The University of Massachusetts Lowell, for educational purposes, as well as enhanced community relations, has a process for the temporary exhibition of art within specified areas of University Crossing. These temporary exhibits must be appropriate for an educational setting and are expected to reflect support for the University’s educational mission and goals, as outlined in the University’s Mission Statement and Pillars of Excellence. University Departments, Centers and student organizations may apply to bring exhibits to campus using the procedures listed below. Student organizations must have an identified faculty/staff representative to provide support, oversight and supervision through all phases of the exhibition process.

This process consists of several steps:

  • Review of the Guidelines and Procedures for University Crossing Art Exhibits
  • A submitted University CrossingArt Exhibit Application within the stated time frame
  • A signed Liability Release Form

In an effort to help facilitate a successful experience, please read this document before completing the request for an art exhibit application.

Criteria for Selection

The following criteria apply as exhibit applications are considered although not all exhibits will meet all criteria. The University reserves the right to approve or disapprove all exhibit requests, to have final approval for the layout of the exhibit and to make all decisions regarding length of exhibit duration, placement of the exhibit within University Crossing and content of publicity.

  • Broadness of appeal of theme
  • Appropriateness of subject, technique and styles for intended location and audience.
  • Appropriateness to special events, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
  • Representation of an influential movement, genre, trend or national culture.
  • Does not promote particular political, religious or social doctrines of any single person or group.
  • Does not promote the financial profit of any individual, organization or commercial enterprise.
  • Ease and cost of installation
  • Satisfies Public Safety considerations, i.e. free standing displays or hands on exhibits.
  • Complies with existing University Crossing art hanging system

Available locations

Before requesting space for an exhibit, a walk-through of the space is highly suggested. When requesting space in 25Live, please use the code “UCC – Art”. In the “Event Comments” section, please specify which location(s) below you would like your exhibit located.

A Side

The identified areas on the second and third floor overlook the entrance atrium and are connected by a monumental staircase. They can be reserved separately or as one exhibit venue.

Second Floor: Approximately 80 linear feet of hanging space is available on this floor.

Third Floor Approximately 60 linear feet of hanging space is available on this floor. A small area approx. 30 square feet in the hall way is also available for freestanding cases.

B Side

The identified areas on the first floor corridor located by University Police lead back to the 152-158 conference room suite.

First Floor: Approximately 100 linear feet of hanging space is available on this floor

Process and timelines

  • Applications must be received, through the Office of Hospitality and Event Services for external agencies and University Crossing Operations for internal agencies, a minimum of 10 weeks before the requested exhibit date.
  • The typical exhibit period will be between 6-12 weeks, as space will allow.
  • Exhibit Costs: All costs associated with the exhibit, such as facility charges, framing, moving, mounting, wall repair, crating, graphics, reproduction and promotion are to be covered by the department/organization sponsoring the exhibit.
  • Exhibits may not create architectural changes or adjustment to the facilities.
  • Publicity: All publicity must be reviewed and approved by the Dean of Student Affairs and Event Services prior to dissemination. Publicity materials must be submitted for approval a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the opening of the exhibit. Appropriate University Logos will be provided in an electronic format upon approval of the request by University Relations.
  • Presentation and Installation:
    1. Art and exhibit materials must be suitably framed, prepared and ready for hanging.
    2. Material to be hung on the wall must be outfitted with hanging hardware that is compatible with the existing hook and cable hanging system. Sponsor is responsible for site verification that final layout will accommodate hardware.
    3. Installations will occur on Mondays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dismantling will occur on Fridays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sponsor will only install previously approved art work and materials. The University reserves the right to refuse any work not previously agreed to by the Sponsor and the University.
    4. Sponsor is to provide an authorized representative to install and dismantle the exhibit and follow University Crossing requirements. Sponsor assumes all responsibility for the work’s arrival, installation, display period and removal including the return shipping. Framing materials, hardware mounted on the artwork, casework, changes in lighting or other alterations to the space will not be provided.
  • Installations may not block any existing wall signage, fire alarms, or egress areas.
  • Placement of wall art must not drop below 5 feet from top of hanging track to allow for movement of furniture underneath exhibits as the building is an active event space.
  • Existing wall washing lighting is in place.
  • Additional ceiling fixtures cannot be installed.
  • Hardware and casework must be professional in quality, able to securely mount and withstand the typical daily use patterns of the exhibit area.
  • Sponsor must provide any required cases for display of artifacts.
  • A full service loading dock is available at University Crossing but there is no holding space.
  • Artwork, display material and crating or shipping material cannot be stored at University Crossing before, during or after the exhibit.
  • No sales of artwork or other material will be allowed in University Crossing.
  • Receptions or other events must be treated as separate events and scheduled through the Office of Hospitality and Event Services or University Crossing Operations. University faculty and staff should use 25Live to request space, in accordance with existing procedures.
  • Cancellation of exhibits: UMass Lowell reserves the right to cancel any exhibit should unforeseen conditions or circumstances arise.
  • The exhibit will only be open for viewing during the regular building hours for University Crossing.

Security and Liability

UMass Lowell cannot be responsible for reimbursement or replacement of lost, stolen or damaged items and does not insure exhibits. Depending on the value range, the artist, sponsor or loaning entity is encouraged to obtain a rider on his or her insurance policy for the duration of the exhibit, and will be required to sign a liability release before any materials are exhibited.

Contact information:

  1. Hospitality and Special Events email: events@uml.edu
  2. University Crossing: Adam Dunbar by email: Adam_Dunbar@uml.edu

Checklist for Hosting an Art Exhibit at University Crossing

Prior to approval:

  • Review the Art Exhibit Guidelines and Procedures
  • Review the floor plans and compatibility with existing hanging hardware and exhibit space needs
  • Complete Liability Release Form
  • Submit the completed application 10 weeks before the desired exhibit data
  1. Obtain proof of permission for the display
  2. Include pictures of items for display
  3. Include a statement describing how the content supports the educational mission of the University.

After Approval

  • Submit your publicity materials eight weeks before the desired exhibit date
  • Consider need to insure the exhibit
  • Confirm any associated costs for the exhibit and identify cost center for payment
  • Confirm Installation date
  • When will the sponsor be delivering materials and how?
  • Who will be available from the sponsoring organization(s) to provide logistical management during the installation?
  • Identify and secure a location (not within University Crossing) for the boxes or crates for the installed materials to be stored during the exhibit.
  • Make a separate reservation for any reception or other event associated with the exhibit, through Hospitality and Special Events.
  • Confirm the dismantling date
  • When will the materials be removed and how?
  • Who will be available from the sponsoring organization(s) to provide logistical management and physical assistance during the dismantling of the exhibit?