Calls

CALYX

Paul Briggs

Gibbs Gallery Guest Curator Program

Call for Proposals

Applications are reviewed twice annually.

Submission Deadlines are January 15 and July 15

The Gibbs Gallery of the Arlington Center for the Arts accepts proposals for six-week, group exhibitions. Proposals may include work in any visual media and may be organized around any theme or technique. The Gibbs Gallery seeks proposals by both established and emerging artists. The ideas, values, and vision expressed by the curatorial proposal need to be clear and explicit. Experimental work, multimedia work and installations are encouraged but must fit the available space. Curators may include their own work in the exhibit, but it should illuminate or develop the exhibition's concept.

Proposals must include at least two artists, and proposals for 3 or more artists are preferred. To apply to be a guest curator for an exhibition, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Application Procedure

Please Note: Incomplete or improperly prepared applications will be returned. Application materials will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage.

Submissions may be sent either via mail or electronically. Please submit:

A brief curator's statement describing your exhibit concept. Include an explanation of how the pieces fit into your vision of the exhibit. In your proposal, translate your idea for the exhibition layout as concretely as possible, particularly if there are 3-D pieces.
A resume for each artist included in the exhibit proposal.
An artist's statement from each artist.
Submit a maximum of 20 slides total showing either actual or representative work. Label each slide with: artist name, title of piece, dimensions, and medium; indicate top of slide; mark slide "A" if actual work to be exhibited or "R" if work is representative of that to be exhibited.

Gallery Support from Arlington Center for the Arts

The ACA provides:

Media relations & publicity management, including the dissemination of press releases, calendar listings, and announcements to appropriate media outlets.
Production of Gallery Invitation Card (cost of cards paid by artists)
Duplication of material for distribution at the exhibit
Gallery signage
Physical assistance in preparing the space
Sales - during the exhibit, all purchase inquiries will be directed to and handled by ACA. ACA will collect payment and send a check (less 30% commission) to the artist.
Insurance for work placed in the gallery (work is not insured during transport)

Guest Curator Responsibilities

The guest curator is responsible for:

Selecting art
Cost of Gallery Invitation Postcard (to be shared among participating artists)
Installing and dismantling the show
Hosting the opening reception; including food/beverages/supplies
Gallery sitting during evening/weekend (optional)
Providing final price lists and labels for artwork and
Working with ACA on promotion and any special programming, such as Gallery Talks

Gibbs Gallery Information

The Gibbs Gallery space at the Arlington Center for the Arts measures approximately 500 square feet and has 62 linear feet of wall space. A visit to the space is encouraged.

Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Artists are also encouraged to gallery sit to provide additional evening and/or weekend hours (for example, Thursdays, 6-9 pm or Saturdays, 1-4 pm).

Sale of artwork is encouraged but not required. All sales must be conducted through the ACA office. The ACA retains a commission of 30%.

Please submit your complete application by mail to:

Guest Curator Program
Arlington Center for the Arts
41 Foster Street
Arlington, MA 02474

Or electronically to: info@acarts.org with "Gibbs Gallery Submission" in subject line.