Durham Arts Council Annual Call for Artists 2020-2021

The Durham Arts Council issues an annual call to 2-D visual artists to select work for exhibit in its Allenton and Semans Galleries. The DAC is also searching for artists who create large 2-D works to exhibit in the pre-function corridor of the Durham Convention Center in downtown Durham. Exhibits selected through this Call for Artists will take place between July 2020 and July 2021. Selected artists will generally receive one entire gallery for a solo exhibition. Artists from all geographic locations are eligible to apply, however artists are responsible for transporting their work to the DAC and installing it. Work must be dropped off—shipping is not permitted.

The Allenton Gallery features approximately 42 running feet of hanging space with 11-foot ceilings and halogen lighting. The Semans Gallery, located on the second floor, offers approximately 78 running feet of hanging space with similar specifications. Exhibits in these galleries generally do not run longer than 8 weeks. The Durham Convention Center pre-function corridor is 296 feet long and 18 feet wide with 14-foot ceilings, appropriate for large 2-D work (up to 6' x 6', possibly larger), with exhibits running for several months.

Submitted images must represent the work the artist wishes to exhibit. Ninety percent (90%) of exhibited work must be for sale. The Durham Arts Council will handle artwork sales on behalf of the artist, with a 30% commission on any sold works. Entry requirements include an artist statement explaining the body of work and thoughts on an appropriate interactive activity, a resume with arts-related background, 5-10 images formatted according to CaFE guidelines, and an image script with image number, year executed, title, dimensions, and medium. The entry fee is $15.00. Applications must be mailed with images and payment to: Durham Arts Council, Attn: Susan Tierney, 120 Morris Street, Durham, NC 27701.