The McConnell Art Center’s mission emphasizes our focus on showcasing the art made by living, working artists who reside in Central Ohio. The MAC invites submissions from individual artists, groups, and independent curators. Our exhibition scheduling takes place two to three years in advance. Submissions are reviewed once a year (January) by our visual arts selection committee. We feature five major exhibitions each year, rotating new work into the Main Gallery & Corridor Galleries every two months. Submissions with compelling work, a clear vision, and strong additional programming ideas have a competitive advantage.

Please complete the Visual Arts Application below. Once finished, send it and the required attachments to the McConnell Arts Center team using the button below. You’ll receive a confirmation when your application is received.

Visual Arts Applications are due December 1, 2026. The selection committee will review submissions in January 2027 for exhibition spaces in 2029. Notification will go out to applicants in February 2027.

Download visual arts application form Submit your form

The Visual Arts Selection Committee is composed of curators and creative professionals. Artwork will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Quality and strength of work

  • Originality and innovation in themes and/or materials/mediums

  • Artistic expression and creativity

  • Technical proficiency in the use of the medium/media

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Multidisciplinary programmatic connections

What amenities does the MAC provide for exhibiting artists?

  • A volunteer installation crew

  • Various pedestals, shelves, and display cases

  • A printed exhibition postcard, designed by an in-house designer, sent to a MAC tailored mailing list, with extras available for artist

  • Additional website and newsletter marketing

  • Opportunities for a paid artist led-gallery tour/talk

  • Opportunity to feature small works in MAC Shop

  • Projector capabilities in the main gallery