San José Artists: Holding the Moment - 2-D Work for Airport Exhibition

This opportunity is open only to visual artists with either a physical or studio address within San José, CA. Approximately 90 artworks, new or previously created, will be selected for a series of six one-month installations in the San José Airport Terminal B Showcases.

Artists are invited to submit new or previously created 2-dimensional work conceptually relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts. Themes may include reflections on sheltering in place, scenes from quarantine, impact on individuals and communities, meanings of community, loss, images of a new normal, and emergence of heroes and leaders. Selected work will be reproduced by the City in a poster-like format and mounted for display in a standard size (likely 18" x 24"). Both portrait and landscape orientations are accepted. All copyrights remain with the artists, and City-produced prints will be gifted to artists upon de-installation. Work will be documented and shared on the City's social media platforms.

Artists may submit up to 3 artworks for consideration. Awards are $2,500 per selected submission, with a maximum of 2 awards per artist. Payment will be made after submission of camera-ready artwork and acceptance of final narrative. Applications must include visual representations of artwork, title and concept statement (up to 150 words per artwork), artist perspective describing artistic practice and connection to San José (up to 250 words), and a current résumé (maximum 2 pages). Final selections will be curated by a panel of artists, arts professionals, and an airport representative, based on aesthetic integrity, conceptual statement power, and alignment with the initiative. Submissions are received electronically via CAFÉ. Notifications of selection will be released the week of August 31, 2020.