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Call for Indigenous Artists: The Pursuit of Happiness Juried Exhibition

Type: Exhibition Opportunities [View all]
Posted by: University of Rhode Island - Harold and Mary Frank Main Gallery
Deadline: Fri, July 17th, 2026

Call to Indigenous Artists
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS – Juried Exhibition
September 1 – October 15, 2026

Harold (‘62) and Mary Frank Main Gallery
Fine Arts Center, University of Rhode Island

Artists are invited to submit work for The Pursuit of Happiness, a juried exhibition exploring personal, cultural, political, and collective interpretations of happiness. Presented as part of the unveiling of the University of Rhode Island’s new Fine Arts Center, this exhibition seeks to reimagine and engage with the idea of “the pursuit of happiness” as an inalienable right given to the citizens of the United States. What does it look like to pursue, live, and sustain happiness across generations? This exhibition seeks to answer that question by highlighting the voices, perspectives, and creative expressions of Indigenous artists whose work reflects resilience, identity, and community. This work may engage historic pasts, our shared present, or extend the conversation toward imagined futures. 

Through The Pursuit of Happiness, we aim to create a space for reflection, dialogue, and celebration of Indigenous creativity and perspectives. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly—honoring traditions, envisioning futures, and expressing the layered realities of joy, survival, and fulfillment.

We look forward to your submissions.

Apply Here by July 17, 2026: https://forms.gle/nX71e7C2U2greeer7

Eligibility
Open to enrolled citizens of federally and state-recognized Tribal Nations.

Media & Presentation
All media are accepted, including performance, 2D, 3D, and digitally projected work.

Work must be ready to hang or display upon arrival.

Each work must include the artist’s name, title, and medium clearly labeled.

Any special installation or hanging requirements must be detailed in the application.

Insurance
All accepted work will be insured when in custody of URI. A URI insurance form must be completed for each accepted work.

Submission Guidelines

Submission period: May 1 – July 17, 2026

Artists may submit up to 4 works (each work requires an individual application)

Important Dates

July 23, 2026 – Notification of accepted artwork

July 27, 2026 – Deadline for submission of:

High-resolution images

PR information

Brief artist bio and statement

August 26–27, 2026 – Delivery of artwork to URI Fine Arts Center

September 23, 2026 – Reception (5:30-7:30)

October 16, 2026 – Deinstallation and retrieval of artwork

Awards
This is a juried exhibition with four opportunities for awards, including Best in Show, Runner Up, Director’s Choice, and Viewer’s Choice.

Apply Here by July 17, 2026: https://forms.gle/nX71e7C2U2greeer7

 

 

Posted on Mon, July 13th, 2026
Expires on Fri, July 17th, 2026

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