Call for Curatorial Proposals

Art Works Downtown invites curators to submit proposals for exhibition in Gallery 1337. Our mission is to offer compelling visual art experiences to the community, and we value diverse and imaginative viewpoints. We encourage proposals that showcase professionalism, clarity of vision, and innovative concepts. We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Approved proposals receive a two month exhibit and a curator stipend up to $5,000.

The exhibit program at Art Works Downtown fulfills a vital role in connecting the public with the creative essence of humanity, fostering inspiration, contemplation, and meaningful discourse. Situated in the vibrant heart of San Rafael, CA, our gallery proudly presents the finest local art, catering to both discerning collectors and casual enthusiasts. We extend a warm invitation to explore our gallery and engage with the contemporary art scene unfolding within your community. Welcome!

Proposals due: June 14, 2024

Exhibit Dates: proposals will be considered for Sep 27–Nov 8, 2024 and the 2025 calendar

Application Fee: no cost

See the full prospectus and apply today: CallforEntry.org

Conceptual Guidelines (abbreviated):

Proposals will be evaluated based on qualities such as the strength of concept, quality of proposed artworks, and feasibility of exhibit plan.
Attention will be given to proposals supporting or exploring themes of inclusivity, diversity, equity, or accessibility.
Concepts should be accessible to a wide spectrum of audience from art-educated guests to people who are new to art.
Artist and Artwork Requirements (abbreviated):

Exhibitors must be living artists who reside within 100 miles of San Rafael California during the exhibit dates.
Group exhibits of three or more artists are preferred. Curators working with a solo artist are also welcome to apply.
All visual-art mediums are welcome.
Exhibits must showcase about 16–36 artworks, depending on scale.
Curator Requirements (abbreviated):

All curators are welcome; including professional, independent, emerging, and team curators. Experience is preferred.
Curator may use the stipend according to your own discretion. Payable by 50% before exhibit and 50% after the exhibit ends, or 100% after the exhibit ends. Please recognize that an approved budget will be the entire budget for the curator and artists. There are no additional funds for anyone or anything beyond our standard exhibition practices.
The curator agrees todates and deadlines as established with the AWD staff.
be available for meetings with staff; two receptions; and an Art Talk.
Curator agrees to lead an Art Talk about the exhibit, which may be in person or via Zoom. Curator will be required to present an artist talk with curatorial stipend covering their cost for participation.
We encourage you to visit and view the Gallery 1337 exhibit space at Art Works Downtown before applying for this opportunity.
Proposal Requirements (abbreviated):

Exhibition Statement: explain how viewers will benefit from experiencing the exhibit, explain the exhibit’s conceptual theme, and describe your vision for the exhibit space. (2000 words maximum).
If you’d like a stipend, provide the estimated budget you will need for curating and producing the exhibit.
10–20 images of the artwork. AWD recognizes the selection of art in the proposal may not be guaranteed, but the examples should provide an accurate representation of the artwork expected to exhibit.
Image list of proposed artworks, including title, media, dimensions.
Videos submissions: maximum 6 within the application system.
Artists’ information: artist statements, resumes, bios, and links for each artist you plan to exhibit.
Curator resume, bio, links, resume, bio, curator’s statement (optional), examples of past exhibits.
Benefits (abbreviated):

Up to $5,000 stipend and one exhibit awarded to curators of approved proposals.
Curator may use the stipend to your own discretion. Please recognize the awarded stipend will be the entire budget for the curator and artists.
Exhibition advertising and promotions including email-invitation, print postcard, press-release, social media promotions, catalogue of exhibit.
Installation of the final exhibit.
Provide Gallery 1337 to include, but not limited to, gallery design, installation, exhibit, and promotion.
Appreciation

Art Works Downtown recognizes your effort and applauds your art practice. Thank you for considering our venue as an opportunity to further your practice and share your artwork with the public.