About
The South Bend Museum of Art features a full spectrum of historical and contemporary art featured in five galleries. A wide range of artistic traditions are taught in our world-class art studios. Located inside the Century Center in downtown South Bend, Indiana, the SBMA is an architectural delight. Designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the museum occupies three levels in the northern wing of the building.

Mission
The South Bend Museum of Art affirms the enduring power of the visual arts to reflect and create community, engage minds, and nurture growth through exhibitions, collections and educational programs.

History
Since its founding in 1947, the SBMA has provided insight into the art, history and culture of the region and nation. Since 1987, SBMA has been recognized as achieving the highest level of professional standards in the field, awarded accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. Accreditation status must be renewed every 10 years and, in March of 2011, SBMA was awarded ongoing accreditation. Accreditation inspires museums to achieve a higher standard. It strengthens the field as a whole, as well as the museums that receive accreditation. The rigorous process leads to sustained organizational improvement and a clearer sense of purpose. Of the estimated 17,500 museums in the U.S., only 750 are accredited.
Submit to Exhibition Submission

The South Bend Museum of Art accepts submission materials from artists, art organizations, community organizations, and curators. All submissions are reviewed by the museum’s Curatorial Staff quarterly in March, July, September, and January and are considered for all available opportunities.  

The Project Room:  We're looking for screen based works (video, performance, sound/visual, and game-based) as soon as 2024!

Community Gallery:  booked through 2025.

The Art League: booked through 2027.

Note: We are no longer accepting submissions for Warner Gallery.


Required Submission Materials:

  • Up to 20 images and/or up to 3 video links;
  • Artist Statement and Bio (no more than 500 words) -or- a Community Arts Organization mission statement and submitter bio (no more than 500 words);
  • A Mission Connection statement that describes how your exhibition idea relates to our mission, including any programming activities that might include our Collections, Exhibitions, and Education Departments at SBMA.  You'll also be asked how your exhibition idea engages the diverse communities of South Bend and the surrounding region.


 

There are 3 galleries at the SBMA available for changing exhibitions, each with its own focus. You will be asked which space is the most suitable for your work:

  • Art League Gallery (approximately 1200 sq. ft.):  Solo, two-person, and small group exhibitions. 3–4 open slots per year.
  • Project Room Gallery (approximately 110 sq. ft.)
     Solo or small group exhibitions of screen-based work. This small gallery space adjoins the Art League Gallery and is dedicated to new media, animations, video, etc., that can be played on a single screen. Equipment includes: Samsung 55″ 1080p flatscreen smart tv, Micca Spec G2 media player, Mac mini. 3–4 open slots per year.
  • Community Gallery (approximately 600 sq. ft.). 2 open slots per year for area community art organizations.


 

Available Floorplans:

South Bend Museum of Art