A space to shift and bend. 

Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm & by appointment.

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ABOUT ROY

 

ROY G BIV Gallery champions emerging artists by presenting thought-provoking exhibitions that increase the public's awareness of the artists' work and enhance the cultural diversity of Central Ohio by focusing on artistic merit alone. Exhibitions are created from a juried process that begins with an annual call for artists. To be added to our mailing list and/or to receive information about applying for an exhibition in 2024, email us at info@roygbivgallery.org Inclusion in a ROY G BIV Gallery exhibition is an opportunity that supports emerging artists in furthering their careers. Additionally, ROY provides educational programming, critique, and networking opportunities for members and the community.

A resource for emerging artists in Columbus since 1989, ROY is known for showcasing innovative contemporary art by artists, both local and global. As a nonprofit art gallery, ROY impacts the community by supporting neighborhood activities and arts groups, hosting outside organizations in its gallery space and collaborating with other arts institutions on events and promotion.

Defining Emerging Artists

 

ROY’s highest priority is to support artists who:

  • Are creating new work

  • Are early in their careers

  • Have a focused direction and goals, even while still developing their artistic “voice”

  • Have yet to be substantially celebrated within their field, the media, funding circles or the public at large

  • Are not yet represented by a gallery

Inclusivity. Diversity. Equity. Accessibility.

 

We were founded by artists and advocates with the goal of being an inclusive and open space for emerging artists to spread their wings. We envision a community where the arts and artists flourish. We can only achieve this by creating a brave space in which we can listen, learn, change, and grow.

As a gallery, we showcase diverse opinions and viewpoints to foster conversation, exploration, and understanding. We embrace the unique characteristics and perspectives of every individual and seek to welcome and celebrate our differences and commonalities. 

We stand with others pursuing justice and equity in our community and will use our resources and connections to support them.

Intentions must be followed by action in order to truly affect positive change and ROY is committed to taking these steps:

  • Advocating for, amplifying, and creating opportunities for diverse artists and inclusive organizations

  • Representing more diverse populations and artists with our gallery shows and programs

  • Selecting diverse jurying panels, expanding call-for-entry outreach, and actively seeking feedback from participating artists through anonymous surveys. 

  • Encouraging a more expansive viewpoint for our patrons, artists, and community through: dialogue (such as our monthly artist talks), partner programming (with historically underrepresented artist communities), and community engagement (ROY’s participation with Franklinton Pride Festival)

  • Seeking opportunities beyond our organization to partner with and support other organizations that are engaged in social justice and anti-racist endeavors

  • Actively recruiting diverse voices and perspectives for our Board of Directors and Artists Advisory Committee

  • Reviewing by-laws and governance documents to critique inequities and revise for inclusive and anti-racist motives

  • Revisiting live programming to take place in our art space to highlight diverse viewpoints and voices

This reflects our values and we expect that our partners, visitors, artists, and patrons will help us uphold and respect them.

Merit over profit. 

 

The art we show isn’t based on what people will buy. In fact, our most successful shows might not sell anything at all. We find the most value in the experience of the show and the cultivation of an appreciation for art. That said, work is for sale at ROY and many collectors have visited with the intention of purchasing work. The price of the work includes ROY’s 35% commission which is invested back into the gallery to support emerging artists.

Exposure over understanding.

 

It's not about intent. It's about impact. Our exhibitions challenge the status quo and don't demand visitors to adopt a particular viewpoint. We simply ask that you feel, interact, and engage with what's on view.