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.
Opening Reception
January 15, 2027 at 7:00 PM
Exhibit Ends
March 5, 2027 at 6:00 PM
Exhibition Location/Gallery Hours
4th Floor Gallery
Bridgeport Art Center
1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
Mon-Sat 8am-6pm
Sun 8am-noon
Submission Guidelines
Seeking Queer identifying visual artists who express and celebrate their own personal struggles and triumphs through their artwork.
Additionally searching for visual works that are homages and dedications to key human rights activists and figures; portraits of Queer cultural icons of fashion, music, art, politics and science; commentaries on current, future and historical events; flags, banners, rally and protest signs, and political cartoons.
Media considered for acceptance: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, fiber arts, interactive works, photography, installation, new media.
Entries must be high resolution, comparable to 300 dpi at 4″ x 5″, in JPEG or PNG file format.
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.
Each artist may submit five (5) works.
The $27 application fee is non-refundable.
Application Deadline
November 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Notification of Accepted Artwork
December 7, 2026
Artwork Drop Off Instructions
Accepted artists must hand deliver their work to the Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609, on either:
- Thursday, January 7, 2027 — 2:00–5:00pm
- Saturday, January 9, 2027 — 11:00am–2:00pm
The Bridgeport Art Center not accept shipped artworks. No late entries will be accepted.
Identification of Artwork
Please include the following information with each photo submitted:
Title
Medium
Size
Year
Price (artworks do not have to be for sale).
Hanging Guidelines
All artwork must be completed, dry, include hanging hardware and be ready for installation.
Please no plastic or cardboard poster frames, and no 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.
Artwork requiring special installation, assembly, or non-standard display methods must be clearly described at the time of submission. Installation requirements are subject to approval by Bridgeport Art Center. Artists whose work requires specialized installation may be required to install or assist with the installation of their artwork in coordination with gallery staff.
The Artist must have their name, email, and phone number on the back of all artworks.
Pick Up Instructions
All artwork must be completed, dry, include hanging hardware and be ready for installation.
Please no plastic or cardboard poster frames, and no 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.
Artwork requiring special installation, assembly, or non-standard display methods must be clearly described at the time of submission. Installation requirements are subject to approval by Bridgeport Center.
Artists whose work requires specialized installation may be required to install or assist with the installation of their artwork in coordination with gallery staff.
Saturday, March 6, 2027 — 11:00am–3:00pm.
If you are unable to pick up your artwork on the stated pick up
date, please contact Marci to make alternative arrangements.