Apply for a 2028 Exhibition in the Bear Gallery

Published on by fairbanksartsassociation

Fairbanks Arts Association invites Alaska-based artists to submit work for consideration for solo, group, or curated exhibitions in the Bear Gallery during the 2028 season (February–November). The Bear Gallery typically hosts two exhibitions per month by Alaskan artists working across a range of media, drawing both local and visiting audiences. Applications are reviewed by a panel of professional Alaskan artists based on work samples and artist statement. Applicants will hear back on their status in early 2027.

🚨 To apply for an exhibition, artists must read the full application terms and guidelines at Call for Entry (CaFE), linked at the bottom of this page. Applications must be submitted through CaFE no later than Saturday, October 31st, 2026, by 9:59 p.m. AKDT.

Exhibition Types

  • Solo: one artist
  • Group: works by two or more artists, no designated curator
  • Curated: a curator sets the theme and selects the artwork; proposals involving a juried component or open call within the gallery are not permitted

Eligibility

Open to Alaska residents (living in-state at least 6 months of the year) ages 18+. An artist or group may exhibit in the Bear Gallery once every 4 years; those who last exhibited before 2024 are eligible to apply now. This limit doesn’t apply to curated exhibitions.

What to Submit

  • 7–10 work samples (images and/or video, up to 3 videos) completed in the last 5 years, uploaded to CaFE’s “My Portfolio.” Samples should be cohesive and show a strong body of work; they don’t lock you into showing those exact pieces. Blur or remove any visible names/signatures
  • Artist statement (no names or studio names — this will disqualify the statement)
  • Artist resume (solo and curated applicants only; 2-page max, PDF)
  • Group exhibitions: at least one sample per participating artist
  • Curated exhibitions: samples from at least 3 committed artists (curator may be one of the three)

Entry Fee

Additional Considerations (see full terms & guidelines on CaFE)

  • Artwork in the exhibition must be completed within the last 3 years and must be original work by the applicant
  • Artists may submit only one solo application
  • Group and curated exhibitions need a designated point of contact
  • The Bear Gallery is located in a Fairbanks North Star Borough facility and receives visitors of all ages from around the world. As such, Fairbanks Arts Association retains the right to refuse the exhibition of artworks containing violence, inappropriate language, political, or religious motifs that are ill-suited for the borough facility. Artworks with discriminatory or culturally appropriative content will not be exhibited.
  • No AI-generated imagery

Code Of Conduct

All exhibitors must acknowledge and agree to Fairbanks Arts’ Code of Conduct.

Fairbanks Arts Association does not discriminate against any individual due to age, gender, race, religion, skin color, national origin, sexual orientation, or ability. Individuals opting to participate in Fairbanks Arts Association-produced events and opportunities are asked to adhere to professional conduct that respects the dignity and safety of our diverse communities. “Professional conduct” is defined here as communicating with and behaving toward Fairbanks Arts Association staff, volunteers, contractors, and fellow event participants in a way free of harassment, intimidation, and/or discrimination. Violations may result in removal from the event and possible disqualification from future Fairbanks Arts events.

Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 9:59 pm AKDT

See Full Application Guidelines
& Apply for an Exhibition Here

For questions, contact gallery@fairbanksarts.org / call (907) 251-8386 ext. 3.