Emerging Artists Exhibition

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

You are eligible to apply if you: 

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Live or work in the Greater Boston area (Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth or Suffolk County)
• Identify as early in your artistic career, regardless of age. This might include, but is not limited to:
  • An artist who has been creating work for five years or less. 
  • A recent or current student.
  • An artist with limited exhibition history.
  • An artist who is returning to a creative practice or beginning an artistic career later in life.

(You do not need to meet all of these examples to be considered an emerging artist.)

Who is not eligible? 

You are not eligible to apply if you: 

• Are represented by a commercial gallery. 
• Have had your work accepted in the Fay Chandler Emerging Artists Exhibition previously
• Have a conflict of interest as defined by the City of Boston. 
  • All artists participating in the Emerging Artists Exhibition must certify compliance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 268A (the “Conflict of Interest Law”). You can find additional information on the Conflict of Interest Law here and can seek advice from the State Ethics Commission here.
  • For example, a conflict of interest may exist if an applicant, or any immediate family member of the applicant, is currently, or has been within the past twelve (12) months, an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected or appointed official of the City of Boston. These are not the only situations in which a conflict may arise. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they are in compliance with Ch. 268A.

Artwork Specifications

Artists may submit up to three artworks for consideration. If accepted, one work will be displayed. All media are welcome, subject to installation requirements and space limitations of the Boston City Hall Galleries.

Submitted artwork must: 

• All artwork submitted must have been created within the last three years.
• Meet the size and installation requirements below.
• Be available for the full exhibition period, from December 7, 2026 to February 26, 2027.

2D Artwork 

• 2D artworks must be ready to hang according to this installation guide and works on paper must be framed.
• Be no longer than 30 x 30 in. (including frame).

3D Artwork 

• 3D artworks must be free standing or fit on an 18 in. pedestal 

Video Artwork 

• Must be captioned and under 10 minutes long

Commitments

Before applying, please make sure you are able to meet the following commitments: 

• If selected, artists are responsible for transporting their artwork to and from the gallery. 
  • Artists must be available to drop off their work between November 16 - 25, 2026 
  • Artists must pick up their work between March 2 - 6, 2027.
• All participating artists must sign a waiver, available in the submission form.
• All artwork must remain installed during the exhibition period agreed on. 

Important note: The City of Boston and Boston City Hall Galleries will take care of selected pieces to the best of their ability. However, the City is not responsible for any damage to artwork while it is on display.