WaterFire is pleased to announce an open call for artists for America, Unfinished?!, a large-scale group exhibition open from July 2 through August 30, 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Set within the 15,000-square-foot industrial space of the WaterFire Arts Center, this exhibition will explore the idea of America as an ongoing, evolving, and unresolved project. Artists are invited to submit work that grapples with the contradictions and possibilities that shape personal and collective experience in our ever-shifting cultural landscape.
SCOPE
America, Unfinished?! brings together works that examine the systems, stories, and spaces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the idea of America. We welcome proposals that engage these ideas critically, experimentally, or through lived experience, including themes such as:
- Labor and infrastructure
- Migration and movement
- Identity and belonging
- Memory and history
- Civic life and shared places
- Material culture and everyday experience
ELIGIBILITY
Emerging and established artists working across disciplines are encouraged to apply. We are especially interested in:
- Large-scale installations and immersive environments
- Participatory or performance-based work
- Sounds, light, and media-based projects
- Painting, photography, sculpture, or textiles
- Architectural interventions or existing site-responsive work that can be adapted to our space
- Works in progress that can be realized within the exhibition timeline
We are especially interested in work that creates shared experiences or invites audiences into collective reflection.
Artists may apply as individuals or collectives. Local, national, and international submissions are welcome.
DETAILS
- Application Deadline:
Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 PMEXTENDED: Sunday, April 19 at 11:59 PM - Selection Notification: Friday, April 24 through Friday, May 1
- Drop-Off & Installation: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26
- Exhibition Dates: Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, August 30
- Deinstallation & Pick-Up: Monday, August 31 – Wednesday, September 2
- Location: 475 Valley St, Providence, RI 02908
Participating artists will receive:
- Exhibition space in a major industrial nonprofit arts venue
- Technical installation support
- Professional photo and video documentation
- Inclusion in marketing and press outreach
- Opportunities for artist talks, tours, and public programs
- Exposure to regional audiences, collectors, and institutional partners
Selected artists will be expected to:
- Transporting work to and from Providence
- Provide insurance during transit
- Cover additional fabrication beyond standard installation support
Limited lodging support may be available for installation, depending on need.
PLEASE APPLY BY SUNDAY, APRIL 19 AT 11:59 PM to be part of this collective exploration of America’s past, present, and possible futures.
For more information, contact Eli Yung, Exhibitions & Arts Center Coordinator at eyung@waterfire.org or (401) 443-5556.
ABOUT THE WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER
The WaterFire Arts Center is a contemporary arts venue developed from a restored industrial building once part of U.S. Rubber. Operated by WaterFire Providence, the space supports exhibitions, community events, venue rentals, and public programs that engage civic space, creative practice, and community dialogue.
About the author
Over the last 10+ years, alongside some incredible co-workers and volunteers, I've worked to build the organization that WaterFire Providence is today. As Director of Creative Services, my team and I work on visual communications, graphic design, the visitor experience, merchandising as well as project management for programming at the WaterFire Arts Center. Being a part of the 'Rhode Island' experience for tens of thousands of people is incredible and I have an intense pride in place for both Downtown Providence and the Valley neighborhood.
