Artist Support & Programs
Discover ways to collaborate, exhibit, teach, and grow with ACAC.
Alabama Contemporary Art Center supports artists, curators, students, and educators through a range of programs designed to foster creative research, exhibition opportunities, and community engagement. If you're looking to develop a new project, curate an exhibition, teach workshops, or gain hands-on experience in the arts sector, ACAC creates meaningful pathways for artists at many stages of their careers.
ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
Explore the opportunities below to learn how you can connect with our community and contribute to the evolving landscape of contemporary art in Alabama.
ALABAMA AIR
Research-driven residencies across Alabama
Our Artist in Residence program places artists in short-term residencies throughout the state in partnership with community organizations. Artists develop projects that respond to local histories, community needs, and research interests.
Ideal for artists interested in community-based research, collaboration, and socially engaged practice.
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Guest Curator Program
Propose a themed exhibition or curatorial concept
The Guest Curator program invites curators and artists, with a strong exhibition concept or collaborative project, to propose contemporary exhibitions that bring new voices, ideas, and conversations to our galleries. Proposals may include thematic group exhibitions, solo presentations, performances, or other curatorial formats.
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Independent Projects
Present site-specific or experimental work
Independent Projects provide artists with the opportunity to propose exhibitions, installations, or new work that engages with contemporary issues and the local community. Ideal for artists open to exploring new ideas, installation-based work, or community-centered projects.
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Teaching Artist Project
Connect with paid teaching opportunities
The Teaching Artist Project is a collaborative initiative between Alabama Contemporary, Mobile Arts Council, and the Mobile Museum of Art that connects artists with teaching opportunities across the region. Artists in the program may be invited to lead workshops, classes, or educational programming.
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Internships
Hands-on experience in the cultural sector
Our internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to projects within the organization.
Interns collaborate with staff to develop and execute a pilot program or expand an existing initiative, gaining insight into the inner workings of arts administration and programming.
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Verdant Fund
Project grants supporting artists across Alabama
The Verdant Fund is an annual grant program that supports independent artists developing site-specific exhibitions, independent projects, or new work that connects with communities across Alabama.
Each year, projects are selected by a panel of arts professionals from a highly competitive pool of applicants. In 2025, nine projects were awarded grants of up to $7,000 each, totaling $60,125 in funding to support artists and their work throughout Alabama.
Learn MoreQuestions?
Explore the opportunities above and follow the links to learn about eligibility, timelines, and how to apply.
If you have additional questions, please fill out our artist opportunity form and a member of our team will get back with you.
ARTIST OPPORTUNITY INQUIRIES
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