The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department offers exhibition opportunities for serious visual artists, photographers, fine craft artisans, sculptors, and installation artists.  Applications are now being accepted from individuals and groups to display original works at the North Charleston City Gallery, North Charleston City Hall, and other public sites for the July 2015 through June 2016 program calendar. There is no fee to apply. Selections are made by a Review Panel appointed by the department. Artists have the option to apply online at www.northcharlestonculturalartsdpartment.slideroom.com or submit a physical application, which is available for download from the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website, northcharleston.org. Applications must be electronically submitted or postmarked by November 30, 2014, in order to be considered.  

The North Charleston City Gallery, located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach thousands of local patrons and out-of-state visitors to the multi-use facility.  Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently.  This exhibition opportunity is open to visual artists and artist groups creating two dimensional works or three dimensional works suited to hang on display rods provided. Pedestal and freestanding pieces cannot be accommodated in the venue. Exhibits are open to the public daily and admission is free. The gallery desk is managed by a Cultural Arts staff member on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for the express purpose of promoting the exhibit and the sale of artwork, prints, note cards, and gift items.

As a civic venue, North Charleston City Hall allows for great visibility among residents and visitors.  In addition to showcasing the City’s Public Art Collection along the atrium areas of three floors, the building is equipped to display two dimensional works as well as pedestal or free standing pieces in an enclave on the second floor. Exhibits in this space are rotated on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and may be viewed by the public daily with no admission fee. Cultural Arts staff maintains offices on the same floor of the exhibit space and are available to assist visitors.

In addition to the City Gallery and City Hall, other indoor and outdoor display spaces are available throughout North Charleston.  Applicants can propose a location or may contact the Cultural Arts Department to discuss possible exhibition or installation sites. Options will be reviewed with the artist prior to distribution of acceptance notifications.

For additional information about these and other exhibition opportunities, or to learn more about programs and services offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website, northcharleston.org, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or call 843-740-5854.