Members & Friends Annual Exhibit

How Artwork Will Be Displayed

• Two-dimensional work will be installed on the Townsend Gallery walls by NACC staff. The final placement, spacing, grouping, and height of each piece will be determined by the gallery to create a cohesive exhibition.
• All wall-mounted work must arrive ready to hang with secure wire, D-rings, or another professional hanging system. Sawtooth hangers, wet surfaces, unstable frames, or incomplete hardware may be declined.
• Three-dimensional, textile, installation, or experimental work must be stable, safe for public display, and accompanied by any required stand, pedestal, mounting hardware, or concise setup instructions.
• Each accepted work will be identified with a gallery label using the artist name, artwork title, year, medium, and sale price supplied on the entry form.
• Participating artists and selected artwork will also be featured on the NACC gallery webpage. The exhibition is viewed by visitors attending programs, events, reunions, and activities throughout the building.

Entry Requirements and Fees

• Artists may submit up to three works. All entries must be available for sale.
• Hanging fee: $10 per artwork. Current NACC members receive one hanging fee waiver.
• The NACC retains 30% of each artwork sale in support of long-term programs and projects.
• Artwork that may be damaged by ordinary indoor temperature changes or that creates a safety concern should not be submitted.
• Membership is encouraged but not required. Annual membership is $25. Contact Kacy Carbone at kacy@thenacc.org for membership information. Membership is for the calendar year.
  
  AI Generated Artwork Policy
• The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center is dedicated to promoting vibrant visual, performing, and cultural arts experiences. We support artists whose creativity, and craftsmanship are human led. While we recognize innovation, we also value authenticity, the skills artists develop and artistic integrity. Human made artwork will always be the priority at the NACC.
• The NACC however, recognizes that AI is a new technology that will have an impact on creative mediums, especially photography and digital arts. We will strive to find a balance to support real artists of all backgrounds and mediums, realizing these tools and technology are present. 
• We ask that artists use full transparency when submitting artwork to our exhibitions. The NACC reserves the right to reject any artworks that do not follow our AI policy guidelines.
  
  Acceptable Uses of AI – AI tools may be used for:
• Idea generation, composition studies, or concept boards.
• Technical refinement (color correction, upscaling, cleanup).
• Texture, pattern, or background creation incorporated into original work.
• Collage or mixed-media projects where AI outputs are transformed by hand or digital manipulation.
• Accessibility or documentation support (captions, transcripts, formatting).
• Works that are substantially or fully generated by AI are not eligible for exhibition at the NACC. The final work submitted must be the artist’s work and not solely the product of a prompt entered in an AI generator. 
  
  AI-Assisted Art – Works that use AI tools as part of a human-led creative process may be accepted, provided the artist’s input clearly predominates. Artists must be able to describe how AI was used and demonstrate substantial creative control.
  
  AI Disclosure
• Artists must disclose if AI was used in any part of the creation process. Submissions including AI should include a note such as: “This work includes AI-assisted elements as part of the artist’s creative process.”
• The gallery reserves the right to request clarification or documentation when needed

Important Dates

Milestone	Date / Details
Submission deadline	November 13, 2026
Artwork delivery	Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., before the submission deadline
Exhibition opens	Tuesday, December 1, 2026 – Night at the NACC
Artists’ reception	Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Exhibition closes	Saturday, January 16, 2027
Artwork pickup	January 19-23, 2027, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or by appointment

How to Participate

• Complete and sign this page and the artwork entry page.

• Attach a label to the back or underside of every work listing the artist’s first and last name, title, year completed, medium, and sale price.
• Deliver the artwork in display-ready condition with the required payment. Incomplete entries or improperly prepared work may not be accepted.

Gallery Policies

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center may decline artwork that does not meet the published requirements, cannot be displayed safely, arrives after the deadline, or is inconsistent with the scope and intent of the exhibition. Display decisions, including placement and arrangement, remain at the discretion of the gallery.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status.

**Featured Artwork: “Inspired by Ali Gillian & Emily” by Ruth Thomas
20×24 Oil, Not for Sale

About the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center

As the largest multi-arts center in upstate New York, the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (NACC) hosts a diverse group of 98 artists and makers, two public art galleries, three theaters, four local history exhibits, a radio station, a certified sound stage & movie production facility, the Niagara Falls High School alumni center, as well as the Starry Night Café & Gift Shop. 

The NACC is located at 1201 Pine Avenue in the City of Niagara Falls, New York. 

Gallery Hours for the Townsend Gallery, Kudela Garden Gallery, and permanent exhibits within the building are from 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, excluding holidays.