Call for Art: “From the Mission & About The Mission”, Solo Exhibition with Art-In-Neighborhoods at Mission Bowling Club

ArtSpan and Mission Bowling Club invites artists who live in the Mission District or create work inspired by the Mission to submit solo show proposals for an opportunity to exhibit at Mission Bowling Club, curated by ArtSpan’s Art-In-Neighborhoods Exhibition Program.

We are seeking artists whose work engages with the rich cultural legacies, layered histories, and resilient spirit of the Mission District. Whether your practice documents, responds to, or is shaped by the Mission’s iconic landmarks—Clarion Alley’s murals, the rhythm of 24th Street, the gatherings at Dolores Park, or the lived experiences of its communities—we welcome your voice. This exhibition space is dedicated to artists from the Mission and those whose work reflects its stories. It aims to honor the generations of artists who have shaped the Mission as a creative hub, while offering a platform to continue that tradition—amplifying community perspectives through art, memory, and place.

The Dining Gallery at Mission Bowling Club offers artists a dedicated space to present and experience a cohesive body of work (10-12 pieces). Over the past year, we’ve hosted four curated solo shows, and we’re now excited to announce our renewed curatorial focus for the space. By highlighting artists and artworks rooted in the Mission District, we aim to bring the neighborhood’s creative energy into the gallery and provide a platform for local voices to be seen and appreciated.

This opportunity is open to both emerging and established artists, offering a chance to share your work with a broader audience, develop your practice, and connect with art supporters and collectors. Presenting multiple pieces in a curated setting allows viewers to engage more deeply with your ideas and artistic vision, creating space for meaningful connections and dialogue.

We encourage artists working in a variety of mediums to apply, including painting, drawing, photography, digital art, and mixed media. The only requirement is that all work must have a 2D wall-hanging element and be ready to hang with industry standard D-rings and wire. Priority will be given to artists with live, work or have meaningful ties with the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco.

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your work in one of the Mission’s most beloved community spaces! Submit your proposal today and join us in celebrating the creativity and spirit of the Mission District.

Please note, this opportunity is exclusively available to ArtSpan Artist Members. 

PLEASE REVIEW ALL IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE APPLYING

 Important Information:

• Exhibiting artists receive 70% of any sales made.
• All exhibited artworks will be featured in ArtSpan's online store & regularly promoted on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
• You must be a current or new ArtSpan Artist Member to be featured in this exhibition.
• Artist Reception is hosted by MBC with light bites, drinks for exhibiting artists + free bowling for all attendees!
  
   

 Dates and Details:

• Location: Dining Gallery, Mission Bowling Club, 3176 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110.
• Exhibition Dates: May 27, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
• Submissions Deadline: Monday, May 12, 2025 @ 11:59PM.
• Artist Notifications: By May 16, 2025
• Artwork Drop-off/Install Date: Monday, May 26 @10AM
• Artist Reception: Tuesday June 24 @ 6-8PM.  *Artists must be available to attend the in-person reception.
• Artwork Pick-up Date: Monday, November 10 @ 10AM.

Artwork:

• Seeking: Artwork of all sizes and 2D mediums that fit the theme of responding to the Mission District. MBC’s Dining Gallery’s have intimate walls that can accommodate small to medium sized work (Max 36 inches on the longest side). 
• Hanging Hardware: All artwork must be ready to hang with the appropriate hardware (hooks and wire). Cleats and sawtooth hanging hardware cannot be accommodated.
• Installation: ArtSpan's installation team will manage the install after artwork is dropped off.
• Sales: All sales are processed through ArtSpan’s online store. Artists receive 70% of total sales. ArtSpan receives 30% of total sales.
• Security/Liability: Artwork will be installed professionally by ArtSpan staff members in the safest and most secure manner possible. All venue staff and patrons are instructed to be respectful and mindful of the artwork at all times. The artwork will NOT be insured for damage/theft/vandalism by the venue nor by ArtSpan during the exhibition. Artists are advised to obtain their own insurance for their artwork.

To Submit: Complete the following questionnaire and submit at least 8 artworks that are ready to hang, according to the instructions provided.

About the Art-in-Neighborhoods Program: The Art-In-Neighborhoods program strives to create visibility and accessibility for local arts in San Francisco by connecting communities with local artists and activating vacant spaces with vibrant, locally-made artwork. We partner with local businesses and building owners to bring pop-up art exhibitions and art events to dormant storefronts, empty spaces for lease, and businesses seeking artwork for their walls. Local artists who are ArtSpan members are given the opportunity to display, promote, and sell their artwork in these diverse venues. The Art-in-Neighborhoods program allows otherwise unused properties/spaces to become creative arenas for celebrating local arts.

Mission Bowling Club was founded in 2012 to combine the fun of family bowling with the ambiance and technique-driven approach one expects from San Francisco’s bars & restaurants. The spacious and airy warehouse that houses MBC provides a bright, family-friendly destination for a weekend afternoon excursion and, after dark, MBC is known as a great date night as well as a perfect place to blow off steam with friends. With a full restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails and elevated comfort food, Mission Bowling Club is an ideal location for company outings, holiday parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and even weddings. MBC is a woman and black-owned business with strong representation by women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in its staff and leadership roles.

Unleash your creativity and present your work at San Francisco’s premier bowling club!