What is ExhibitsUSA (EUSA)?

Where does EUSA get its funding?

Where do EUSA exhibitions originate?

My organization is interested in knowing more about an exhibition. What do we do next?

How do I schedule an exhibition?

Why are there two different rental fees?

What additional costs can I expect besides the rental fee?

What other materials will I receive with the exhibition?

How can I propose an exhibition for EUSA consideration?

How does EUSA select exhibitions?

How long does an exhibition tour?

What is ExhibitsUSA (EUSA)?
ExhibitsUSA (EUSA) is the national museum service division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, a private, nonprofit organization in partnership with the state art agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Founded in 1988, EUSA offers more than 50 diverse art and humanities exhibitions for touring in its annual catalog. EUSA has won national recognition as a provider of exhibitions and services to museums. By offering a wide range of high-quality, affordable exhibitions, as well as providing tools to make these exhibitions participatory, educational, and engaging experiences, EUSA assists museums in broadening and deepening their impact within communities.

Where does EUSA get its funding?
ExhibitsUSA FY05 Major Supporter Credit Language

Updated 9/1/05

ExhibitsUSA is generously supported by the Altria Group Inc.; James H. Clement, Jr.; the Cooper Foundation; DST Systems Inc.; Edward Jones; the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; the Helen Jones Foundation; the William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank, trustee; the Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation Inc.; Land O' Lakes Inc.; Mrs. Tom Lea; Adair Margo Gallery Inc.; the National Endowment for the Arts; the National Endowment for the Humanities; SBC Missouri; the Society of North American Goldsmiths; Sonic, America’s Drive-In; Sterling Vineyards; the Summerlee Foundation; the Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust; Valmont Industries; the Woods Charitable Fund; and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

ExhibitsUSA is a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Where do EUSA exhibitions originate?
EUSA exhibitions come from a variety of sources including museums, galleries, and private collectors. Some of the exhibitions have been curated by the lending institution, some have guest curators, and some are curated by EUSA staff.

My organization is interested in knowing more about an exhibition. What do we do next?
E-mail or call Ramona Davis at 1-800-473-3872 to request more information. For your no-obligation call, you will receive a packet with an exhibition information sheet, slides, security information, checklist, and other additional details about the exhibition.

How do I schedule an exhibition?
Exhibitions are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to availability and the suitability of your institution to host the exhibition. Your institution’s facility report must be reviewed and approved by EUSA staff and your institution must meet the minimum security requirements for each exhibition. Please contact us for information on resources that can help your organization meet higher levels of security requirements. A 25% deposit, due with the signed contract, is required for exhibitions with a rental fee of $3000 or more. All remaining exhibition rental fees are due in full on the day the exhibition opens.

Why are there two different rental fees?
EUSA has two levels of rental fees: Rental Fees and Regional Fees. Every aspect of the development of ExhibitsUSA’s exhibitions is about partnership—including funding. The Rental Fee refers to the base rental fee paid by most exhibitors. The Regional Fee is the amount paid by member states of Mid-America Arts Alliance, as well as communities sponsored by foundations, state arts and humanities agencies, and corporations. The state arts agencies in these states provide the financial foundation for EUSA. Exhibitions priced at $2,500 or less cost organizations in these states 50% of the Rental Fee. Exhibitions over $2,500 are offered to organizations in these states at 25 % of the Rental Fee.

Rental Fees and Regional Fees pay for about 40% of the cost of producing an exhibition. EUSA raises the remaining 60% from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals. This support is provided by the generous funders listed above.

What additional costs can I expect besides the rental fee?

In addition to the exhibition rental fee, you are also responsible for the cost of shipping the exhibition to the next venue. Other costs may include building furniture for a specific exhibition or acquiring specific materials required for an installation. You will always be made aware of these additional costs at the time you schedule the exhibition.

What other materials will I receive with the exhibition?
Every exhibition comes crated and ready to install; we provide a complete exhibition package. We include catalogs, brochures, or reproducible gallery guides; identification labels; and text panels. To help you promote the exhibition in your community, we develop a Publicity Packet with black-and-white photographs, color slides, images on a CD, logo slicks, and a press release.

Each organization also receives a Registrar’s Packet containing the checklist, the checklist receipt, and clear instructions for installing the exhibition. Our exhibition crates are custom designed for both easy handling and maximum protection of the objects inside. They also contain a condition report book and packing list. When needed, we provide photographs that illustrate proper packing of the crates. We also provide insurance, which covers the exhibition while it is in your gallery and during transit.

ExhibitsUSA creates an educational component for every exhibition designed to engage and inform a wide range of audiences having various levels of interest and education.

How can I propose an exhibition for EUSA consideration?
We accept proposals year round for consideration.

How does EUSA select exhibitions?
Our staff reviews all proposals for exhibitions. If it is selected for further consideration, you will be asked to provide more detailed information to be presented to our Advisory Panel.

How long does an exhibition tour?
Each exhibition tours for approximately 3 years, depending on the sensitivity of the objects and interest in the exhibition from potential venues.