Our studio is a shared creative workspace designed to support artists working in clay. Please complete this application to help us understand your ceramic experience, studio needs, and how you will contribute to a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment.

Studio membership includes access to shared equipment, community resources, and opportunities for creative growth. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Applications are reviewed to ensure a good fit with studio policies, available space, and our commitment to maintaining a positive studio culture.

We look forward to learning more about your work and practice.

The Studio Artist Program is designed to meet four objectives:

1. Provide low-cost studio rental opportunities to support artists practice in their medium by removing barriers that inhibit access to equipment necessary for creating and high insurance

costs associated with kilns and toxic materials, for example.

2. Support artists working to develop their skills. The DAI is not capable of supporting individual artists doing production work.

3. Provide a network of artists working from beginner to established that assist each other and support the intricate workings of a studio space.

4. Engage artists with the Duluth Art Institute as participants in events and supporters of the organization.

Studio Amenities:

24/ 7 access

Half and Full shelf rental

ADA wheels and space

Gas and electric kilns

Variety of glazes

Reduced cost for those willing to be a studio monitor

Clay Studio Rental Includes:

● 24-hour access to the studio.

● Shelf space for storage of work and personal work tools.

● A key fob for entrance to the Lincoln Park Building.

● Use of the common studio (shared by 25 to 40 people).

● Use of the glaze mixing room and glazing area.

● Use of studio glazes.

● Use of wheels and other equipment when classes, workshops, or special events are not in

session.

● Use of electric and gas kilns.

● Access to the studio’s ceramics resource library.

● Access to a photo studio for documenting work. First-time users must receive an orientation to the equipment and setup/cleanup procedures.

● Opportunities to sell work through DAI sponsored events, such as the Annual Member Show

and the DAI website. The DAI provides a 60% commission to the artist for sales on the website

and at events.

● Opportunities for fellowship with peers and visiting artists.

● Opportunity to link their website to the DAI’s website.

● Opportunity to teach classes.

Clay must be purchased through the DAI

Monitors:

The monitor receives a workbook with explanations and expectations and represents the DAI’s

value to be inclusive, welcoming, and promote safety. 

A separate monitor agreement is required.

Rates:

Full $170/ month

Half $110/month

Monitor:

Full: $85

Half: $55

Open Call for 2027 / 2028

Application Open: May 22, 2026 - Application closes July 17 at 11:59 CDT

The DAI is seeking proposals for our Downtown Duluth Galleries. The exhibition on view dates are July - September, 2027 and calendar year 2028. 

Submissions are open to any local, regional, and national visual artist or artist collective, not currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at the time of application.

About the mission of the DAI

The Duluth Art Institute values artwork rooted in storytelling, personal truth, and cultural memory. We are especially drawn to work that brings forward absent narratives—stories, histories, and perspectives that are often unseen, unheard, or underrepresented. We welcome artists who use their practice to spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and imagine more inclusive futures.

The DAI positions the arts as a civic resource that fosters dialogue, belonging, and cultural understanding. The organization’s work is grounded in the belief that equitable access to creative expression is essential to a thriving and inclusive community.

The exhibition schedule is organized into four quarterly cycles beginning in January, allowing dedicated time for both artwork installation and public exhibition.

Exhibition Space

DAI maintains one space split into two gallery spaces housed within the US Bank Building. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the galleries before submitting. We design exhibition spaces with movable walls. A gallery map is available on the DAI website and Bloomberg Connects to see the various ways we can design exhibitions. 

Exhibition Slots

2027: Up to two artists may be selected for solo exhibitions between July 7 - September 10, 2027. The panel may also put together several artists for a group show during this time frame. 

2028: Artists could be selected for solo exhibitions or added to a group show for calendar year 2028. 

Submission Materials (required)

Artist Statement (upload PDF with 500 word maximum, PDF.)

Artist Resume (no more than 2 pages, PDF)

Project/Exhibition Proposal: Include description of concept, proposed installation, and requirements. Please limit it to 650 words maximum.  Specialized equipment may need to be provided by the artist.

A maximum of 10 images representative of the proposal, save as jpeg, file size under 2MB in following required file name format (prior to uploading): artist name_title_medium_year_size_for sale price.

(Optional) Video/audio submission under 3 minutes with captions. Videos should be labeled with artist name_title_year_size_for sale price 

Additional information for group submissions 

For 2 or more artists: In ONE pdf, include artist statements, resumes, or CV for each artist. Artist statements are limited to 500 words. Resumes or CV's are limited to ONE page. Elect one person as the primary contact. The primary contact will submit the project here.

Questions? Please contact Madeline Kayser, DAI Exhibitions Manager, at mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org 

DAI Exhibitions Panel 

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of local art professionals that will consider the four categories listed below. We will announce the panel at a later date on our website. The panel will recommend to the DAI team proposals that move forward. 

Panel Scoring

The DAI Exhibitions Panel Scoring includes four categories: 

1. Conceptual Clarity & Innovation Focus: How clearly the work expresses its intention to our audience. Why it Matters: To ground the work and provide a clear concept that lays the foundation for impactful viewing.
2. Relationship to Materials & Process Focus: How the artist engages in their materials, processes. and traditions. Possibly through learned, experimental, or community-based practices. Why it Matters: Meaningful relationships with materials reflect care, knowledge and intention honoring both process and outcome.
3. Authentic Expression & Personal Voice Focus: The uniqueness and sincerity of the artist’s personal experience. Why it Matters: An authentic voice distinguishes an artwork by revealing the artist’s perspective. 
4. Narrative & Impact Focus: How effectively the work communicates a story or engages with cultural relevance, history, social or community narratives.  Why it Matters: Art that resonates with a narrative can foster meaningful insights with its audience, sparking important conversations.

Timeline 2027 (Q3)

On View: July - September 2027

• Application Open: May 22, 2026
• Application closes July 17 at 11:59 CDT
• Recommendations: September 1, 2026
• Announcements: October 1, 2026

Timeline 2028 (Q1, Q3, Q4)

Exhibitions 2028

• Application Open: May 22, 2026
• Application closes July 17 at 11:59 CDT
• Recommendations: TBD
• Announcement: TBD

Please direct questions to Madeline Kayser, DAI Exhibitions Manager, at mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org

Terms

• Accepted applicants will be contacted via email provided in the application with details regarding schedule, artwork delivery, and may be asked to supply additional support materials.
• Accepted applicants will be expected to meet marketing deadlines and work progress deadlines. Accepted applicants receive more information on what to expect for Bloomberg Connects, images for marketing, and other exhibition and education materials. The DAI will work closely with artists to ensure the artist's voice is presented and the deadlines work for both parties. 
• Accepted artists will be required to attend and participate in a panel talk during the exhibition’s art reception, on an agreed-upon date.
• The DAI reserves the right to use images appearing in the exhibition, before and during the exhibition and thereafter. Images may be used as publicity for the exhibition and the DAI organization including, but not limited to: HUE publication, social media, postcard announcements, staff business cards, membership cards, and press releases.
• The DAI retains a 40% commission of artwork sales. All artwork sales at or relating to DAI exhibitions must be processed through the DAI, including prints and other types of products. To avoid the diverting of sales until after an exhibition, the end date will be negotiated. 
• Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of work to and from the DAI. Funding is not available for shipping.
• Dates will be set for selected artwork delivery (prepaid FedEx return label) or hand-delivered with agreed upon drop off.
• The DAI reserves the right to refuse installation.