Open Call for Artists CHICAT Pride 2025 Exhibition: The Art of Being: Loud, Proud, Alive
About the Exhibition:
In celebration of Pride Month, Chicago Center for Arts and Technology invites LGBTQIA+ artists and allies to submit work for our upcoming gallery exhibition, The Art of Being: Loud, Proud, Alive.
This exhibition honors queer creativity, resilience, and visibility—highlighting work that explores identity, chosen family, community, protest, joy, and the simple yet radical act of being. From bold declarations to quiet affirmations, we welcome artwork that speaks to what it means to live fully, unapologetically, and with pride.
Opening night on June 26 will also launch our summer programs CHICAT, our free semester of arts and technology programming for teens through adults. The exhibition is both a celebration and a catalyst—advancing CHICAT’s mission to cultivate inclusive, empowering creative spaces for all.
All proceeds raised during the event will directly support CHICAT’s community programs.
Eligibility
- Open to LGBTQIA+ artists and allies
- All media welcome: painting, photography, poetry, fashion, sculpture, textile, mixed media, digital art, installation, and video (limited screen space available), etc.
- Artists must be based in the Chicago area or be able to arrange delivery/pickup of work
Submission Deadline: Monday, May 19, 2025
Submit via Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrpxaaUQj6e5FjMoLEj9bLS8eoYPyRMpVQ3JySRpc4Vw97_g/viewform?usp=dialog
Required Submission Materials:
- Artist Name & Contact Information
- Short Artist Bio (100–150 words)
- Artwork Images (up to 3 works for consideration)
- Include title, medium, size, and year for each
- Optional: Artist Statement (100–200 words). Tell us how your work connects to Pride, identity, or community
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: Monday, May 19, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: Monday, June 2nd, 2025
- Artwork Drop-Off Window: June 9 – June 14, 2025 (coordinated with selected artists)
- Opening Reception & Fundraiser: Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Exhibition Dates: June 26 – July 12, 2025
Additional Info
- All accepted works must be ready to hang or display
- Maximum size: 3 ft x 4 ft (including frame)
- No application or exhibition fee
- Artists are responsible for delivery and pickup of artwork
Sales of Artwork
CHICAT will facilitate the sale of artwork during the Pride Month Exhibition.
- If a piece is sold, CHICAT will retain an 18% commission from the final sale price to support our free community programs.
- Artists will receive 82% of the sale price, paid within 30 days after the exhibition closes.
- Artists with total sales of $600 or more will be required to submit an IRS Form W-9 before payment can be issued.
- We encourage all buyers to take their purchased artwork home during the Opening Reception on June 26, 2025. CHICAT staff will document all sold works and notify artists immediately.
- If a buyer cannot take the work home that evening, CHICAT will assist in connecting the buyer and artist to coordinate pickup or shipping.
- Artists and buyers are responsible for all shipping arrangements and costs. CHICAT will not cover or manage shipping logistics.
- Artists are responsible for picking up any unsold work after the exhibition closes.
