Apply to the MAEP

The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) is a curatorial program of the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), dedicated to exhibiting and supporting artists living and working in the state. The program supports emerging and mid-career artists in realizing their proposed exhibition of new, ongoing, or recently finished artwork.

The MAEP selects exhibitions through a juried competition, or Open Call. The program hosts three Open Calls a year. The MAEP Advisory Committee and Mia staff review applications to select one recipient who will receive up to $13,500 to realize their proposed exhibition in the U.S. Bank Gallery.

Open Calls in 2025

  • February 1–28, 2025, for the March–June 2026 exhibition
  • June 1–27, 2025, for the July–October 2026 exhibition
  • October 1–31, 2025, for the November 2026–February 2027 exhibition

Open Calls in 2026

  • February 1–27, 2026, for the March–June 2027 exhibition
  • June 1–27, 2026, for the July–October 2027 exhibition
  • October 1–31, 2026, for the November 2027–February 2028 exhibition

The competition is exclusively open to artists residing in the state of Minnesota. Individuals pursuing a degree and those under 18 are ineligible to apply.

We strongly encourage you to reapply if your application wasn’t selected. The MAEP is a highly competitive program and selects less than 1% of all applications. On average, selected artists have applied to three or more Open Calls.

The Application

Solo artists, collectives, or multiple artists can submit applications. Artists are limited to one application per Open Call. You can find the full list of rules in the application portal, as well as in “Tips for Applying to the MAEP” in the Resources section below.

The MAEP application is hosted on Submittable, a platform designed for Chrome and Firefox browsers. The MAEP only accepts applications via Submittable during the Open Call period. We do not accept mailed and emailed applications.

You cannot edit your application after submission.

The Application consists of five parts:

  • Artist Statement (500 words)
  • Exhibition Proposal (500 words)
  • CV/Resume (two-page PDF)
  • 10 Work Samples
  • Floor Plan or Elevation Plan

submit

Resources

Are you interested in submitting your application to the MAEP Open Call?

We strongly encourage you to see an MAEP exhibition, attend programs, and have friends or colleagues read your application before you apply. Below is a list of additional resources you may find useful as you write your application.

Questions?

Book a 20-minute virtual appointment with the supervisor of the MAEP or email the Global Contemporary Art Department.