

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. 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

Application Process:

Artists can fill out our Artist Form if they are interested in an exhibition at Central Library.

There is no set deadline for applications, Library staff will consider applications on a rolling basis in relation to library priorities and capacity. Applications will be considered for shows in 2026-2027.

The space:

You can see photographs and a description of our Central Library exhibition space here.

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 can vary.

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

  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.

  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: tmiller@madisonpubliclibary.org or via our contact page.

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