Annual Community Exhibition Application 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 15, 2026

About The Show

The Manhattan Beach Art Center’s Annual Community Exhibition is an open-call showcase celebrating the creativity of artists who live, work, and engage with the Manhattan Beach community. This juried exhibition invites submissions across a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and mixed media.

Each year, the exhibition brings together artists of all ages at various stages of their practice, offering a platform to share diverse perspectives and creative voices. Rooted in community engagement, the Annual Community Exhibition highlights the role of art in fostering connection, reflection, and a sense of place.

Selected works will be presented at the Manhattan Beach Art Center as part of this longstanding annual tradition.

Artist Submission Information:
​*SUBMISSION OF ARTIST APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE*

Submission will open Monday, April 6 at 10am

• For artists under 18, please include a parent/guardian’s name for contact.
• Artists may submit up to two pieces for consideration.
• Artwork exhibited in a previous MBAC exhibition will not be accepted.
• The following artwork will not be accepted: video art, artwork that makes a sound, or artwork that requires power. 2D Artwork cannot exceed 72 inches.
• No artwork shall be removed early from the exhibition without prior written authorization from the Cultural Arts Supervisor.
• All artwork accepted for the exhibition must be delivered to Manhattan Beach Art Center hang-ready (see FAQ)

For Downloadable Applications, click here.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Application Period: April 6 – May 15, 2026

Acceptance: Artists will be notified of their acceptance by email on June 10th

Deliver Art: to MBAC, June 29 – July 3, from 10am-4pm

Pick Up Art: from MBAC Oct 5 – Oct 9, from 10am-4pm

Exhibition: July 24 – October 4, 2026

Gallery Hours: Wed – Thurs, 10am – 9pm; Fri – Sun, 10am – 5pm

Opening Reception: July 24, 2026 6pm– 8pm

For general questions or inquiries about MBAC, contact infombac@manhattanbeach.gov

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Who can participate?

We accept artists of all ages and levels who live, work, or interact with the Manhattan Beach community. Please briefly state your relationship with our community in the section labeled “Relationship to Manhattan Beach”.

How many pieces can I submit?

An artist may submit up to two (2) artworks, artwork must be accompanied by a fully completed and signed application/entry form and MUST UPLOAD A PHOTO of each artwork. Only one piece per artist will be selected. Entry of artwork DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE into exhibition.

Please do not turn in your physical artwork with the application. If your artwork is accepted into the exhibition, you will be notified by email only on or before June 10, 2026.

What is Hang Ready?

All artwork MUST be HANG READY to participate in the exhibition. Hang Ready means the artwork is fitted with an appropriate apparatus to hang/be installed in the gallery (ie, if it is a painting, it has a cleat/wire/hook on the back; if it is a drawing/photo/other flat artwork, it is framed and the frame has a cleat/hook/wire/etc. to hang it from; if it needs a specialized stand, it has it; you do not need to provide a floor pedestal for sculpture). MBAC will do its best to accommodate artwork that is not deemed hang ready and use best practices to install it. This may result in pinholes in lightweight, wall mounted artwork, museum wax and/or other alterations. The City of Manhattan Beach and the Cultural Arts Division are not responsible for damage or alterations to artwork caused by insufficient Hang Ready status.

When/Where do I drop off my artwork?

If you are accepted into the exhibition, you will need to deliver your work to the Manhattan Beach Arts Center between June 29 and July 3 from 10am - 4pm.

Please label each piece with: your name, title of artwork, email, and phone number. Attach this information securely to the back/bottom of your piece. If you cannot make a drop off or pick up day/time, please contact submissions@manhattanbeach.gov

When/Where do I pick up my artwork?

You’ll need to pick up your artwork from the Manhattan Beach Art Center between October 5 and October 9 from 10am-4pm. Any artwork not picked up on this date will be stored at MBAC and may be discarded if not retrieved 30 days after the exhibition has closed.

Will there be awards for this exhibition?

There will not be awards or certificates for this exhibition. All submitted artwork will be juried by a panel of jurors.

How will the artwork be juried?

A panel of qualified jurors will review submissions. Artwork will be judged on quality, interest, innovation, and overall aesthetic. The goal of the jury process is to select artworks that reflect the diverse talents of our community.

How will the artwork be displayed and labeled during the exhibition?

MBAC will use industry standard best practices to display the artwork in the most aesthetically pleasing and visually accessible manner possible. To accommodate a large number of artists, works will be installed “salon-style”, creating a dynamic, closely hung display. A clearly labeled guide will be placed nearby to help visitors identify each artwork and artist. Individually placed pieces may have individual labels.

For questions about this application or the exhibition, please email submissions@manhattanbeach.gov or call (310) 802.5440