Call for Curatorial Exhibition Proposals

Art Works Downtown invites curators to submit proposals for exhibition in Gallery 1337. The organization seeks proposals that demonstrate professionalism, clear vision, and innovative concepts. Proposals will be evaluated based on the strength of concept, quality of proposed artworks, and feasibility of the 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 audiences from art-educated guests to people new to art. Artwork content with explicit sexual content or graphic violence is prohibited. The theme must be different from the past two years of exhibits.

Group exhibits of three or more artists are preferred, though curators working with a solo artist are also welcome. Artists may not curate their own artwork, and curators are discouraged from including their own work. Potential artists must be contacted by curators prior to submission to confirm interest. Curators can only include artists who reside within 100 miles of San Rafael, California during the exhibit dates. All visual art mediums are welcome. Exhibits must showcase approximately 16–36 artworks depending on scale. At least 50% of exhibiting artworks must be for sale, with Art Works Downtown requesting a 40% donation upon sale. Artwork must arrive in a professionally presentable state. Video art is welcome but must meet specific requirements: most display equipment must be provided by the curator, projections are usually prohibited, and audible works must use headphones. Limited editions are permitted if signed and numbered; un-editioned reproductions such as giclées are prohibited.

Proposals are due June 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Acceptance notification will be sent after June 30 via email. The exhibit runs September 29–November 10, 2023, with delivery September 21–23 and installation September 24–28. Curators must submit a vision statement (maximum 2000 words), estimated budget (not to exceed $5,000), 10–20 images or videos of proposed artworks with an image list, resumes and bios for each artist, curator information including resume and bio, and a draft plan showing how artwork would display in the space. Approved curators receive a stipend, exhibition advertising and promotions, installation of the final exhibit, gallery staffing during public hours (Thursday–Saturday, 1–8 p.m.), two receptions, and a printed catalogue. Additional payments of $100 per artist are provided for up to three artist participants at the artist talk. Curators must be available for meetings with staff, two receptions, and an Art Talk, which may be in person or via Zoom. Exhibitions must be installable in under four days. Curators must complete a W9 form to receive the stipend.