Open Call: Solo and Group Exhibition Proposals, 2017-2020

The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art is seeking exhibition proposals for solo, group, curated, and traveling exhibitions for 2017-2020 and beyond. Established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. All visual arts media are eligible for consideration. Artists 18 years or older may apply. Proposals may be submitted by individual artists, artist representatives, groups, cooperatives, and curators. All work must be original. USM employees and students are ineligible to apply.

The primary exhibition space is the Gallery of Art and Design, a 2000 sq.ft. gallery with 140 linear feet of wall space, plus 8 movable walls providing an additional 100 linear feet of display space. The ceiling features a Unistrut grid system for installation of suspended 3D works and sculptural installations. Shows run 4-6 weeks and include an opening reception. The museum also programs gallery talks, lectures, studio demonstrations and workshops with visiting artists, historians, and curators when possible.

Proposals must include 10-20 images of works representative of the proposed exhibition, up to 6 videos or 6 audio files if relevant (combined total of no more than 6 audio/video files), a written exhibition proposal, and a single combined document (.doc or PDF) no larger than 2 MB that includes a list of all participating artists, short bios and artist statements for each participating artist, and a résumé or CV for each participating artist. A budget summary is required only if requesting financial support for exhibition expenses or an exhibition loan fee. Entry fee is $10.00. All proposals will be reviewed by the USM Museum Exhibitions Committee. Invited artists will be notified in February or March 2017 for exhibitions scheduled for September 2017 and beyond.

Image file dimensions must be no smaller than 1920 on the longest side, 72 ppi/dpi resolution, and 5 MB maximum file size. Works must be stable and ready for display. Individual components of ceiling suspended or wall mounted works should not exceed 20 pounds. Size (including boxing/crating) is limited to works that will fit through a standard door, 32 x 80 inches. All work must be original and available for the duration of the scheduled exhibits. The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art will provide insurance coverage for all artwork while on USM campus and gallery premises. Insurance for artworks in transit is the responsibility of the artist. USM is not liable for any damage or loss occurring during transit. All gallery installation and promotional expenses will be covered by USM. Stipends may be available for exhibition loan fees or to assist with individual artist expenses such as shipping costs or travel for on-site installations. Artists are responsible for delivery of works to and from the gallery unless otherwise agreed. Financial support for shipping and transportation may be available. The University of Southern Mississippi reserves the right to use images of selected artwork for marketing and publicity. For more information, contact Mark Rigsby, Museum Director, (601) 266-5200.