Comfort Station will soon accepting proposals for our 2026 Exhibitions cycle!
Deadline for submission is set for
February 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.
*Open to artists based in the Chicago area only.
Through our selection process, we aim to curate a cycle of exhibitions that reflects a diverse range of practices, exhibiting work that utilizes the space and context of our public building. Comfort Station operates with core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, therefore we are committed to providing a platform for BIPOC artists, women, LGBTQ+, trans/gender non-conforming, and disabled artists. We also strive to put these values into action by ensuring that this public call for exhibitions reaches as wide an audience as possible through targeted outreach and communications.
Exhibitions
Due to planned building renovations, monthly exhibitions in 2026 will be active August – December. These shows coexist with our regular programming throughout the year.
Each artist will receive a $500 stipend.
We accept solo and two-person exhibitions, as well as group show proposals from artists and curators. When crafting a proposal, please consider the size limitations of the space (see link below for floor plan of usable gallery space).
Proposals may include images that are reflective of current work and what may be exhibited along with an artist statement, or a proposal for a particular body of work that is conceptually and specifically produced for the context of our space with related images and a project statement.
We love when people approach our space with big ideas. However, please keep in consideration that the objects must live in the space with upwards of 25+ programmed events each month (see images for reference here). Our programmers are diligently protective of the artwork at all events, but especially fragile work is generally not a great fit.
*Notice of acceptance will be sent by the end of March 2026.
Workshops, Reviews & Resources
In an effort to maintain the accessibility of our open call, we’re continuing to provide programming in congruence with the open call through a series of events and resources that aim to demystify the process of exhibition applications at large.
Check out our 2026 proposal guide for additional tips for your submission – compiled and updated from the last year’s Open Call Proposal Workshop with CS Executive Director, Kitty Rauth.
Open Call Office Hours with CS Executive Director Kitty Rauth, VIRTUAL
Mondays, 5 – 7 p
January 12 + February 9
Come with any specific questions you may have regarding the submission process.
Individual Portfolio Reviews, 6 – 9 p
February 9 – 11, 2026
*Slots for sign up to be announced soon
Check out our 2026 Exhibition grants guide for additional tips to support your submission, compiled and updated from last year’s Grants Writing Workshop with newly appointed CS Interim Developmental Director, Marielle Mervau.
Artists to Watch 2026
We plan to continue our Artists to Watch program, a database of finalists from our annual open call for Chicago curators, gallerists, and art writers and professionals to reference for future opportunities and collaborations.
*Notice of invitation to the 2026 database and artist presentation event, taking place next summer, will go out by the end of March.
If you have any questions about the application process,
please contact:
Kitty Rauth
kitty@comfortstationlogansquare.org