OVERVIEW

The City of Boston invites artists, collectives and art organizations residing, working, or creating in the Greater Boston area to submit proposals for 2D and 3D installations in the Mezzanine Gallery at Boston City Hall. This prominent space, visible to all who enter the building through the main entrance, offers a unique opportunity for artists to engage with a diverse audience. 

Four proposals will be selected for exhibitions lasting 8-12 weeks each, scheduled during the following periods: August - October 2025, November 2025 - January 2026, February - April 2026, and April - July 2026. Selected applicants will receive one stipend of $700 per exhibition to support production and transportation costs. Selected applicants will get assigned an exhibition slot.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST

ABOUT THE MEZZANINE GALLERY

The Mezzanine Gallery at Boston City Hall is a highly visible space, serving as the first encounter with art for many visitors entering the building. This unique location offers selected artists the opportunity to engage with a broad and diverse audience. Furthermore, the selected exhibitions will be in dialogue with Yu-Wen Wu's powerful long-term installation, “We Belong”. Artists are encouraged to consider how their proposed work might interact with and complement the themes and visual language of this piece, creating a cohesive and thought-provoking experience for visitors.

ABOUT THE BOSTON CITY HALL GALLERIES

The Boston City Hall Galleries showcase contemporary emerging and mid-career local artists and art organizations. The galleries aim to nurture Boston’s local art scene by displaying a variety of mediums and perspectives that reflect the city’s diversity. Our mission is to provide spaces that present memorable, groundbreaking, concept-driven exhibitions that engage local communities, spark conversations on social issues, and inspire a sense of belonging within Boston City Hall.

We acknowledge that our galleries are built on the traditional homeland of the Massachusett people and the home of the neighboring Wampanoag and Nipmuc peoples. Along with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, we believe the arts play a crucial role in driving social change and creating a thriving, healthy community for all.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applications are open to individual artists, collectives, art organizations and groups of artists.
• Applicants whose work explores themes such as social issues, civil rights, climate change, housing accessibility, equity, or identity are encouraged to apply.
• Only one submission per applicant will be accepted.
• Applicants must reside, work, or create in the Greater Boston area (Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk County).
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

• Selected applicants will receive a $700 stipend to assist with production and transportation costs.
• All media are welcome, subject to installation requirements and space limitations. We recommend reviewing the examples of previously exhibited works, which can be found here: Mezzanine Gallery - Examples.
• Submitted artwork may be in progress or finalized.
• Selected proposals will be on view on exhibitions lasting 8-12 weeks each, scheduled during the following periods: August - October 2025, November 2025 - January 2026, February - April 2026, and April - July 2026. 
• Selected proposals will be assigned an exhibition slot. 

ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS

• 2D artwork cannot exceed 100 in. in height and 35 lbs in weight.
• 3D artwork cannot exceed 100 in. in height and 50 lbs in weight.
• Video works must be silent and have high contrast to be projected during the day.

COMMITMENTS

• Selected applicants are responsible for transporting their artwork to and from the gallery and assisting with installation.
• Selected applicants are responsible for providing all necessary installation hardware unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
• All participating artists must sign a waiver, available in the submission form. The City of Boston and Boston City Hall Galleries are not responsible for any damage to artwork while on display.
• All artwork must remain installed during the exhibition period agreed on. 
• Selected applicants will be required to establish a Vendor ID with the City of Boston before payment is processed.

SELECTION PROCESS

Proposals will be reviewed and selected by a committee of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture staff. They will be scored based on the criteria found on this rubric. Decisions will be notified by June 6th.

NOTICE OF ACCOMMODATIONS

You can request translation and accommodation services here. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Galleries and Exhibitions Manager via email at mariana.rodriguezrey@boston.gov.