Open call

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is pleased to announce two new opportunities for local artists and curators at one of the nation’s most innovative contemporary arts centers.

YBCA is committed to engaging the broader Bay Area artist community in the creative process by inviting artists and curators to submit works and exhibition proposals that center on art as essential to progress for its public and gallery spaces. As a creative home for the diverse communities of San Francisco and beyond, YBCA aims to support and cultivate artists who are working to support societal movement.

From our leading edge exhibitions and performances to our groundbreaking civic initiatives and community partnerships, YBCA is where creativity, people, and new ideas collide to create change.

Open call opportunities:

Second Floor Galleries
YBCA is calling for curatorial proposals for our Second Floor Gallery spaces, which range from a discrete project space of 760 square feet to up to a more expansive exhibition space comprised of 3,500 square feet. We are interested in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary proposals, especially those that focus on art as essential to progress. Example interests include Census 2020; art and health; youth and leadership; climate change; new economies, equity, and shared prosperity; and civic participation and democracy.

Curators, artists, and any individual or collective regardless of experience level, background, or location are invited to apply. Curators not based in the Bay Area will need to be present for installation. Submissions will be open from September 12 to October 20, 2019. Successful applicants for the first exhibition will be notified by November 8, 2019. The first exhibition will open June 18, 2020. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access will also be prioritized in the selection process. Proposals will be selected by five jurors who are leading experts in the fields of visual arts, performing arts, film, and civic engagement. 

Third Street Wavy Wall
YBCA is calling for artist proposals to create a mural on the wavy wall of its Theater building on Third Street, a highly traveled connective corridor where bicyclists, pedestrians, cars, buses, international travelers, convention attendees, workers, and families pass through. The mural area is 60 feet 1 inch long x 12 feet high. YBCA seeks to engage artists whose work aims to address the health and well-being of communities. We believe in providing a platform for young people through art and action, and in supporting all those whose practice promotes civic participation.

Submissions will be open from September 12 to October 20, 2019. Finalists will be notified by October 28, 2019. Installation will be the week of February 3, 2020. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access will also be prioritized in the selection process, which will be led by jurors who are leading experts in the fields of visual arts, performing arts, film, and marketing.

Any prospective artists or curators with questions about the process, or those interested in an orientation to the space, may visit the YBCA website for more information.