Call for Art:  Cooper Center Gallery Program

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The Cooper Center and the Department of Arts and Culture invite individual artists or artist teams to apply to display their work in the Cooper Center Gallery Program. Selected artists will have the opportunity to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Newton by sharing their creativity in this lively public space.

Exhibits at the Cooper Center run for three months, and artwork is expected to remain on display for the entire three-month period.

The upcoming Call for Art will cover the exhibition period that runs from June 1 through August 28, 2026.

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

About the Cooper Center Exhibition Space

The Cooper Center has several separate exhibit areas on the first and second floors.  All exhibit areas are in highly visible public spaces that are frequented by Cooper Center visitors every day.

For planning purposes, artists are encouraged to visit the Cooper Center 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: 10–15 pieces
  • Second-Floor Gallery: 15-20 pieces

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: Friday, February 20, 2026

• Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

• Notifications Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026

• Exhibition Dates: June 1 through August 28, 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 Cooper Center’s Gallery Policies, be ready to hang, and be compatible with the Cooper Center'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 – 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 Cooper Center 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 Cooper Center 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