FRESNO ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY: EXHIBITION APPLICATION

The Fresno Arts Council is now accepting applications for two-dimensional visual artists to exhibit their artwork in the FAC Gallery for one the following months in 2027: January, February, April, June, July, September, October, and November. We are seeking artists and/or art collectives who have 15-20 wired and ready to hang pieces to fill the gallery space. Selected artists will host an ArtHop reception at the FAC Gallery on the first Thursday of their exhibiting month. Please review the full guidelines here.

Please note that artists may only submit one application for the FAC Gallery or City Hall Gallery in 2027. Artists cannot apply for both. 

Deadline: October 2, 2026

Applicants will be notified in November 2026.

Submission Requirements:

• Contact information
• Identify exhibition month
• Upload samples of artwork for exhibition
• Identify any conflict w/ agreement items

** FAC will review and make the selection for each month's exhibition, Once selected, FAC will confirm the exhibition month and provide an agreement for signature. 

If selected, parties must adhere to the following items.

1. Purpose: Exhibitor agrees to entrust the artwork to FAC for the purpose of exhibiting at the Fresno Arts Council for agreed upon month. Exhibitor agrees to deliver, install, and take down artwork at the Fresno Arts Council on the scheduled dates arranged between exhibitor and an FAC staff member.

2. Artwork: All artwork must be original works created by the Exhibitor. Use of AI to create original artwork and/or promotional materials is not allowed under any circumstance. Exhibitor will send an FAC staff member images of all artwork that will be in the exhibition, along with a list of work titles and details, before the installation date of the exhibition. Artwork displayed may be available for sale. Exhibitor is responsible for the sale transactions. The interested party may contact the artist directly or contact FAC.

3. Displaying Artwork: 15-20 pieces are needed to fill the gallery, and all artwork must be backed with hooks and wired in order to be displayed using our gallery’s hanging system. Exhibitor is fully responsible for hanging their own artwork. Hammering, screwing, pounding, or attaching anything other than masking tape and mounting putty to the exhibit walls is prohibited. 

There is no height or weight limit for artwork in the gallery. The FAC Gallery is a large space, and large works are preferred. Exhibitor is required to provide labels describing each work (headstones), and provide an “Artist Statement” that must be wired and displayed in the gallery. The information required on the labels are as follows: Title of Work, Name of Artist, Medium, Year, and Price (NFS if not for sale).

4. Artist Reception: Exhibitor will have an artist reception on the first Thursday of the exhibiting month during ArtHop. Exhibitor must be present at the FAC Gallery during ArtHop hours from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Exhibitor must send all promotional materials to an FAC staff member for the FAC to promote the exhibition. Using AI to create promotional materials for exhibitions is prohibited. Exhibitor is also encouraged to provide food and drinks during their reception.

5. Cancellation: Exhibitor agrees to notify FAC of cancellation at least one month in advance of the scheduled date. FAC will seek a replacement for the exhibition.

6. Ownership/Copyright: FAC has the right to reproduce artwork exhibited in the FAC office for educational or promotional purposes, unless otherwise noted by the creator, or the rightful owner.

7. Holding: Exhibitor agrees to claim all work on pick-up date. Under no circumstances will work be added or removed before the exhibition schedule.

8. Insurance for Artwork: Exhibitor agrees to provide insurance for artwork exhibiting at FAC. FAC does not provide insurance for the artwork displayed at its office.

9. Right of Refusal: FAC has the right to refuse to display work on the basis of space, aesthetics, weight, and ability to protect, or properly mount the work to a wall. work on the basis of space, aesthetics, weight, and ability to protect, or properly mount the work to a wall.

Fresno Arts Council, in partnership with Fresno City Hall, is now accepting submissions from artists, art groups and art organizations to exhibit two dimensional visual artwork in 2027 for one month at one of two floors in Fresno City Hall. Selected artists will host an ArtHop reception at Fresno City Hall on the first Thursday of their exhibiting month. Please review the full guidelines here.

Please note that artists may only submit one application for the FAC Gallery or City Hall Gallery in 2027. Artists cannot apply for both.

Deadline: October 2, 2026

Applicants will be notified in November 2026.

2027 FRESNO ARTS COUNCIL & CITY OF FRESNO EXHIBITS IN PUBLIC PLACES GUIDELINES:

PURPOSE

The City of Fresno (City) and the Fresno Arts Council (FAC) wishes to expand the art experience for the public, to have artwork of high quality available to the community, to help create a more visually pleasing environment, and seek to provide awareness of the diverse histories and cultures of this community.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

City Hall is a public facility of the City; it’s not a formal museum, nor is it a commercial gallery; it’s a facility for conducting government business. The audience ranges from children to the aged, from employees to the general public, from the few who come to the facility specifically to see the exhibits, to the many that are required to be present for various reasons. The exhibit provides artists with access to a wider audience, and it provides the public with an exposure to art, which they might not seek on their own. All exhibits should be appropriate for such a mixed audience. Artwork that contains nudity or makes political commentary will not be displayed.

CITY & FAC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The City and FAC will be responsible for providing the necessary supplies needed for hanging the exhibits. If special equipment is required, FAC and their Preparator will coordinate with the Exhibitor and the City.

2. The City and FAC do not provide insurance for the artwork of the Exhibitor.

EXHIBIT CRITERIA

1. Up to 25 works are accepted. Note: a diptych counts at 2 pieces, a triptych counts as 3 pieces, etc.

2. Each work cannot be taller than 34” or wider than 54” and cannot weigh over 30 lbs. On North and South walls: each work cannot be taller than 30”; the width size is open. On East walls, work can be considerably taller, but not wider than 54”.

3. Each work must be completely dry--no freshly painted work accepted; professionally finished and framed (uni-frames not acceptable). Gallery wrapped canvas are accepted unframed. Each work must be backed with ONLY metal wire and D-Rings positioned at least 4” down from top of work and ready for display. If wire is positioned too close to the middle of the piece it will not hang flat. If positioned too high the wire will show above the frame with our hanging system hook.

4. All artwork must be original works created by the Exhibitor. Use of AI to create original artwork and/or promotional materials is not allowed under any circumstance. 

5. The artist name and title of work should be written on the back of each work. For easy identification during art delivery, place a post-it or tape a label with artist name and title of work on the front.

6. Exhibitor will deliver artwork on the scheduled date agreed upon with the Preparator at City Hall. Delivery times will be between 8:00-8:30 a.m. and pick up times will be between 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at City Hall, unless scheduled times are changed between Exhibitor and Preparator. 

7. All artwork delivered at City Hall must go through security screening individually. Artists should anticipate a long wait time during security screening. Please note: Artwork will be selected and hung at the discretion of the Preparator prior to being hung. After work has been selected, Exhibitor will take the work that was not selected.

8. Pedestals or easels to display work are not permitted due to safety regulations at City Hall.

9. Exhibitor will deliver labels describing each artwork (headstones) on the scheduled drop off date. Headstones will be displayed next to each artwork and contain the following information: Title of Work, Name of Artist, Medium, Year, and Price (NFS if not for sale). Labels can be created using Avery “Clean Edge” Business Cards #8371 (for inkjet printers) or #5371 (for laser printers) or similar. Handwritten labels are not accepted for display. No changes to labels will be permitted during the exhibit. If changes are required, contact FAC staff with said changes and provide an equal label for replacement. Sold pieces can be marked with a red dot sticker on the label. 

10. Exhibitor will provide an FAC staff member with images and a list of all artwork that will be exhibited, also known as Schedule of Works, before the scheduled drop off date. If possible, include numbered stickers on artwork matching the artwork to the numbers on the list.

11. Exhibitions must include an “Artist Statement” describing artwork, size 8.5” x 11” framed, mounted and ready for display. Artist Statement must be sent to an FAC staff member before the scheduled drop off date.

ARTIST OR ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Exhibitor selected to display artwork at City Hall must comply with the following

guidelines:

1. Signed Agreement and Schedule of Works must be submitted to an FAC staff member before exhibition is mounted. Schedule of Works must include prices consistent with the labels displayed.

2. Provide the name of a person to coordinate and oversee all arrangements necessary for the exhibition, publicity and installation plans. Exhibitor must provide all labor to transport work to City Hall, and whatever else is deemed appropriate.

3. Exhibitor will deliver and pick up work by designated schedule. If work is not claimed by the pickup date, it will be transported and stored at the FAC office at the artist's expense.

4. Exhibitor can provide an artist reception during ArtHop on the first Thursday of the month from 5-8 pm; free to the public. Receptions not on a regularly scheduled ArtHop must be approved in advance by FAC. Please notify an FAC staff member of any chairs and table requests you have for your artist reception ahead of time.

5. An alcohol permit must be requested at least one month in advance in order to serve alcohol during your reception. No alcoholic beverages are served to minors at the receptions.

6. NO WINE BOTTLES, PORCELAIN, CLAY, OR GLASS ALLOWED IN CITY HALL. Box wine, wine bags, and beer cans are allowed.

7. Exhibitor must be present during the ArtHop event, or other receptions open to the public.

8. No soliciting of a private or political nature shall occur with the exception of informational material regarding the artist’s work or the organization itself.

9. Public information and/or advertising regarding the exhibition, receptions and other activities are the responsibility of the exhibitor. FAC must approve the use of their name in any promotional materials and reception details in advance.

10. Exhibitor must provide their own insurance; the City and FAC do not provide insurance.

11. Artwork displayed may be available for sale. Exhibitor is responsible for the sale transactions. The interested party will contact FAC and we’ll contact the Exhibitor.

12. Exhibitor agrees to notify FAC at least one month in advance, or ASAP, if unable to exhibit work during the scheduled dates at City Hall. FAC will seek a replacement for the exhibition.

EXHIBIT RESTRICTIONS

1. Artwork will not be displayed without a signed Agreement and a Schedule of Works.

2. All exhibits and events are subject to change without notice. FAC will do their best to keep in contact with Exhibitor of any changes.

3. Artwork cannot be added or removed prior to the exhibition schedule.

4. Artwork must not be of a nature that would threaten public safety or contain graphic nudity or profanity.

5. Exhibits must abide by all City and Fire Code Regulations; access must be available to all exits at City Hall.

6. No painting or reconstruction of any wall is allowed.

7. No hammering, screwing, or pounding, or attaching anything to the exhibit walls, spaces, or areas are allowed. Hanging rails and display space and area must be used appropriately.

**NOTE** THIS APPLICATION IS FOR VENUES (GALLERIES, CAFES, BUSINESSES WITH PHYSICAL LOCATION) NOT VENDORS. Fresno Arts Council does not manage independent vendors for ArtHop. 

Independent vendors, exhibitors, performers, and creatives who are looking for a space during ArtHop to display their art can submit an application for Gallery on Fulton. Gallery on Fulton is an Official ArtHop Venue on first Thursdays in Downtown Fresno managed by the Fresno Arts Council under a City of Fresno Special Event Permit. The application can be accessed on the Open Calls page of our website and this link here: https://fresnoartscouncil.submittable.com/submit/328417/gallery-on-fulton-vendor-exhibitor-application-and-agreement. 

1. The Annual ArtHop™ membership fee is $180.00 for the period of ArtHop™-related art programming occurring between January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The one-time membership fee is $40 for one month of ArtHop™-related art programming occurring between January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

2. ArtHop™ participation requires a physical location to exhibit artwork. The Fresno Arts Council will assist you in contacting artists, or you can use our website and social networks to post an open call for artists.

3. ArtHop™ is FREE to the public and there is NO FEE for artists to exhibit artwork at your location. Therefore, you are prohibited from charging entrance fees and/or ticket sales during ArtHop™ and/or broker fees for exhibitions. You may, however, discuss the terms and rates of a commission from any sales made during ArtHop™ or the exhibition period at your location at your discretion.

4. Once you have confirmed and booked an artist for the exhibition, please inform your artist(s) with a production timeline for the agreed-upon exhibition in a reasonable manner, i.e. one-day or monthlong exhibit or more, so that artist(s) can prepare. We suggest drafting an agreement with your artist(s) that clearly states the dates and times for both installation and removal of each confirmed booking with your artist(s).

5. ArtHop™ is observed on the first and third Thursday of each month between the hours of 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You are welcome to open your ArtHop™ event(s) earlier and/or extend your hours past this general event period. 

a. ArtHop™ venues will provide a public reception during ArtHop™ hours, or from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Music and/or other artistic performances are optional but encouraged. Receptions may include snacks or appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Venues that choose to serve alcohol must be compliant with ordinances from the City of Fresno: you may need to acquire a one-day license or permit. If serving alcoholic beverages, venues should monitor the serving area to ensure that no minors under 21 years of age are served whether directly or indirectly.

b. All exhibiting artists must be present and/or available during the ArtHop™ event to greet the public and discuss their artwork. ArtHop™ venues will be supplied with ArtHop™ brochures for promotion. If you require additional printed brochures during the 2026 season, please contact the Fresno Arts Council during regular business hours.

c. The first Thursday ArtHop™ is held in Downtown Fresno and the Tower District areas; the third Thursday ArtHop™ is held in the greater Fresno metropolitan area, including the City of Clovis and outlying areas of Fresno County.

6. The Fresno Arts Council does not provide insurance coverage for your ArtHop™ event and is not responsible for any damages and/or loss of property. Venues will provide insurance for ArtHop™ artist(s) featured during ArtHop™. Featured Artists will provide insurance coverage for their own artwork(s) exhibited.

7. ArtHop™ venues are responsible for submitting event programming updates, including any flyers and/or social media, to the Fresno Arts Council by the Friday before the next scheduled ArtHop™ date. This will allow Fresno Arts Council staff time to promote your upcoming ArtHop™ event(s) online through our website, e-newsletters, and social media. You may send (1) image and a brief blurb (200 words or less) describing the event to sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org. 

8. ArtHop™ venues are encouraged to release promotional materials to the media (and the Fresno Arts Council) at least 30 days prior to the event. Please email announcements to sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org. Printed materials may be delivered to the Fresno Arts Council during regular business hours or mailed to our address: 1245 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno CA 93721.

If you have questions about the terms of these general guidelines, please contact sharon@fresnoartscouncil.org or call (559) 237-9734 during our regular business hours. We are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM PDT/PST. Thank you for your support for the arts in Fresno County, and for sustaining ArtHop™’s 29th year of free and public arts programming!