Open Call Exhibition Application for the Recreation Centers
Exhibiting at the Recreation Centers
The exhibitor (whether individual artist, artist’s agent, or organization) is required to read and agree to this Recreation Centers Exhibition Agreement.
Application Process
A selection committee will review the applications based on:
Creativity; how dynamic the installation will be in addressing the needs of the call
Feasibility; the qualifications of the applicants and ability to carry out the work proposed,
Community connection; topics addressed are relevant to local community and include collaboration with local individuals/organizations.
Exhibition Agreements
The exhibitor (whether individual artist, artist’s agent, or organization) is required to read and sign a copy of this Recreation Centers Exhibition Agreement. An exhibition is not considered confirmed until this signed agreement is returned.
Delivery of Artwork
Exhibitors are responsible for delivery and pick up of all materials and artwork for the exhibit and assume all costs and risks of shipping. Artwork drop-off and installation must be done during recreation center hours only. Artwork may only be exhibited on the pre-installed hooks. The recreation centers are not able to store loaned materials before or after the dates of installation and exhibition. Insurance of loaned materials is scheduled to begin and end on the dates specified in the exhibition agreement. Exhibitors are expected to be prompt in their delivery and retrieval of loaned materials.
Curatorial Discretion
The recreation centers reserve the right to refuse to exhibit, or remove from an exhibition any work or group of works that recreation center staff deem unacceptable for any reason and at any time. Cause for removal may include (but is not limited to): a) poor craftsmanship, b) significant departure from proposal or design, c) factual error, d) safety and operational concerns, or e) violation of any City and County of Boulder Policy. Recreation center staff reserve the right to refuse installation of any work that is deemed unsafe or potentially damaging to the gallery space. Exhibitor will be notified and have 48 hours to remedy display.
Installing Work
All artwork is to be installed by the exhibitor or a designee of the exhibitor. The recreation centers will use reasonable care to guard against damage to loaned materials. It is understood that all tangible objects are subject to gradual inherent deterioration for which the recreations centers cannot be held responsible. Exhibitor shall be responsible for damages that occur to the artwork or to the recreations center during installation. Damage to the gallery may include removing or chipping wall paint, holes in gallery walls, cracks or large scratches in display pedestals or plexiglass bonnets, damage to hanging system wires, hooks, or tracks. Price for repair of damages will be based on fees assessed by contracted painters or other repair people.
Recreation Center Information
The East and North recreation centers have preinstalled wall hooks which exhibitors are expected to use. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to inform center staff of any broken or damaged hooks during installation.
Exhibitions are displayed for one calendar month, year-round, expect for August. Installation is to begin on the 1st of the month with all works de-installed by the last day of the month. All installation and de-installation must take place during normal business hours.
Exhibition Zones
East Boulder Community Center:
Lobby-8 Hooks (there is a 9th at a different height, in the middle. Great for an artist bio)
Main hallway ramp (right side)-14 hooks
Bottom of ramp/ basketball gym wall- 14 hooks
North Boulder Recreation Center:
Front hallway-17 hooks
Front hallway main ramp to Locker Rooms-13 hooks
Back Gymnastics hallway-10 hooks
Frames & Installation Hardware/ Materials
Artwork is expected to be ready to install on the walls upon arrival at the recreation centers. The recreation centers do not provide installation hardware (rings, screws, nails, wiring, etc.) to be mounted onto the artworks or loaned materials. Ideally, all artworks to be displayed will have a hook or hanging method built-into the frame/backboard.
Title, pricing, and contact information may be mounted on the wall using mounting materials that will not remove paint from the walls. Packaging tape and 3M paint safe mounting stirps work well. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to provide these materials. Artist statements can also be hung in the manner, or on one of the hooks in the assigned space.
Insurance
The exhibition agreement provides for insurance coverage of the Exhibitor’s artwork while it is in place during the installation, the run of the exhibition and during de-installation.
This is the language of the exhibition agreement with regard to insurance: The City of Boulder’s insurance to cover temporary art exhibits at the Boulder Recreation Centers is currently limited to $150,000.00, with a $1,000.00 deductible. Insurance of the artwork shall be the responsibility of the recreation centers only when the recreation centers have care, custody and control of the artwork from the time the artwork is safely delivered to the recreation centers until the artwork is removed from the recreation center. The recreation centers have the right to refuse display of works deemed “tempting theft” or “breakable.” The City’s insurance contains exclusions and conditions such as for wear and tear, theft, breakage of fragile property, and adverse weather. By entering in to this agreement, Exhibitor acknowledges that final decisions regarding insurance shall be made by the City’s insurance carrier. Under no circumstances is the City liable for lost profits or any other incidental or consequential damages. Except for a claim made against the City’s insurance, Exhibitor agrees to hold the recreation centers, the City of Boulder, its employees and agents harmless against any claim by Exhibitor for damage to the items in Exhibit A [list of materials loaned]. If Exhibitor elects to maintain separate insurance to cover the artwork, then Exhibitor must supply the recreation centers with proof of insurance and Exhibitor’s insurance will be deemed the primary insurance covering the artwork.
Liability Waiver
If it is determined by the recreation staff that a particular artwork is in significant jeopardy for breakage and/or theft, that piece may either be removed from the show, or be re-installed in a different manner to minimize the risk. Artworks and installations that pose a risk to the public or the recreation center building will not be allowed under any circumstances.
Photography/ Use of Images
The Recreation Centers may utilize photographs provided by the Exhibitor or take photographs of the exhibited artwork for use in promoting the exhibition program.
The Recreation Centers cannot prevent and is not responsible for preventing members of the public or the media from photographing art displayed in the Recreation Centers.
Sales
The Recreation Centers are not a selling agent, nor does it take any commission from sales of exhibited materials. Purchases must be contracted directly between the potential buyer and the Exhibitor or a sales representative contracted by the Exhibitor. If an Exhibitor wishes to sell their works, a price list is supplied throughout the run of the show to allow patrons to contact the artist or agent. Purchased artwork is expected to remain in the gallery through the run of the show with release to patrons following the last publicized day of viewing in the gallery.
Storage
The Recreation Centers are not able to provide storage before or after an exhibition for artworks or packaging.
De-installation
De-installation should take place during regular recreation center hours. No early removal prior to established date. All installation and de-installation is the responsibility of the exhibitor. The recreation center do not have secure storage for artwork held temporarily. In addition, the insurance aspect of the exhibition agreement is scheduled to end on the indicated dismantle date.
Dates of Exhibition
Dates will be determined by exhibitor and Recreation Center staff prior to the signing of this agreement. Changes in these dates must be approved by staff.
Application
Applications will be accepted between Sept. 1 and 30. Applicants will be notified by Oct. 31. The 2025 application will be posted below when it is available.