Ceremony Art Exhibition Application

Welcome, Artists!

We believe in the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform. Our space isn’t just a place for non-alcohol cocktails and memorable experiences; it’s also a vibrant canvas dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of local and regional artists. We’re passionate about supporting artistic expression and providing a unique platform for creators to share their vision with our diverse community of guests.

Currently, we feature 10 dedicated spaces for artwork, each beautifully framed with picture molding and highlighted by individual lighting. We’re  working to expand the number of works we can hang in our gallery to 13-14 in the near future!

If you’re an artist seeking a dynamic and engaging venue to display your work, we invite you to apply to be a featured artist at Ceremony.

Exhibition Details & What to Expect

  • Exhibition Duration: Each exhibition runs for a two-week period unless alternative arrangements are mutually agreed upon by the artist and Ceremony.
  • Exhibition Spaces & Artwork Dimensions: We have 10 dedicated spaces for art, with more coming soon. Each space is pre-trimmed with picture molding and includes a picture light. Art must fit within the designated picture frame molding areas. Exact dimensions vary and will be shared with selected artists prior to installation.
  • Sales & Commission:
    • Ceremony operates on a 10% commission / 90% artist split for all artwork sold. This means the artist retains 90% of the sale price.
    • Our team members are equipped to process art sales directly through our Square point-of-sale system via card or cash (exact change only).
    • Artwork can be taken immediately by the buyer. If the piece is taken, the display area will be marked as “SOLD.” The artist may choose to replace the sold piece with another artwork during the exhibition period. If a sold artwork isn’t replaced, the space will be marked as ‘SOLD’ and remain unfilled until the end of the exhibition.
    • Alternatively, pick-up can be arranged within 24 hours or on the next business day (Ceremony is closed on Mondays).
    • Artists may supply butcher paper for our team to use for wrapping sold artwork.
    • Ceremony will remit the artist’s portion of the sale (90% of the sale price) after the exhibition concludes, less the commission.
  • Marketing & Promotion:
    • A Marketing Fee of $25 is required from the artist. This fee is entirely allocated towards boosting social media post(s) to maximize exposure for your exhibition. Ceremony doesn’t display artists without pre- and during-exhibition marketing.
    • Artists are responsible for creating high-quality marketing assets (photos, videos, carousels) for social media promotion. Marketing assets must be submitted no later than 5 days before the exhibition start date.
    • Collaborative Boosted Marketing should begin approximately 3 days before the exhibition start date to build anticipation. A second boosted post should run during the second week of the exhibit.
    • In addition to boosted posts, artists are expected to promote their exhibition through their own digital communications, social media channels, and email lists.
    • Ceremony will actively promote the exhibition on our social media channels, assist guests viewing the art in person, and engage with inquiries via social media, in-person, or on collaborative boosted posts.
  • Artist Orientation: To empower our team to confidently speak about and sell your artwork, artists are required to provide Ceremony staff with a brief orientation (in-person or virtual) about their work, inspiration, and general artistic approach.
  • “Meet the Artist” Reception:
    • Each featured artist will have a dedicated reception night at Ceremony. This is an invaluable opportunity for you to engage with guests, discuss your work, and connect with potential buyers.
    • The artist will be present during a pre-arranged timeframe.
    • Food costs for the reception will be split between the artist and Ceremony.
    • If the artist wishes to offer complimentary beverages, the cost of beverages will also be split. Otherwise, our regular drink menu will be available for purchase.
  • Installation & Display:
    • Artists are responsible for providing their artwork ready to hang, preferably on a wire.
    • Artists are responsible for providing clear and legible art tags including the artist’s name, artwork title, medium, and price, or similar pertinent information.
    • Artists are responsible for assisting Ceremony staff with the hanging and de-installation of their artwork.
    • Important Note: Due to building limitations, Ceremony is not capable of hanging heavy artwork or heavy art installations. Please consider the weight and size of your pieces when applying.
  • Artwork Suitability: Ceremony is a family-friendly venue. While we don’t believe in censorship, not all art may be suitable for all guests at Ceremony. We reserve the right to decline artwork deemed inappropriate for our establishment’s environment.
  • Artist Responsibility & Insurance: While Ceremony maintains insurance and security protocols, the works of art are the sole responsibility of the artist. Artists are strongly advised to secure their own insurance for their artwork throughout the exhibition period, including during transport, display, and de-installation. Ceremony isn’t liable for any loss, damage, or theft of artwork.
  • Accessibility: Ceremony is committed to accessibility. Please let us know if you require accommodations during your exhibit.

Application & Agreement Terms

Applying for an exhibition at Ceremony signifies your agreement to the terms outlined on this page. Upon selection, this application, in conjunction with the terms detailed below, will serve as our formal agreement.

Formal Agreement Elements (Implied by Application and Selection):

  • Parties: This agreement is between Ceremony (“Venue”) and the exhibiting Artist (as identified in the application).
  • Purpose: To exhibit original artwork by the Artist at the Venue for a specified duration.
  • Exhibition Period: The exhibition will run for two (2) weeks, beginning on the mutually agreed-upon start date. Any extensions or alterations to this period must be agreed upon in writing by both parties.
  • Marketing Fee: The Artist agrees to pay a non-refundable Marketing Fee of $25.00 for the two-week exhibition period, payable upon confirmation of exhibition dates. 100% of this fee is used for social media boosting as detailed above.
  • Commission: Venue shall retain a commission of twenty percent (10%) of the retail price of all artwork sold during the exhibition period. The Artist shall receive ninety percent (90%) of the retail price. Merchant and other credit card processing fees will be absorbed by Ceremony.
  • Sales Proceeds: Venue will remit the Artist’s portion of sales within during or at the conclusion of the exhibition.
  • Artwork Delivery & Pick-up:
    • Artist is responsible for timely delivery and pick-up of artwork.
    • Artist is responsible for assisting Venue staff with hanging and de-installation.
    • Artwork must be ready for hanging (e.g., wired) upon delivery.
    • Artwork must be picked up within 1-2 business days after the exhibition’s conclusion. Artwork may be considered abandoned after 7 days and disposed of at the Venue’s discretion unless other arrangements are agreed upon.
  • Marketing Responsibilities: Both parties agree to actively promote the exhibition as outlined in the “Marketing & Promotion” section. Artist will provide high-resolution images/video/assets suitable for digital promotion by the specified deadline.
  • Artwork Condition & Authenticity: Artist represents and warrants that all submitted artwork is original, authentic, and free of any third-party claims or encumbrances. Artist is solely responsible for the quality and condition of their artwork.
  • Liability & Insurance: Venue agrees to exercise reasonable care in handling and displaying artwork. However, Artist explicitly acknowledges and agrees that all artwork exhibited at Ceremony is done so at the Artist’s sole risk. The Venue isn’t responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to artwork, regardless of cause. Artist is strongly advised to carry their own comprehensive insurance coverage for their artwork.
  • Indemnification: Artist agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Ceremony, its owners, employees, and agents from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from the exhibition of the Artist’s work, including but not limited to claims of copyright infringement, property damage, or personal injury.
  • Termination: Ceremony reserves the right to terminate an exhibition at any time if the Artist fails to adhere to the terms of this agreement, or if the artwork is deemed unsuitable for the venue’s environment.
  • Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Application Form

If applicable
e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Tell us about yourself. What drives your practice? Influences? (200–300 words)
Describe the artwork you propose to exhibit. Include themes, medium(s), techniques, inspiration. (200–300 words)
e.g., Wall anchors, not hung on wire, etc.
If any works might be considered sensitive, please describe them here.


Accepted formats: .jpg, .png, .webp | Max: 10MB

Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, MP4 | Max: 10MB