call for curatorial exhibit proposals

Art Works Downtown warmly welcomes curators to submit proposals for exhibition in Gallery 1337. Our goal is to provide engaging visual art experiences for the public, and we need diverse and creative perspectives. We’re seeking proposals that demonstrate professionalism, clear vision, and innovative concepts.

As a community-driven organization, we understand the visual-arts are an important benefit for society; but at the same time, exhibit production can be taken for granted. Art Works Downtown created this program to support curators financially and creatively, and we can’t wait to see your unique vision come to life.

Exhibit Dates: proposals will be considered for Sep 27–Nov 8, 2024 and 2025

Conceptual Guidelines

• Proposals will be evaluated based on qualities such as the strength of concept, quality of proposed artworks, and feasibility of exhibit plan.
• Attention will be given to proposals supporting or exploring themes of inclusivity, diversity, equity, or accessibility.
• Concepts should be accessible to a wide spectrum of audience from art-educated guests to people who are new to art.
• Artwork content with explicit sexual content or graphic violence is prohibited. AWD prefers not to censor artwork, but we must also maintain a safe space in our very public gallery.
• The theme must be different than our previous exhibits, see Gallery 1337 archive on our website.

Artist Requirements

• Group exhibits of three or more artists are preferred. Curators working with a solo artist are also welcome to apply.
• Potential artists must be contacted by curators prior to submission of proposal to confirm interest.
• Exhibitors must be living artists who reside within 100 miles of San Rafael California during the exhibit dates.

Artwork Requirements

• All visual-art mediums are welcome.
• Exhibits must showcase about 16–36 artworks, depending on scale.
• Artwork must be ready to install. Installation-art must include clear instructions, or the artist must be available to install complex installations within the schedule.
• At least 50% of the exhibiting artworks must be for sale. AWD asks for a 40% donation upon sale. Sales tax is paid by AWD.
• Artwork must arrive in a professionally presentable state. We do not accept damaged frames, scratched glass, wet paint, floating paper, etc.
• Video art is welcome, but must qualify as follows.

1. Display equipment required must be provided with the artwork.
2. Projections are usually prohibited because the space contains too much light.

• Audible works must use headphones and not broadcast sound.
• Editions

1. Originals of limited editions are permitted. They must be signed and numbered. For example: photographic prints, printmaking, bronze castings.
2. Un-editioned reproductions such as giclée’s, or print-to-order, are prohibited.

Curator Requirements

• All curators are welcome; including professional, independent, emerging, and team curators. Experience is preferred.
• Curator may use the stipend according to your own discretion. Payable by 50% before exhibit and 50% after the exhibit ends, or 100% after the exhibit ends. Please recognize that an approved budget will be the entire budget for the curator and artists. There are no additional funds for anyone or anything beyond our standard exhibition practices.
• The curator agrees to

1. dates and deadlines as established with the AWD staff.
2. be available for meetings with staff; two receptions; and an Art Talk.
3. Curator agrees to lead an Art Talk about the exhibit, which may be in person or via Zoom. Curator will be required to present an artist talk with curatorial stipend covering their cost for participation.
4. submit a W9 form in order to receive the stipend. AWD cannot offer visa sponsorship.
5. agree to any interviews by the press about the exhibit.

• Exhibitions must be installable in under four days.
• Curator is welcome to offer suggestions for the gallery design/artwork placement. AWD usually relies on our Gallery Designer and Installer to design and install as they are an expert and have an intimate understanding of our gallery space. Any ideas or concerns from the curator will be considered and explored with meetings and communication in a collaborative spirit.
• We strongly encourage you to visit and view the Gallery 1337 exhibit space at Art Works Downtown before applying for this opportunity.