our annual call for new collective members is now open. Submissions will be accepted through January 31, 2025.

We also have a studio available on may 1! See details below.

This open call is for new exhibiting artists/collective members. GFC is a commission-free gallery, and artists retain 100% of their sales. Membership dues are $780 per year/season. These dues can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. 

Ground Floor Contemporary (GFC) is an artist-run and supported collective, and we are currently composed of thirty local and out-of-state artists. GFC artists commit to a year-long membership/exhibition season and show twice in that year: once in a three-artist group show and in the final all-artist exhibition. 

Our upcoming season will be from June 2025 to May 2026.  Exhibition planning meetings begin in the summer, and member exhibitions typically run from August through April. In May 2026, we will have our final all-artist, full-building exhibition and open studios night.

With GFC, artists are challenged to develop their studio and professional practice, and collaborate with other artists. Local artists who are eager to engage with our community and be involved with the collective are always preferred. However, busy artists are also highly valued, and additional involvement with the collective beyond your two shows is never required. We always want to support our artists and generate community. We do member-run internal programming and typically have an annual member meeting and smaller dinners/gatherings throughout the year. 

For those seeking experience and community involvement, official gallery/collective management positions may be available but are unpaid. 

Artists living outside Birmingham and in GA, TN, FL, MS, and LA are always considered and encouraged to apply. However, for this upcoming season, there will be a greater emphasis on supporting local artists. International and out-of-region submissions cannot be considered at this time.

Requirements

Ideally, members will be able to attend their installation, opening, and artist talk. Installs are on a weekend day before the opening and the artist talk is on a weekend day following the opening. Artists in each group show also cover the Saturday gallery hours during their show. This coverage, typically two Saturdays, is shared among the group. We are flexible and work with everyone’s schedule, but artists should anticipate a good amount of time spent at the gallery during your show.

To apply, please email your CV, bio, statement, and online portfolios (website and Instagram). All documents are required and at least one online portfolio. Both are preferred. Demonstrated participation in your arts community, a rigorous studio practice, and good artwork documentation is essential. In your subject line, please indicate that you are applying for GFC 2025-2026 membership and include your current city and state of residence in the email.

Email: groundfloorcontemporary@gmail.com

Studios

WE HAVE A STUDIO AVAILABLE!!! This is the big studio right next to the gallery. It is 280 sq ft, has three great walls, and is $450 per month (not including membership dues). This is one of the best studios in the building and it will be available May 1st. We would love the future occupant to also be a GFC member.

Visiting Artists and Curators

Our season also includes one exhibition with a visiting artist or curator. We do not officially accept submissions for our visiting artist/curator exhibitions. However, we will review emails from artists and curators interested in this program, but not during our open membership calls when we receive a high volume of applications. We are primarily looking for visiting artists who reside in the Southeast region of the US, but also live outside of Alabama. Funding for this exhibition is not extensive, so travel and art shipping must be doable.