LOVE OUT LOUD

1. Submit Artist Profile/Bio
2. Submit 3-4 images or photos of your artwork
3. Submit statement about your artwork
4. Artists must identify as member of the LGBTQ+ Community
5. Artists should be local to Grand Rapids or the surrounding areas.
6. Selected art should be install-ready – wired, hooks provided, or display ready.
7. Circle Theatre is not responsible for shipping of artworks.
8. Artists will not be compensated for their work. If a patron is interested in purchasing work in the exhibition, Circle Theatre will make contact between the buyer and artist. No commission is required.

Submissions must be received no later than May 19, 2026 @ 5:00 PM. Please use this link to submit: LOVE OUT LOUD ARTIST SUBMISSION

*More than one entry is allowed. However, due to space limitations, only one submission per artist will be accepted.

*Artwork does not have to be PRIDE theme specific but is preferred.

*Artwork does not have to be created specifically for Circle Theatre’s LOVE OUT LOUD event.    An existing piece of artwork is considered acceptable for submission.

*Artwork may not include profanity, illegal substances/materials, sexist or racist language or imagery, use of derogatory language or imagery of any kind.

• Call for Artists: May 4 – 19
• Artist Selection & Notification: May 20 – 27
• Installation: June 3-5
• Exhibition Opens: June 8
• Reception: June 16
• Exhibition Closes: June 27
• Art Pick Up: June 29 – July 1

What is the Circle LOVE OUT LOUD Pride Event all about? 

In celebration of PRIDE, Circle Theatre is showcasing the work of local LGBTQ+ artists. From June 8-27, Circle Theatre will display the works of local artists in the lobby of the theatre.  Enjoy the art of community artists when you visit Circle Theatre for a performance of the main stage production Lend Me A Tenor (running June 11-27) or one of the June Circle concerts, Play That Funky Music (June 15) or Family Affair (June 22). This celebration will include a wine and dessert reception with the artists  on June 16 @ 7:00 PM.   

Is there compensation? 

We are honoring our local LGBTQ+ artists for a one-time PRIDE celebration. While we aren’t offering compensation for participation, we are offering the opportunity for community artists to have their work accessible and visible to over 3,800+ Circle Patrons/Community Audience Members. We do want to maximize your participation with both visibility and potentially even revenue, so see below for information on the possibility of selling your artwork during this event. 

What is the deadline for submission?

May 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

What is the timeline for the project/celebration?

Installation is scheduled for June 3-5. Loadout of artwork will take place on June 29.

What categories of artwork can I enter?

Allowed artwork includes: painting, drawing, photography, textiles, printmaking, fashion design, sculpture, and pottery.

Can I enter more than one piece of artwork?

You may submit more than one piece of artwork for consideration, however, due to space limitations and so we can include as many different artists as possible, Circle Theatre is only allowing one art piece per person.

Will Circle Theatre provide installation/materials and/or transportation of the artwork? 

It is Circle Theatre’s expectation that the artist(s) will transport their own artwork and provide their own materials for installation and displays. Circle Staff will be available to help facilitate the installation and to answer any questions. Power may be supplied by Circle Theatre if arranged prior to your installation date. 

How small/big should my artwork be? 

The space given to you will be mutually agreed upon by both Circle and the Artist. We will consider the size of your artwork when you submit your idea and will decide if it fits within the footprint of the exhibit.  

What elements CAN NOT be included in my artwork?

Circle Theatre seeks to support and bring awareness to local LGBTQ+ community members and artists through its LOVE OUT LOUD Pride project. Additionally, Circle Theatre  is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and services. Circle Theatre consciously and proactively aims to be inclusive in all areas of diversity and belonging for everyone; including, but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, gender,  sexual orientation, religion, age, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, other-abled, or immigration status.

The LOVE OUT LOUD project is about the artist’s self-expression and community members’ engagement with the artist’s work. The engagement does not include inappropriate, disruptive, abusive, or offensive behavior. We ask that all participants engage each other with respect, civility and kindness.

We ask that any artwork submitted not include profanity, illegal substances/materials, sexist or racist language or imagery, use of derogatory language or imagery of any kind.

What do the artists need to provide with their artwork?

Artists should provide a profile/bio and information about their piece with the artwork. Artists may include business cards/promotional materials to accompany their work.

Does Circle Theatre provide a warranty or liability insurance of artwork?

Circle Theatre makes no relation to the artist’s artwork. Circle Theatre bears no liability to the artist or relating to the artwork. However, Circle Theatre is a secured facility and staff will be present during public viewing hours.

Can I sell the artwork I have displayed at Circle Theatre?

Yes, artists can independently sell their artwork directly through their preferred platform. Artists will want to provide business cards, a QR code, etc. for any interested parties to contact them directly regarding the sale of their artwork. Circle Theatre will not be responsible for or involved in any transaction or sale of artwork included in this exhibit.

What is the Promotion Plan for the Project/Celebration? 

Circle Theatre will use its social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) and E-Newsletter  to advertise the celebration and to spotlight the individual artists. We highly encourage the artists to also promote through their own social media channels. Additionally, Circle Theatre will promote the celebration in digital, production playbills, and on lobby video monitors. We may also have some opportunity for local radio or television interviews to help promote the project. 

Is Circle Theatre a part of Aquinas College?

Circle Theatre shares the Aquinas Performing Arts Center (PAC) with Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools (West Catholic High School and Catholic Central high School). Aquinas College and  Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools utilize the PAC during the traditional school year, while Circle Theatre utilizes the PAC during the summer. While Circle Theatre shares the space with Aquinas College campus, it is not affiliated with the college or its political or religious views.