Open Call For Artists: Community Exhibit Program Seeks Applicants

AUSTIN, TX -- The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is seeking artists to submit applications as part of an Open Call for exhibits in 2019 for its quarterly rotating Community Exhibit Program. This program is an opportunity for local artists to display work that explores Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture, heritage and experiences. In addition, AARC's program also supports artists of Asian and Pacific Islander descent interested in a variety of content and styles. National and international submissions welcome.

Application Deadline is February 28, 2018

The AARC invites individual artists working in various media as well as curators, galleries, and organizations to submit a call for exhibits application along with supporting materials to include:

• Artwork images: If this is a solo exhibit, the artist must submit 10-20 jpeg images (no larger than 1024 x 768 pixels at 300 dpi) of artwork. If this is a group exhibit, the curator, gallery, or organization must submit 5-10 jpeg images of artwork by EACH participating artist. All works of art must be completed in the past 5 years.

• Image list: Include the following information for each uploaded image: title of work, medium, dimensions (height x width x depth), and date completed.

• Exhibit statement: Briefly describe the medium, artistic process, and inspiration of the art. Explain the message you would like to convey through this exhibit.

Type of work
2D– painting, drawing, prints, photography, fiber, multimedia
3D– sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, glasswork
Please note that daily video installations are not available at this time. Video installations may be available during opening receptions upon request.
Artwork may not exceed 50 lbs and 20” in depth if exhibited in glass display case.
Selection
An independent panel comprised of community professionals will review all submissions and select exhibits. The panel will be provided only the artwork examples, ethnicity of artist (if available), and the exhibit title and statement submitted for review. No other background on the artist, including name, experience, age, gender or other information, will be provided to the panel.
Selection criteria are broad and may include:

• Originality: All artwork is original in concept and /or presentation.
• Artistic Impression: Strength of the artwork is shown based on technique, concept of work, execution, and application of artistic abilities.
• Appropriateness: The exhibit is suitable for a multi-use space and relevant to the AARC mission statement.

Final exhibit selections will be approved by the panel in conjunction with AARC staff.
Length of exhibits
Exhibits are rotated on a quarterly basis and will run for approximately 10 weeks depending on other programming activities at the AARC.
Exhibit space
The AARC is not a museum gallery. Exhibit spaces available include a ballroom, conference room, the lobby area, and the adjoining hallways. A secured glass display case located in the lobby is also available for smaller work, such as sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, small 3-D sculptures, and small 2-D work.
Delivery, installation, and de-installation
Artist(s) are responsible for transporting all artwork and all related components including, stands, labels and other informational materials to and from the AARC on the date specified in the Exhibit Agreement. The AARC is partially equipped with track lighting system and relies mainly on natural sunlight and canned lights. The artist(s) is responsible for providing additional lighting and/or other necessary equipment for installation.
All 2-D artwork submitted must be framed or mounted and ready to hang with D-rings. The AARC is a city owned facility and is handicap accessible. The national standard hanging height for artwork is 58 - 60” on center for accessibility purposes. Artwork that is intentionally unframed, such as stretched canvas, must have well finished edges. Edges cannot be taped. Mats, if used, must be well cut and clean. At the AARC, the gallery track hanging system with classic hooks is used for exhibits. The use of this system is preferred, but other methods that do not damage the walls will be considered at the manager's discretion. This system supports up to 88 lbs per piece.
All 3-D artwork submitted must be self-supporting or include a stand. Pedestals may be available upon request. In addition, 3D artwork should not have sharp objects protruding from the stand or be installed directly on the floor creating a possible walking hazard or difficulty with facility cleaning.
All artwork labels must be typed and should be the same size and contain the same information (title, name, medium). Use a readable font style such as Arial or Times New Roman and font size no smaller than 14 points. Be consistent with placement of the labels. Label hanging height should not exceed 54”. The label design and material must be approved by AARC staff prior to installation. Pricelist and number pins are not accepted.
Exhibit installation is the responsibility of the artist(s) and subject to approval by AARC staff. Thirty (30) days before the date of the installation, the artist(s) must attend a required planning meeting in order to have the proposed exhibit layout and installation methods approved. AARC staff will be onsite to provide consultation; however artist(s) are ultimately responsible for curating and installing the exhibit and providing all their own hardware and tools.
The AARC will ensure that exhibit space and walls are ready for hanging prior to installation of work. All artwork must be removed from the premises by the close date unless other arrangements have been made with AARC staff. AARC staff will inspect space to ensure gallery is ready for the next show.
Publicity and promotion
The AARC will support artists to the best of its ability in terms of promoting exhibits via the center’s website, brochures, newsletters, calendar listings and other media outlets as available. Additional methods of publicity are the responsibility of the artist(s). The AARC reserves the right to reproduce accepted entries and images for the purpose of exhibit promotion and educational programming, as provided in the agreement.
Reception
A reception is typically scheduled for each exhibit, usually within the first week of its installation. The AARC will host the reception and provide light refreshments.
Sale of artwork
Artist(s) may sell work directly to the public provided that artwork sold remains on display until the conclusion of the exhibit. The AARC does not market sales nor receive a commission from sales of art. AARC staff does not handle purchase negotiations for the artist(s). Any and all purchase inquiries will be referred directly back to the artist.
LiabilityAlthough the greatest of care and respect will be given to all work exhibited at the AARC, the AARC is notresponsible for any loss or damage to the application materials or to the accepted work submitted.
Exhibits are afforded property insurance coverage under the Fine-Arts Floater on the City of Austin property insurance policy. The artist(s) is responsible for the deductible amount of $2,500.
Exhibit agreement form

If an artist, curator, gallery, or organization is offered an exhibit opportunity at the AARC, a Community Exhibit Program Agreement must be completed and returned to the AARC within two weeks of notification. The terms of these guidelines are incorporated as part of the agreement.

For additional information, and to learn about the Asian American Resource Center, click HERE.

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