BRIDGEPORT ART CENTER proudly announces a call for artists for QUEER: LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA+ — an art exhibition celebrating acceptance, pride, empathy, and love. Curated by Marci Rubin and exhibited in our distinguished 4th Floor Gallery, January 15 – March 5, 2027.
LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA+ is an extended, highly inclusive initialism that represents Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Curious, Asexual, Pansexual, Gender-Nonconforming, Gender-Fluid, Non-Binary, and Androgynous, with the plus sign representing various other gender identities and sexual orientations.
Identifying as Queer for many people around the globe signifies a fluid, flexible, and liberating state of being. Queer is often preferred by those who feel their gender, orientation, or sexual identity doesn’t fit into a singular category. Individuals identify as Queer as it can encapsulate all or a specific characteristic of their gender, orientation, or sexuality.
Many LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA+ individuals have reclaimed Queer as a word of pride and empowerment. Historically Queer was a derogatory slur towards gay or any nonheterosexual person, originally meaning strange, odd, or unusual. By removing that energy as a demeaning insult, Queer was reclaimed, adopted and embraced by identifying persons in the late 20th century as a badge of pride, flexibility, and resistance. While words are being distorted & identities are being debated, our essential requirement for love and support remains constant within human experience.
FEES & DEADLINES: The $27 application fee is non-refundable.
DEADLINE: Mon Nov 30 2026, midnight
EXHIBITION DATES: Jan 15-March 5 2027
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, Jan 15 2027, 7-10pm
DELIVERY OF ARTWORK: Accepted artists must hand deliver their work to the Bridgeport Art Center on either Thursday Jan 7 2027; 2-5pm or Saturday Jan 9 2027; 11am- 2pm. We do not accept shipped artworks. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
PICK UP OF ARTWORK: Saturday, March 6th 2027; 11am-3pm
ENTRY GUIDELINES: Entries must be high resolution comparable to 300 dpi at 4″ x 5″ in JPEG or PNG file format. Each artist may submit five (5) works. The photo submitted of your work is the image that will be used for the printed postcard if selected; please submit photos with only your work in them. Artworks must match your submission photo. All artwork must be completed, dry, include hanging hardware and be ready for installation. Please no plastic/cardboard poster frames, or static hanging wire. Use flexible picture hanging wire, wall buddies, or d-rings. Sawtooth hangers attached to the frame, not the backing, are acceptable on pieces smaller than 11” x 14”. Works will be inspected and measured at art drop off.
Please include the following information with each photo submitted: Title; Media; Size; Year; Price (artworks do not have to be for sale)
Opening Reception
January 15, 2027 at 7:00 PM
Exhibit Ends
March 5, 2027 at 6:00 PM
Cover image: Marci Rubin, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (detail), reclaimed clothing, fiberfill, thread, armature
