MADE IN THE BAY 2027: Free Digital Art Exhibition Call for Bay Area High-School Students
Root Division in San Francisco is accepting high-school artists for MADE IN THE BAY, an exhibition planned for January 9–February 20, 2027. Submissions close November 30, 2026 and there is no entry fee. Photography, graphic design, digital imagery and other visual practices are welcome alongside traditional art. The local eligibility is unusually specific: artists must currently be enrolled in high school in one of nine Bay Area counties. This is not a global online-art contest and a California mailing address alone does not necessarily meet the school-enrolment rule.
The exact geographic and education restriction
Eligible school communities are in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties. Applicants must be high-school students at the time of entry and the work must be their own. The organisers invite applications from young people with different experience levels, including first-time exhibitors. University students, adults who have left high school and artists based outside the area are outside the stated focus.
Up to two original works
Artists may submit up to two artworks, giving curators examples of style and creative interests. Acceptable disciplines include visual and design-based work such as photography, digital art and graphic design. Images should reflect the actual pieces proposed for exhibition and follow the file requirements in the official form. Artists who work in video or very large digital installations should verify what the physical gallery can practically exhibit before applying.
Gallery timetable and the need to deliver work
Root Division plans the show at its Main Gallery in San Francisco between January 9 and February 20, 2027. The public information includes artwork drop-off dates in December 2026, including December 12 and further dates later in the month. Shortlisted artists need to make appropriate arrangements to deliver their work physically by the required window. Admission to the exhibition does not mean that Root Division will ship artwork internationally or pay transportation.
No fee, but sales are shared
The submission and participation are advertised as free. If an exhibited artwork sells, the published sales terms allocate 60% to the artist and 40% to Root Division. This gallery commission is distinct from a submission fee; artists should not confuse the two. Minors and their guardians should clarify agreements, pricing, pickup arrangements and permissions where applicable.
About the presenting organisation
Root Division is an established San Francisco visual-arts nonprofit that organises exhibitions, art education and community programmes. MADE IN THE BAY is one of its youth-centred exhibition opportunities. The organisation's own website sets out the county restrictions, work limit, deadlines and commission terms. Apply directly through its published application link. Verified October 25, 2026.
Official application / Offizieller Aufruf / Bando ufficiale
Organiser's original rules and application: https://rootdivision.org/apply/made-in-the-bay-art-design-youth-open-call/