Call for Art:  City Hall Gallery Program

  CIty Hall Gallery

The Newton Department of Arts and Culture invites individual artists or artist teams to apply to display their work in the City Hall Gallery Program. Selected artists will have the opportunity to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Newton by sharing their creativity in Newton's majestic City Hall.

Exhibits at City Hall run for three months, and artwork is expected to remain on display for the entire three-month period. (Please note:  This is a change from the current one-month rotating schedule.)

The upcoming Call for Art will cover the exhibition period that runs from July 1 through Secptember 30, 2026.

Selected artists are responsible for transport, unpacking, installation, and removal of their artwork. 

About the City Hall Exhibition Space

Newton City Hall has three separate exhibit areas: the 1st floor gallery,
2nd floor gallery, and the stairways connecting the two floors (the Stairway Gallery is reserved for student artists). The City Hall galleries are open during City Hall business hours and are visited daily by civic leaders, City staff, and residents.

For planning purposes, artists are encouraged to visit City Hall gallery spaces in
advance of applying, as the following capacities are estimates and the actual gallery
capacities vary based on artwork size and orientation.

• First-Floor Gallery: 15–20 pieces
• Second-Floor Gallery: 10–15 pieces
• Student Stairway Gallery: 9–10 pieces (for Newton high school students)

While familiarity with the spaces can help you refine your application, the Arts and Culture Department will determine which selected artists will display in which gallery spaces.

Timeline

• Call Opens: Monday, April 27, 2026

• Application Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026

• Notifications Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026

• Exhibition Dates: July 1 through September 30, 2026

Eligibility

We welcome submissions from:

  • Emerging and established artists
  • Local and regional artists (priority given to Newton-based artists)
  • Individual artists or small group exhibitions 

2D art in all media forms is welcome.

Artwork must adhere to the City Hall Gallery Policies, be ready to hang, and be compatible with City Hall's hanging system.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by Newton’s Department of Arts and Culture adjudication panel, and artists will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Visual impact

• Creativity and originality

• Artistic quality and technique

• Clarity and coherence of the application

• Suitability for public display in a municipal building

How To Apply

Step 1: Complete the online application form by clicking here.

Step 2: Submit images of your artwork as follows:

  • Email images of all of your proposed exhibition artwork to culture@newtonma.gov
  • File labeling: Label each image file clearly using the format:
    1-FirstName_LastName_Title.jpg
  • Email subject line: Use “YOUR NAME – City Hall Gallery Application” as the subject.
    Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF only.

Step 3:  If you and your artwork are selected, you must sign a City Hall Gallery Release of Liability Form before you can install your work. 

Publicity & Promotion

The exhibition will be marketed through City communications, newsletters, social media, and partner platforms. Selected artists are invited to do their own outreach with pre-approved print or digital materials. The City of Newton does not facilitate or participate in art sales. Artists may include a link, QR code, or contact information for potential buyers. Prices may not be displayed.

Questions?  Email culture@newtonma.gov