SUBMIT AN EXHIBITION

 

ROLLING DEADLINE

Located at 405 E Oliver St, AREA 405 is a 177-year-old artist-occupied warehouse within Station North Arts District in Baltimore, Maryland. As one of the city’s largest alternative art spaces, it retains an industrial characteristic with exposed beams and remnants of its manufacturing past.

AREA 405 accepts proposals on a rolling basis for exhibitions, installations, and performances in the first-floor gallery and highly encourages site-specific proposals that tap the unique aspects of the space – that nestle into corners, interact with the bathroom’s small library, cling to wooden beams, or respond to the industrial relics.

A gallery tour (virtual or in-person) is encouraged before submitting proposals. Please email the gallery manager, Joyce Liang, at jliang@centralbaltimore.org to book a tour.

 
 

GUIDELINES

  • Open to all: individual artists or groups may apply.

  • Proposals serve as a starting point for finalizing exhibition plans.

  • The Task Force reviews proposals every June and September.

  • Submit proposals at least 6 months before your desired opening date.

  • Curators/organizers are responsible for securing funding.

  • We reserve the right to refine curatorial statements and press materials.

  • For safety reasons, we do not accept performances involving blood, excrement, or self-harm.

 

REQUIREMENTS

Please combine all materials below into ONE SINGLE PDF and submit it through application form.

  • Exhibition Title

  • Curatorial Statement (no more than 700 words)

  • Artwork(s) Selection with Captions

  • Exhibition Layout (Gallery floor plan available here)

  • Budget (includes potential fundings)

  • 3 Public Programs (At least 2 free event)

  • Artwork Checklist including Image of Artwork, Artist Name, Title, Medium, Size, Year, Price, Special Installation Notes (if any)

  • Participating Artist(s)’ and Curator(s)’ Bio

 

WHAT 405 PROVIDE

The support we provide to curators and artists is made possible by the grants from Robert W. Deutsch Foundation and T. Rowe Price.

  • Exhibition Insurance

  • Printing budget of $300 that could include:

    • Required: Postcards (100 copies), Default: 5'' x 7'' (2-sided) postcards on 120 lb cover

    • By choice:

      • Posters, Default: 11'' x 17'' posters printed on matte 120 lb cover (full bleed)

      • Exhibition Vinyl (limited to wall text vinyls, no larger than 25'' x 10'')

      • Standard Wall Label (if needed)

  • Gallery Guide

  • Photographer for the opening event

  • Exhibition Documentation

  • Wine for Opening & Closing Events

  • Docents for Gallery Hours

  • AV System

  • Installation Tools

  • Lighting Installation Support

 

KEY DETAILS

  • Gallery Hours: Thu– Sat | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

  • Our exhibition usually runs 4-6 weeks unless otherwise noted.

  • Artists and curators are responsible for the transport, installation, and deinstallation.

 

QUESTIONS?

Please email the gallery manager Joyce Liang at jliang@centralbaltimore.org

 

FAQ

Can I submit if I am an artist, artist collective, or someone not institutionally trained for art?

Yes, we accept exhibitions curated by artists, artist collectives, or anyone who is interested in doing so. If you need help understanding or seeing examples of the required documents, feel free to contact the gallery manager Joyce Liang at jliang@centralbaltimore.org.

Do I need to live/be in Baltimore?

No. However, please keep in mind that you will be responsible for all shipping and travel expenses associated with your proposal.

Does AREA 405 provide compensation for curator(s) and artist(s)?

Since the gallery is determined to provide services mentioned above, we do not cover the compensation for curator(s) and artist(s). However, we highly value proposals that have funding already available to compensate participants.

When can I expect a response?

Due to the high volume of submissions, we only notify applicants whose proposals are accepted. Notifications are sent in July and October following our Task Force review meetings in June and September respectively.

What is the timeline of the curatorial project?

Once accepted, the exhibitor will receive an invitation letter, an exhibition agreement, and an exhibition info package. Most exhibitions will have 2 weeks for installation. The installation is expected to be completed one week before the opening date to allow time for documentation. The exhibitor will have 1 week for de-installation.

Can I request a budget outside of the already-provided list?

Yes, you can. We recommend highlighting this item in your budget. While there is no guarantee of accommodating, there is a higher chance if the requested expense is for item(s) expands the inventories of AREA 405 gallery.

Should I have insurance for my artwork?

We provide general insurance to protect the exhibition. If you have insurance specifically for your artwork, please provide that information to the gallery as additional insurance support.