submission deadline
September 13, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET
exhibition dates
October 3 – November 3, 2026
Photography by Marianna McMurdock
At What Cost sheds light on the material expenses behind creative production. Centering zines and ephemera works, this national exhibition will act as a testament to the desire for connection and information sharing in the face of rising costs of living. This small group exhibition juried by Andy Chan aims to elevate this accessible medium to greater appreciation by highlighting unseen labor, resources and methods of production, such as the woodblocks, linocut and speedblocks utilized to hold stories.
Galley 263 invites zine and ephemera artists from across the country to submit work in consideration for this intimate group exhibition. We welcome finished pieces crafted from feeling and the physical material that helped make those feelings legible, from sketches and test prints to diary entries or archival content. Any zine or ephemera work such as booklets, flyers and comics are eligible for review, provided they were produced within the last three years. Together, we hope to bridge the gap between the process of making and the final product.
About the juror
Andy Chan was born in Hong Kong and raised in England. With a background in film photography, painting, and business consulting, he has recently shifted to consulting work for arts organizations and artists in Beijing, Hong Kong, Tibet, Thailand, Taiwan and Jakarta.
Andy’s passion for art, care and community led him to founding Breezespace, also known as The Sipping Room, a Boston based creative platform, art space, and cafe located in Fenway. For six years, Andy has managed the space’s operations and exhibitions with a focus on connecting Asian artists and the public along the way, and in the process, works to cultivate international networks of artists.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the online form below. Payment is settled either as the final step of the online application form or by a follow-up payment method (mailed check). Selections for the exhibition are made by the guest juror. All communication and installation decisions are conducted by Gallery 263. Please read the full information below prior to applying.
Artwork size restrictions & shipping details
- 2D (painting, drawing, photography, graphic design, etc.)
Max dimensions: 108 inches H x 60 inches W (40 pounds max) - Size restrictions of artwork to be shipped
Shipped artwork must fit in a box no larger than: 36 inches W x 36 inches H x 8 inches D, 40 lbs. - Artwork must be shipped using UPS, with a return UPS shipping label included. Gallery 263 does not pay for return shipment. If your package does not include a UPS return label, it is the artist’s responsibility to make an arrangements with the gallery within 30 days of the conclusion of the show.
Eligibility
This is a national call, open to all US residents. Submitted work must have been created within the last five years, complete and presentation ready, and must be accompanied by process images, test prints, or draft materials.
FAQs
Please review our page of FAQs for additional information.
Artwork Nudity Policy
Gallery 263 welcomes submissions of artwork containing nudity, and if selected to be included in an exhibition, the artist may have to collaborate with gallery staff to meet the needs of both the artist and the local Cambridge community.
Please be kind!
Gallery 263, a small nonprofit organization, operates on the generosity of volunteer board members, a few staff members, and local volunteers who are artists and art lovers, like you. We care deeply about what we do and appreciate your understanding that we are human, too.
As the gallery operates on a small budget, submission fees cannot be waived. These fees support the operating costs of our nonprofit, such as keeping the lights on. Thank you for your support!
A note on submission fees
Gallery 263, a small nonprofit organization, operates on the generosity of volunteer board members, a few staff members, and local volunteers who are artists and art lovers, like you. We care deeply about what we do and appreciate your understanding that we are human, too.
While submission fees are not the sole financial income for Gallery 263, as we work year-round to solicit donations from our community partners, local businesses, and grant opportunities, they do comprise around 30% of our operating budget. These fees allow us to do the following:
- Offer fair, market-rate compensation for our four part time staff and rotating jurors
- Not take any commission on sold work. Artists keep 100% of their sales
- Keep the majority of our public programming free and open to all
- Donate two weeks of our exhibitions calendar for Morse Elementary School art students to show work in the space
In 2025, we implemented a tiered submission fee system with the goal of making the submission process more accessible and inclusive for artists who may face financial barriers, while, at the same time, making sure the financial stability of the gallery is considered. We are continuously working to find ways to help lessen this financial obligation for artists.
If submission fees pose an undue burden for you, please email us at [email protected]. We have a handful of fee waivers available per call. Anyone who is interested in volunteering may also be eligible to receive a discounted or waived submission.
Submission form
At What Cost – Zines and Ephemera Call
