14 Aug 2015

Apply: Smack Mellon Emerging Artist Exhibition

Smack Mellon reviews submissions from Emerging Artists wishing to have their work considered. The work will be reviewed and considered for the Emerging Artists Summer Show by Smack Mellon staff and the show's curator Erin Donnelly, Smack Mellon's Programs Manager.

The theme for this year is the 2016 election. The summer of 2016 when the exhibition will be held will be marked by the Democratic National Convention July 25–28 in Philadelphia and the Republican National Convention July 18-21 in Cleveland where the two dominant political parties in our country will announce their bids for the presidency in the race up to the election on November 8.

The event of the 2016 electoral process is a jumping off point for the exhibition to critically examine current national politics from personal, social, and cultural perspectives. Artists are encouraged to investigate the issues that define political platforms such as the economy, distribution of income, foreign affairs policy, race relations, healthcare, immigration and how government functions, among other topics. Collectively, the works in the exhibition will offer various viewpoints on democracy and the political process in America.

Submissions of work in all media will be considered. Proposals for new projects are especially sought after, as the issues will be debated in the coming months. Smack Mellon is interested in proposals that consider the unusual architecture of the gallery space and encourages site-specific projects. If you are applying with a site-specific project, there will be an area in the online submission form for additional materials. When proposing a new work, please visit the gallery to understand the parameters of the space. Proposals for events are also welcome.

Artists involved in exhibitions are responsible for the execution and installation of their own artwork. Artists should understand that they are responsible for delivering their work to the gallery, installing and de-installing their work. Smack Mellon does not have a full time staff of preparators. Smack Mellon staff can assist in installation of work requiring a scissor lift or special mounting, when arranged in advance. Our staff may also assist artists and curators with installation of other complicated projects but will not be involved in helping the artist to build their work on site.

Specifics about the installation of artwork, the equipment and resources that Smack Mellon is able to provide will be discussed after the initial proposal has been reviewed and accepted as a proposal under consideration.

Current students are ineligible to apply.

For detailed guidelines, please go here: smackmellon.org/index.php/opportunities/for_emerging_artists/