MAEP Application Process
Program Overview
The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP), hosted by Mia, is a juried art exhibition program that highlights the diverse breadth of artists and artwork made in Minnesota.
Designed specifically for artists to present their work within an encyclopedic-museum context, the MAEP offers you a unique opportunity to collaborate with Mia’s professional staff to mount a major solo exhibition in one of the largest fine arts institutions in the United States. The program emphasizes professional growth as a vital part of the experience, with a focus on creating and installing an exhibition.
The MAEP selects exhibitions through a juried competition, or open call. An advisory committee of Minnesota-based artists and Mia staff reviews applications and selects one recipient during each open call. If selected, you’ll receive a $13,500 grant to realize your vision in a gallery space at Mia. You’ll also receive regular support from Mia staff, including art preparators, exhibition and lighting designers, registrars, media relations experts, and our programming team, among others.
The MAEP supports emerging and midcareer artists looking to complete, display, or advance a body of work to its next stage, especially within a museum context. Before you apply, you should have the following:
- A firm understanding of the time required to make your proposed work.
- The ability to commit to all exhibition and contract requirements.
You don’t need an art degree or a history of selling artwork to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Residency
Selected artists must currently reside and remain in the state of Minnesota through the duration of the exhibition.
Exclusions
The program isn’t open to degree-seeking students (regardless of program or degree type), individuals under 18 years of age, or permanent Mia employees.
Open Calls
One application is selected during each open call. Open calls normally take place during October, February, and June. The next open call is October 1–31, 2026.
Selection Process
The advisory committee focuses on the quality of the application: the clarity of the proposal, the competency exhibited within the presentation, and the feasibility of a proposed exhibition, among other considerations.
From the pool of submissions, the advisory committee selects three applications to submit for final consideration. Mia staff members (the chief curator, the chief audience and engagement officer, and the chair of the Department of Global Contemporary Art) make the final selection. You should expect to receive a decision email six to eight weeks after the submission deadline.
The MAEP is a highly competitive program, so we strongly encourage you to reapply if your application wasn’t selected.
Application Requirements and Tips
We accept applications online via Submittable and won’t review emailed or mailed applications.
Technical note: Submittable functions best on updated Chrome or Firefox browsers. You can’t edit your application after submission. Make sure your browser is updated before applying.
Written Materials
| Document | Formatting and Scope | Core Focus and Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Artist Statement |
|
Address the what, how, and why of your overarching practice. Tell us where this project falls within your broader career. Avoid biographies (unless project-relevant) or open-ended questions. |
| Exhibition Proposal |
|
Provide a clear description of the specific exhibition. Outline what you’ll display, how artworks convey core concepts, and why Mia is the right venue. Keep the “elevator pitch” to a small portion of this section. |
| CV/Résumé |
|
Highlight past exhibitions, awards, and residencies. Refer to the College Art Association for standards. |
| Work Samples |
|
Share 10 visual samples of your work, including past works, recent works, installations, and sketches/works-in-progress. Limit to work you’ve created within the last five years, unless directly relevant. |
| Floor Plan |
|
Provide a layout of your proposed setup. Refer to this map and visit the U.S. Bank Gallery (257) in person to map out possibilities. |
General Application Tips
Familiarize yourself: Attend current MAEP exhibitions, go to the Artist Talks, attend Artist Salons, and speak with current and past MAEP artists about their experiences.
Refine your writing: Use direct, active language (e.g., “I will . . .” instead of “I would like to . . .”). Keep the focus entirely on your voice—don’t use quotes or direct comparisons to other artists or writers.
Get feedback: Host studio visits with peers, critics, and friends to refine your materials based on constructive feedback.
Be realistic: Evaluate your physical and financial capacities. The project must be feasible for your capacity. You don’t have to “go big”—small-scale work may also form the center of your proposal.
Questions to Consider
Narrative: Why is this work important? How do your concepts connect to physical forms? What story should visitors experience? How has your concept evolved over time?
Installation: How is your work installed? What hardware and equipment do you need? Will your artwork hang on the wall? From the ceiling? Is it a freestanding structure?
Experience: What media and how many works will you display? How will viewers navigate the space? How does this exhibition advance your practice?
Program Restrictions and Museum Guidelines
Mia adheres to strict state and federal regulations to protect its collection and maintain safety. Review these restrictions carefully. We’ll disqualify applications containing prohibited materials.
Prohibited Materials and Actions
Safety violations: No weapons, live ammunition, gunpowder, or explosives.
Organic and biological hazards: No mold, untreated dirt, spores, living flora/fauna, food, or items susceptible to pest infestation. If you’re considering using found objects, liquids, earth, or vehicles, email us at least two weeks before you apply.
Mia’s collection: Use of Mia’s permanent collection artworks is strictly prohibited.
Gallery modifications: No permanent structural changes allowed. No construction (wood/metal cutting, chemical use, soldering) is permitted inside galleries. Basic assembly is permitted with prior approval.
Public programming restrictions: Performances in the gallery, flyers, brochures, or take-away elements are prohibited.
Media and promotions: All MAEP exhibition-related media and promotions must be approved by Mia’s public relations team.
Compliance and Accessibility
All electrical components and accessibility features must comply with Minnesota state regulations and ADA guidelines. Electrical or ceiling-mounted installations require advance review and approval from Mia.
Past Exhibition References
Check out these past MAEP exhibitions for ideas as you work on your application.
“Ziba Rajabi: Belly Laugh at a Funeral,” July 18–October 25, 2026
“Tia Keobounpheng: Revealing Threads,” July 22–October 29, 2023
“Leslie Barlow: Within, Between, and Beyond,” July 16–October 31, 2021
“Nicole Havekost: Chthonic,” January 30–June 27, 2021
“Jonathan Herrera Soto: In Between / Underneath (Entremedio / Por Debajo),” July 19–November 3, 2019
Need Assistance?
Have questions about your application or prohibited materials? Email the MAEP.