Center Space Project — Open Call
University of Texas at Austin students are invited to propose an exhibition for the Visual Arts Center’s spring 2026 season! Students of all majors, disciplines, and course levels are eligible to apply!
Submission Deadline — March 31, 2025
Jump to proposal information
An all-student committee, in collaboration with VAC staff, will review the proposals and select one to be presented at the VAC.
Exhibitions at the VAC are comprised of artworks, wall labels and descriptive texts, public programs such as artist talks, screenings, and performances, and publications. Those who apply to this open call and are selected for presentation at the VAC will serve as a CSP member for the duration of their exhibition, working hand-in-hand with our team to produce your proposed project, develop programming and writing, and promote the project to our peers and the press.
Curatorial Workshop
Members from the VAC’s Curatorial team will lead a curatorial workshop for those interested in submitting an exhibition proposal. In this workshop, you will learn how to develop an exhibition concept, write a curatorial text, build a checklist, draft a floorplan, and produce a budget.
Wednesday, March 5
4–5 PM
Zoom
About Center Space Project
Center Space Project (CSP) is a student-run arts organization that collaborates with the Visual Arts Center and local arts institutions to present public programs, exhibitions, performances, and workshops that reflect ideas and issues debated by the UT community and Austin public. Each year, CSP collaborates with the VAC to present an exhibition and series of public programs in the Center Space Gallery, a large exhibition space wherein CSP curators and organizers produce museum-quality projects.
We work to bridge the gap between creative projects on and around campus and the formal space of the VAC to uplift and empower student voices. Both novice and experienced exhibitors are encouraged to explore experimental and innovative modes of curation in any media: 2–D, 3–D, digital media, performance (live and recorded), and other experiential forms.
How do I join Center Space Project?
All UT Students are eligible to join Center Space Project. To join, attend our next meeting or event! Center Space Project meets once a month. Our meetings range from general information sessions to open-mic nights, volunteering at local galleries and more. For more information, follow us on Instagram @centerspaceproject or send us an email at centerspaceproject@gmail.com.
I don’t study art; can I still join?
Yes! We welcome students from every and all majors!
What kinds of events does Center Space Project organize?
CSP organizes projects both at the VAC and at institutions around Austin. At the VAC, we organize performances, artist talks, workshops, exhibition tours, meet-and-greets, and pop-up art sales. We also work with local galleries and nonprofits to support their programs and projects—from promoting events to helping set up exhibition installations. We are always up to hearing new ideas and encourage you to send us any ideas you have. We can do it all!
How do I submit an exhibition proposal?
To submit a proposal for the open call, please upload a Word Document to Box by 11:59 pm on Monday, March 31.
Filename: First Name Last Name – Exhibition Title
What do I include in my proposal?
Submissions must include the following information:
Primary Contact Information
- Name and pronouns
- UT EID
- Email and cell phone number
- Academic standing (BA, BFA, MA, MFA, PhD)
- Academic program or major
- Expected graduation (month and year)
- Faculty reference
Exhibition Proposal
- Proposed exhibition title (no more than nine words)
- Curator(s) names and email addresses
- List of participating artists and bios (in alphabetical order with location)
- Exhibition description (300 words)
- Image checklist (detailed below)
- Proposed public programming (2–3 proposed events that engage the exhibition with the wider UT and Austin community, 125 words each max., in sequential order)
- Proposed floor plan (here)
- Exhibition budget (materials, shipping, programming expenses, etc.) of no more than $3,000
- A preliminary illustrated checklist with the following information:
- [Thumbnail IMAGE]
- Artist name
- Title, year
- Series title, year(s) (if applicable)
- Medium
- Dimensions
- Courtesy line (e.g., courtesy of the artist, or courtesy of Martha’s Contemporary)
- Link to video (if needed)
- Notes (include artwork location, loan availability, gallery connection, and relationship with the artist)
Sample Proposals
Have questions?
Contact Center Space Project at centerspaceproject@gmail.com