Open Call . Greater Los Angeles

LOCATION . Situated in Midtown Ventura, California, Dama Gallery, LLC has been a local fixture of the creative community since 2011, with over 15 years of continuous presence and cultural engagement. Located in a highly walkable, neighborhood-driven district with steady foot traffic and a strong residential base, the gallery has grown alongside Ventura’s evolving arts ecosystem. Within Ventura County, one of California’s most economically stable coastal regions; the gallery draws from a broad regional audience that includes the artist communities of Ojai, the coastal collector base of Malibu, and the wider Central Coast and Westside corridor. Just a short distance from Los Angeles, Ventura also functions as an accessible coastal destination, attracting visitors for its blend of contemporary art, surf culture, and a historic, walkable downtown and Midtown district. Rooted in its immediate neighborhood, Dama Gallery serves as both a community anchor and cultural meeting point, presenting exhibitions that engage a loyal local audience alongside regional collectors, artists, and visitors.

GALLERY . Housed in a 100-year-old, 10,000-square-foot historic building in Midtown Ventura, Dama Gallery is defined by its architectural character, high ceilings, and layered sense of history. The building includes working artist studios throughout, creating an active environment of production and exchange, anchored by a dedicated 3,000-square-foot exhibition space that is Dama Gallery. The gallery itself blends old-world structure with contemporary intervention; updated white walls, professional lighting, and adaptable configurations that support large-scale installations, sculpture, and ambitious contemporary works. At the same time, the space retains an intimate scale that allows for focused, quieter presentations, offering flexibility between monumentality and close, contemplative viewing. The result is a hybrid environment where historic architecture and contemporary exhibition design coexist, giving artists the capacity to present work across scales within a setting that feels both grounded and distinctly present.

CONSIDERATION . Submissions for the current exhibition program are open. Entries are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with selections made throughout the month. Each submission undergoes a careful, meticulous review process, where artists are considered primarily for the quality, clarity, and strength of their work, as well as their overall preparedness for exhibition. Selection is highly intentional and curatorial in nature, with each proposal evaluated independently to ensure alignment with the gallery’s standards and the specific context of the space. This considered approach allows the program to maintain a focused curatorial vision while fostering meaningful dialogue between artists, collectors, and the broader contemporary art community.

EXHIBITIONS . The current Ventura program features a curated mix of solo and group exhibitions selected based on what best serves the overall strength, balance, and direction of the program. Each selection is made with a focus on curatorial cohesion, ensuring that the work presented contributes meaningfully to the broader gallery vision. The scale and presentation of each exhibition are determined by the individual artist’s medium, conceptual depth, and spatial needs, allowing the work to be shown in its most effective form. Selected artists are invited to participate in openings and may also be considered for The Gallery Hangover Podcast. 

CALL FEE . A submission fee of $35 for the first 3 images applies. Additional images may be added at $5 per image, up to a maximum of 20. Fees are allocated to cover the curator’s time, portfolio reviews, submission consultations, exhibition publications, artist stipends, juror honorariums, gallery interns, and other essential aspects of planning, marketing, and executing a large-scale, professionally curated exhibition program. This ensures that both artist and curator efforts are fairly recognized and supported.

COMMISSION & REMITTANCE . Dama Gallery adheres to standard industry practice with a 50% commission on sales. Artworks are listed across online platforms, including Artsy, to maximize exposure and market visibility. Sales remittance is issued within 5-7 business days following exhibition close or upon final buyer payment, accompanied by a detailed statement.

NOTIFICATIONS . Entries submitted will be considered for the current and ongoing Ventura exhibition program. Selections are currently being made for exhibitions opening in August, October and December of 2026. Artists will receive notifications via the CaFE platform or direct email, with final decisions made at the curator’s discretion. Submissions are reviewed on a weekly basis and selections are continuous until the exhibition roster is completed.

OPTIONAL CURATOR CONSULTATION . Dama Gallery offers an optional, paid curator consultation for artists seeking direct, strategic guidance from the Gallery Director. Designed as a professional development resource, each 60–75 minute session is conducted via video chat and includes a review of your portfolio, website, social media, and CV. These consultations are intended to be as helpful and constructive as possible, offering tailored insight into presentation, positioning, visibility, and broader professional strategy. Artists may also submit specific questions in advance related to sales, audience development, or their artistic practice. Participation is entirely optional and has no influence on submission review or exhibition consideration. This is a standalone professional service and does not guarantee selection or representation.

To schedule a consultation, please email Jim at j.kent@damagallery.com to confirm your purchase and arrange a convenient time.

CONTACT . For questions regarding your submission, status, or additional entries, please email ventura@damagallery.com. Include your CaFE account name and submission date in all correspondence.

VISIT  www.damagallery.com | IG @damagalleries

ABOUT DAMA GALLERY . Founded in 2011, Dama Gallery is a contemporary art gallery with over 15 years of experience presenting exhibitions rooted in curatorial excellence, artist advocacy, and a commitment to exceptional work. Originally based in Ventura, California, the gallery has expanded its programming across Los Angeles, Mexico City, Austin, and other cultural hubs. Guided by a philosophy that prioritizes the quality and integrity of the artwork above trends and market forces, Dama Gallery has curated hundreds of exhibitions featuring artists at all stages of their careers, while fostering long-term growth, visibility, and collector engagement. Alongside its exhibition program, the gallery has expanded into advisory services, educational initiatives, artist interviews, and media projects, including The Gallery Hangover Podcast and a series of short films that document artistic practice and process. At its core, Dama Gallery is dedicated to building meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and audiences through thoughtful curation, dialogue, and a sustained commitment to contemporary art.