Building Bridges Through Art 2026: Where Creativity Meets Community

Posted February 9, 2026
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Building Bridges Through Art: 2026 Exhibition with WREN Presented by Stormwater Studios

Art is a powerful connector—a bridge that unites us through shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue. Stormwater Studios is proud to continue Building Bridges Through Art, a community-centered exhibition series that highlights diversity, fosters understanding, and strengthens our collective sense of unity.

We invite artists to submit work for our 2026 Building Bridges Through Art exhibition in partnership with the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN).

About the Series

Building Bridges Through Art pairs artists with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with the themes present in the artists’ work or lived experiences. Through this collaborative model, the series creates opportunities for:

  • Community engagement
  • Resource sharing
  • Dialogue around important social issues
  • Creative collaboration between artists and organizations

Each program includes a two-week exhibition and at least one community-focused event that allows visitors to learn about the featured organization and the issues it champions. This supportive environment encourages open conversation, deeper understanding, and stronger community connections.

By celebrating artistic individuality while promoting inclusivity and connection, Building Bridges Through Art uses creativity as a catalyst for impact.

2026 Featured Partner Organization: WREN

WREN (the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network) is a South Carolina-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender justice through advocacy, education, research, and community building. Our primary advocacy priorities are reproductive freedom and economic justice because we believe that freedom, equality, and justice shouldn’t depend on where you live, how much money you have, or how you identify. Our vision is a South Carolina where everyone is affirmed and where families and communities are safe, healthy, and thriving.

Exhibition Focus

This exhibition will be inspired by WREN’s Status of Women and Girls in South Carolina: 2025 Research Findings.

In 2025, WREN conducted a statewide research project examining the barriers facing women and girls across South Carolina, with county-specific data highlighting issues such as:

  • Gaps in healthcare access
  • Unequal pay for equal work
  • Limited childcare options
  • Communities lacking essential resources

While these realities can be difficult to confront, they are essential to understanding where change is needed—and where transformation is possible.

Artists are encouraged to create or submit work that responds to these findings, reflects lived experience, sparks dialogue, or envisions pathways toward equity, advocacy, and collective action.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Dates:
Wednesday, June 16 – Sunday, June 28, 2026

Gallery Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Opening Reception:
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by Stormwater Studios

Call for Entry

Building Bridges Through Art: 2026 Exhibition with WREN

Presented by Stormwater Studios

Who Should Apply

This call is open to South Carolina artists working in all media whose work aligns with themes of social equity, women’s and girls’ experiences, advocacy, community care, and systemic change. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

Submission Guidelines

Submission Deadline:
Sunday, March 17, 2026

Acceptance Notifications:
Sent by Sunday, April 12, 2026

How to Submit

  • Visit the EXHIBIT WITH US page on the Stormwater Studios website.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page, below the section titled “Ready to book an exhibition at Stormwater?”
  • Complete the application form with your information.
  • In the appropriate field, indicate “Building Bridges Through Art with WREN.”

Submissions must be uploaded as one PDF document containing the information outlined below. Applications will not be reviewed without the required PDF.

Required Information

Please include the following in your PDF:

  • Building Bridges Through Art with WREN (clearly labeled)
  • Your name
  • Phone number
  • Three to six images of artwork you would like to exhibit or that represent the type of work you propose to create for the exhibition
  • Title of each piece

Optional Materials

You may also include:

  • Artist statement
  • Bio
  • Website
  • Social media accounts
  • CV

To have your work reviewed, you must upload a PDF that includes the required information listed above.

If you have any questions, please contact Maya Smith, Stormwater Studios Operations Manager, at [email protected].

Why Participate

Building Bridges Through Art offers artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in a community-focused setting, engage with important social issues, and contribute to meaningful conversations that extend beyond the gallery walls.

Art is the bridge that has the power to unite us all.
Be part of this inspiring journey as we build connections, foster understanding, and strengthen our community through art and purpose.

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