call to artists & community art opportunities
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance offers year round opportunities for artists to exhibit their work in the community in galleries, at festivals and events, as well as booking for concerts and special projects. Below are current opportunities that are open for application at SAACA. In addition, SAACA provides a free local Call to Artist service open to all organizations to submit open artist and creative opportunities.
We believe the arts provide a tool for mobilization and build community leadership and capacity building.
We are proud to collaborate with local businesses, governments, arts and cultural organizations, and individual artists in our community to create custom arts partnerships and opportunities.
We are proud to collaborate with local businesses, governments, arts and cultural organizations, and individual artists in our community to create custom arts partnerships and opportunities.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
SOUTHERN ARIZONA ARTS & CULTURAL ALLIANCE OPPORTUNITIES
SAACA presents year round opportunities for public artists, exhibiting artists, food vendors, visual artists and musicians to perform and present their work at festivals, community gallery spaces and commissioned works each year.
Below are current opportunities available by SAACA
Below are current opportunities available by SAACA
- Exhibiting Artist Space at year round community art festivals LEARN MORE
- Participate as a musician in an upcoming concert series, festival performance, or educational workshop LEARN MORE
- Participate as a business exhibitor or food vendor at a festival or culinary event LEARN MORE
- Register to receive year round notices of SAACA festivals, events and artist opportunities REGISTER HERE
- Participate in SAACA's Artist in Residency Program at the CATALYST Creative Collective APPLY HERE
- Rent space at the CATALYST Creative Collective LEARN MORE
Public Art Commissions
Pima County: Canoa Ranch Pollinator Garden Public Art
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, Pima County, AZ
Budget: $150,000
Deadline: April 11, 2025 (11:59 PM MT)
Details: Seeking a public artist or artist team to create site-specific works reflecting pollinator conservation and the region’s cultural history.
Apply Here
Pima County: Valencia Road Public Art Project
Location: Valencia Road Expansion (Mission Rd. to Camino de la Tierra), Tucson, AZ
Budget: $207,692
Deadline: April 11, 2025 (11:59 PM MT)
Details: Seeking artists to create impactful, site-specific sculpture installations along this roadway corridor.
Apply Here
Oro Valley Public Art Installation
Location: Extra Space Storage, Oro Valley, AZ
Budget: $50,000
Deadline: March 26, 2025 (11:59 PM MST)
Details: Seeking vibrant, abstract works that interpret themes of movement and site activity.
Apply Here
Glendale City Hall Mural – Public Art RFQ
Location: Glendale, AZ
Deadline: April 11, 2025 (5:00 PM MST)
Details: Seeking artists for a major public mural on the south elevation of Glendale City Hall.
Apply Here
For questions, email: [email protected]
Exhibitions & Competitions
"Echoes of Innovation" – Wearable Art Exhibition
Location: Ventana Gallery, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Oro Valley, AZ
Deadline: August 15, 2025
Exhibition Dates: September 2025 - January 2026
Details: Seeking wearable art inspired by histology stains, including scarves, hats, dresses, and jewelry.
Apply Here
"Everyday Wonders" - Sahuarita Photography CompetitionLocation: Sahuarita, AZ
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Details: Open to all ages and skill levels. Photos must be taken in Sahuarita and reflect the beauty, stories, and moments of the community. Prizes: 1st Place: $200 | 2nd Place: $100 | 3rd Place: $50. Photographers can submit up to 10 photos across six categories. Winning photos will be displayed at Sahuarita Town Hall for one year.
Submit Your Photos Here
Herberger Theater Center – Abstract Exhibit
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Deadline: May 31, 2025 (11:59 PM MST)
Details: Open to Arizona artists (18+) working in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, photography, and printmaking.
$25 submission fee for up to six images.
Apply Online
Download Mail-In Application: Abstract Call PDF
For inquiries, contact Laurene Austin: [email protected] | (602) 254-7399
Triangle L ART RANCH – Sculpture in the Park 2025
Location: Oracle, AZ
Deadline: April 15, 2025 (12:00 PM MST)
Details: Seeking large-scale, durable sculptures for an outdoor exhibition running through December 2025.
Selected artists receive a $500 honorarium upon installation. No fee to apply.
Apply Here
For inquiries, contact Kyle Hansen: [email protected] | (520) 822-6322
Call for Writers - Seeking Passionate Storytellers to Highlight Arizona’s Creative Economy
SAACA's UNDERCOVER ARTS Magazine is back and seeking editorial writers! Produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), this annual print and digital publication is Arizona’s most comprehensive guide to the creative economy, amplifying the voices of artists, businesses, and cultural organizations statewide.
Learn more and apply online HERE
SAACA's Undercover Arts Magazine and Creative Economy Directory - Free Registration Listing
After a four-year hiatus, we are thrilled to announce the return of UNDERCOVER ARTS Magazine! This annual publication, produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), is the region’s most comprehensive guide to the creative economy—connecting artists, businesses, and organizations with the audiences and opportunities that help them thrive. And now, the magazine will be made available in hundreds of local businesses, community festivals, cultural centers, events, and spaces throughout the State, as well as through a complete year-round digital engagement strategy and searchable online creative economy resource directory. The 2025-2026 edition will launch in June 2025 and will remain in circulation through May 2026, featuring an expanded Statewide distribution and a new searchable online directory. This year’s theme, Arts & Wellness, will explore the powerful intersection of creativity and well-being in partnership with Watermark Communities. With enhanced digital outreach, a searchable database, and increased statewide circulation, and year-round online visibility, UNDERCOVER ARTS Magazine is your gateway to greater recognition, collaboration, and economic impact
We invite you to join us--get listed for free, advertise, and showcase your work in the definitive guide to Arizona’s creative sector.
Register Here
Deadline: May 15, 2025
PIMA COUNTY 1% FOR PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
CURRENT CALLS TO ARTIST
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Pima County, AZ - Canoa Ranch Pollinator Garden
In partnership with Pima County, SAACA is seeking a Public Artist or Artist Team to create site-specific public artworks for the Historic Canoa Ranch Pollinator Garden, a seven-acre ecological and educational space dedicated to preserving native Sonoran Desert pollinators and plants. Funded through Pima County’s 1% for Public Art program, this project offers a $150,000 budget for the design and installation of engaging, durable artworks at three interpretive educational nodes throughout the garden. The selected artist will develop nature-inspired designs that enhance the visitor experience, highlight the ecological significance of pollinators, and reflect the rich cultural history of the region. Open to all U.S. artists. The project will integrate with the garden’s mission of conservation and education and is expected to be completed within two years. Budget: $150,000 About the Site: Historic Canoa Ranch Application: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14734 Application Deadline: April 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time |
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Pima County, AZ - Valencia Road: Mission Road to Camino de la Tierra
In partnership with Pima County, SAACA is seeking a Public Artist or Artist Team to create impactful, site-specific public art for the Valencia Road expansion (Mission Rd. to Camino de la Tierra). This project, funded through Pima County’s 1% for Public Art program, invites artists with a demonstrated history of community-oriented work to transform the newly expanded roadway corridor with engaging and durable art. The artwork budget is $207,692, covering design, materials, permits, installation, and associated costs. Located along paths and open areas within the right-of-way, the freestanding sculptural artwork should reflect the cultural heritage and dynamic community of Southwest Tucson. Open to all U.S. artists. Budget: $207,692 About the Site: Project Website Application: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14473 Application Deadline: April 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time |
ARIZONA COMMISSION ON THE ARTS
Arizona Commission on the Arts
Artist Opportunities Arts Opportunities - Arizona Commission on the Arts LEARN MORE
Job Opportunities Jobs - Arizona Commission on the Arts LEARN MORE
Artist Opportunities Arts Opportunities - Arizona Commission on the Arts LEARN MORE
Job Opportunities Jobs - Arizona Commission on the Arts LEARN MORE
ARTS FOUNDATION FOR TUCSON & SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona
Public Art Opportunities Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona | The Arts Foundation (artsfoundtucson.org)
Public Art Opportunities Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona | The Arts Foundation (artsfoundtucson.org)
TUCSON YOUTH MUSIC
Tucson Youth Music center Seeks Music Teachers and Volunteers
CATALYST is partnering with Tucson Youth Music Center to bring free weekly music lessons for underserved families in the community! Tucson Youth Music Center (TYMC) provides comprehensive weekly free music lessons to teach students how to play a musical instrument as well as, proper technique, repertoire, sight-reading, music theory, ear training, performance, and music appreciation. All necessary materials are provided to qualifying school-age children, pre-K through 12. TYMC music teachers are an extraordinary group of musicians who bring compassion and understanding to the life transforming power of music education. Support, volunteer, or see if your child qualifies for lessons by visiting the Tucson Youth Music Center website. For more information, contact Dana Wier [email protected]
CATALYST is partnering with Tucson Youth Music Center to bring free weekly music lessons for underserved families in the community! Tucson Youth Music Center (TYMC) provides comprehensive weekly free music lessons to teach students how to play a musical instrument as well as, proper technique, repertoire, sight-reading, music theory, ear training, performance, and music appreciation. All necessary materials are provided to qualifying school-age children, pre-K through 12. TYMC music teachers are an extraordinary group of musicians who bring compassion and understanding to the life transforming power of music education. Support, volunteer, or see if your child qualifies for lessons by visiting the Tucson Youth Music Center website. For more information, contact Dana Wier [email protected]