Free Family Day is a hybrid media arts program that invites families and visitors of all ages to explore our galleries, make art together in hands-on activities, and experience live performances, sound, and other media arts here at our museum. This year's February theme is Technology & Art, so join us for a day of creativity, connection, and calm at Free Family Day!

This year we're putting out an open call for a dedicated screening program for the February Free Family Day! Throughout the event we'll be screening selected films up in our 3rd floor gallery, inviting guests to view video works on rotation during the course of the day from folks like you!

Rules & Terms

Artists based in the US (Preferably MN and Midwest-based artists), age 18+
Submissions must be under 15 minutes, and completed within the last 5 years
Open to any genre with a preference towards experimental work: video art, non-traditional documentary, animation, narrative, and non-narrative.

Maximum 2 entries per artist

All works should be family-friendly and suitable for a public-facing, screening format. Multi-channel video installations or expanded cinema projects are not eligible.

Submissions must contain the full film/video, no excerpts or trailers.

If your work is selected, the Rochester Art Center reserves the right to use submitted image and video files for event promotion.

Work that utilizes Artificial Intelligence is required to detail what AI tools were used in the creation of the work.

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  • Kristin P

    I submitted my fine art film, Hex & Defense, and although it was not selected to screen, I received a very kind email response to my submission. Part of being an artist is getting "good" at receiving "rejection." I'm glad that Rochester Art Center is open to all types of films and has such caring staff responding to hopeful applicants.

    February 2026
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  • Weston Barber

    I am honored to have my film as a Honorable Mention at Rochester Art Center Free Family Day Screening

    February 2026
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  • Kevin Lucero Less

    Thank you Rochester Art Center for selecting my film "Boundary of Time" in your exhibition. I truly appreciate the opportunity. This a benevolent event for everyone. Highly recommended. Cheers!

    February 2026
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