Exhibition Opportunities

OPEN CALL FOR July-December 2026 exhibitions & projects IS NOW CLOSED.

Stay tuned for our next open call, to go out in summer 2026!

PS1’s gallery program is a venue for innovative and experimental contemporary art embedded in a multidisciplinary, accessible, and community-driven space in Iowa City, IA. We encourage incoming artists/curators to fully activate the space by thinking “beyond the wall” and hosting events that engage the community such as screenings, artist talks, performances, or workshops.  

All submissions will be seriously considered and applicants are highly encouraged to submit proposals that speak to the mission of PS1, the unique character of its spaces, and/or Iowa City/regional communities.

Our primary gallery currently occupies two connected rooms with large windows on the first floor of a historic house located at 229 N. Gilbert Street (PS1 Northside). This space is fully dedicated to exhibitions. We also show artwork in the Main Hall at PS1 Close House (538 S. Gilbert Street). The space also regularly hosts events such as workshops and performances, so multi-week exhibitions in the Close House Main Hall must be designed to accommodate these uses.

PS1 also has many auxiliary (“non-gallery”) spaces including, but not limited to: stairwells, hallways, porches, yards, bathrooms, A-frame shed, and Art Gardens. Proposals for any of these spaces may function separately or in conjunction with the main gallery space as traditional temporary exhibitions or potentially long-term installations. 

We encourage interested artists and curators to explore previous exhibitions, installations and the ongoing programming of Public Space One here and/or visit the space in person if possible. Please contact gallery@publicspaceone.com with any questions about the proposal process or details.

The next open call — for exhibitions in the first half of 2027 — will be released in summer 2026.

FAQ

WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE TO SELECTED ARTISTS/CURATORS?
Thanks to our exhibition sponsors, in 2026 we are able to offer a $200 unrestricted stipend for each gallery exhibition.
We also provide:
• exhibition postcards or fliers
• refreshments for a reception or other event
• basic installation supplies and toolkit including white paint, spackle, and cleaning supplies
• project promotion through a press release, our social media and website, local event calendars, and other outreach
• the equipment and furniture listed here — and sometimes more, please inquire
• color printing/copying (up to 11x17") in decent quantities

We can usually provide:
• access to printmaking and audio/video equipment
• local scavenging/borrowing for installation items (we have lots of older tech and random materials, please inquire)
• volunteers to assist with installation
• brainstorming towards potential supplementary funding/support resources

CAN I SELL MY WORK IN THE GALLERY?
We are a non-commercial gallery and therefore do not focus on making art sales or showing "sellable" work. However, you are welcome to price your work. If work sells, we ask for a donation of 20% of the sale price. We are also happy to host projects that engage with economies beyond the traditional gallery model.

CAN I PROPOSE TIME BASED and/or PARTICIPATORY WORK?
Yes!! We encourage artists to propose performances, screenings, happenings, workshops, etc. either as a discrete project or in conjunction with a gallery exhibition.

DO YOU HAVE A FLOOR PLAN OF THE GALLERY?
Yes! View it here. Please contact us for additional information about auxiliary spaces at our facility.

MORE QUESTIONS?
We’re happy to chat. Email us at gallery@publicspaceone.com!