Art Works Downtown invites curators to submit proposals for exhibition in Gallery 1337. Our mission is to offer compelling visual art experiences to the community, and we value diverse and imaginative viewpoints. We encourage proposals that showcase professionalism, clarity of vision, and innovative concepts. We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Approved proposals receive a two month exhibit and a curator stipend up to $5,000.

The exhibit program at Art Works Downtown fulfills a vital role in connecting the public with the creative essence of humanity, fostering inspiration, contemplation, and meaningful discourse. Situated in the vibrant heart of San Rafael, CA, our gallery proudly presents the finest local art, catering to both discerning collectors and casual enthusiasts. We extend a warm invitation to explore our gallery and engage with the contemporary art scene unfolding within your community. Welcome!

Exhibit Dates: Sep 27–Nov 8, 2024 and 2025. Proposals will be considered as they arrive before the due date.

About the Gallery 1337 program at Art Works Downtown

Gallery 1337 at Art Works Downtown features traditional, modern, and contemporary work by established and emerging artists from the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The exhibit program serves the public by offering a connection to the creative aspect of our humanness for the purpose of inspiration, contemplation, and discourse. Located in the heart of San Rafael, CA, this gallery showcases the best of local art for the serious collector and casual viewer alike. Art Works Downtown invites you to visit to engage with the art happening today, in your community… welcome!

Art Works Downtown, Inc, a 501(c)3 corporation, is Marin's premier non-profit art center. Located on Fourth Street, our 40,000 square-foot building houses 4 galleries, 27 art studios, artist membership program, restaurant, jewelers guild, frame shop, ceramic center, other arts organizations, 17 affordable apartments and more. We feature new exhibits, events, and classes every month as well as outreach programs and 6 public art installations throughout San Rafael.

Application Requirements

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.
Display equipment required must be provided with the artwork.
Projections are usually prohibited because the space contains too much light.
Audible works must use headphones and not broadcast sound.
Editions
Originals of limited editions are permitted. They must be signed and numbered. For example: photographic prints, printmaking, bronze castings.
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
dates and deadlines as established with the AWD staff.
be available for meetings with staff; two receptions; and an Art Talk.
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.
submit a W9 form in order to receive the stipend. AWD cannot offer visa sponsorship.
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.

A Sense of Place
Regional Juried Exhibition
July 18 - August 16, 2024

Human beings often have emotional connections to a physical place, be it a country, a landscape, a childhood home, a cultural identity, or other less defined "spaces." Artists often delve into these real or imagined places, expressing their own sense of self through place.

For this exhibition, we want to highlight the connections people feel that give them a sense of roots, comfort, grounding. What are the places that make you who you are, that give you "A Sense of Place," and how do they inform your work?

We are looking for artwork of any medium/style, from realism to abstract, that expresses this concept. This call is open to artists anywhere in the Rocky Mountain West, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming.

Applications accepted through June 17, 2024.

Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) are unrestricted project-based grants of $1,500 awarded to 65 artists working in all disciplines across Washington State.

Funding may be used for but not limited to artist fees, materials, equipment, space rental, travel for research, documentation, professional development opportunities, marketing and promotion, support to continue a current project, support to start a new project, and many other needs related to your project.

Since 1974, the Centrum Artists-In-Residence program has welcomed hundreds of writers, artists and creative thinkers to immerse themselves in the historic charm and natural beauty of Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington. The campus has sweeping views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, miles of wandering beach and forest trails, and a peppering of World War I–era batteries and bunkers.

Creative professionals from all disciplines and backgrounds can take advantage of charming cabins, studio spaces, and a rich array of resources. Residents can expect semi-rustic experiences in comfortable cabins or apartments. Visual artists have their choice of a few studios of different sizes, including use of the printmaking studio at Corvidae Press for experienced printmakers. Our campus includes several organizations with whom a resident can arrange to connect such as: Rainshadow recording studio, Madrona MindBody Institute, the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, Copper Canyon Press, and Northwind Art.

Above all, artists cite their residency as a unique opportunity to focus on their practice outside of many of the pressures of work, school, or expectation-based constraints.

We’ve updated our application process and will be accepting applications for three of our residency programs (Emerging Artist, In the Making, and Self-Directed Residencies) via the same application portal between April 15-June 30, 2024. In your application, simply select the residencies you’d like to be considered for.

Our residency program is aimed at providing artists, writers, and creatives in all disciplines permission to relax, to focus, and/or re-invent their practice as needed. We believe that residencies are a central part of any artistic practice and that magic happens when you take time to reflect and focus on what matters most. We also believe that community matters, and that being in residence alongside others expands networks, fosters collectivity and friendship, and helps our arts ecosystem thrive. We encourage all applicants to read all about what Centrum Residencies offer here.

In this application stage, we will ask for:

Work samples, along with a link directly to an existing online portfolio if you have one, so that our panel can understand your practice. Our panels look to curate a diversity of practices, work that is relevant to contemporary issues and work that expands thinking in its field. Residencies are open to practices that include but not limited to: visual arts, writing, curatorial, performance, dance, music, and social practices.
Demographics to ensure that we are selecting from a diverse pool of applicants.
The type of workspace/accommodations needed for your work
One short paragraph about what a residency would mean to you.
Indicate which residency programs you want to be considered for.

Please see details for each residency on website.

TERAVARNA announces their "12th ABSTRACT" International Juried Art Competition. Artists with a keen eye for originality are encouraged to put their most compelling pieces on the unifying topic of abstraction to this unique occasion. The abstract art competition is open to contributions in a wide variety of creative disciplines, including but not limited to traditional media such as painting and sculpture, new media such as digital art, painting, fiber art, photography, graphic design, and mixed media, and even experimental and installation art. All are welcome to this celebration of the boundless possibilities of abstract art.

Terms for Participation in Abstract Art Competition
The international juried art competition hosted by TERAVARNA revolves around the theme of ABSTRACT. Artists are free to interpret and represent the theme in their unique way. You should remember the following criteria:

Both figurative and abstract ideas related to the overall theme will be considered.

Artists can submit their artworks in any media or artistic form.

Still not sure if you should participate?
Let us convince you otherwise
Abstract art, with its kaleidoscopic array of colors and shapes, challenges our perception of the world and transports us to the limitless potential of the creative mind. It moves about the canvas, playing with our eyes and ears and forcing us to reevaluate our assumptions. The entangled strokes of paint create an orchestra of feelings that reveals hidden meaning to the curious. Meaning is ambiguous and up for grabs in this kaleidoscopic collage of forms and lines. Each brushstroke conveys meaning and encourages the development of unique tales. Digital abstract art is a call to explore one's inner world; it is an artistic medium that reaches one's spirit and spurs original thought.

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TERAVARNA presents the best platform for abstract art contests. We provide the ideal domain where you can present your artwork and get admired by visitors digitally. All art enthusiasts will get to view your creation, which respected professionals in digital abstract art will judge. Such panelists have been hand-picked for their knowledge and experience in the subject, and they will give insightful comments on your applications. Their feedback may be a springboard to enhance your creative abilities and personal style further. All the entries will compete, and the winners will be announced in this official portal.

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We intend to provide the ultimate abstract artwork gallery meeting point where admirers can find new art to praise, and artists can find new admirers for inspiration. Here at TERAVARNA, we think it's important to acknowledge and honor hard work and excellence. We value the work of the best abstract artists because we know how much time and energy they put into their pieces.

Winning submissions in our colorful abstract painting competitions can win cash prizes, get art materials, and perhaps be featured in solo shows or work with well-known artists. In addition to validating your efforts, these rewards will encourage you to keep pushing the envelope in your creative endeavors.

TERAVARNA's dedication to the arts community exceeds juried shows and public displays. Our goal is to provide a setting conducive to creative development and exploration. We also provide instructional courses, masterclasses, and other tools to help you develop your creative abilities, hone your craft, and spark your creativity in addition to the events we host. Benefit from these programs to widen your artistic horizons, try new methods, and connect with other creative types to build a strong foundation for your career.

TERAVARNA's abstract art contests provide excellent networking and promotional chances for artists like you. Your work will be seen by a wide variety of art lovers, buyers, exhibition owners, and experts in the field if you join our online community. The worldwide audience seeing your creations will give you the exposure that no local venue ever could.

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If you've been on the fence about participating in an abstract art competition, know that TERAVARNA is a fantastic venue for showcasing your work, connecting with other artists and art lovers, and earning praise from knowledgeable judges. You'll discover a welcoming community here that will encourage your artistic growth and provide valuable exposure and the opportunity to compete for prizes. Don't allow self-doubt to stop you from embarking on a creative journey that might revolutionize your professional life as one of the best abstract artists.

WeHo Arts Division invites artists, curators, and non-profit arts organizations based in the U.S. to submit proposals for temporary public art projects to the Art on the Outside (AOTO) program. AOTO funds the temporary display of art at publicly accessible City-owned locations and facilities. Past projects include sculptures, murals, digital screen-based artwork & projections, and performance art. While proposals for new artworks are eligible for review, the program is best suited to realizing exhibitions consisting of prefabricated artworks that can be installed at the approved site without extensive modification. Past awarded budgets have averaged around $8,000 but vary depending on the project. Please review the application requirements carefully before applying and feel free to contact Marcus Mitchell, Public Art Administrator at 323-848-3122 / [email protected] with any questions about the application, selection process, or program. To apply please visit https://bit.ly/AOTO2024.

We are thrilled to announce our open call for participation in our 2025 artist residency program, dedicated to exploring the theme Care and Stewardship. At the heart of this theme is the idea that care transcends human boundaries and acknowledges our interconnected existence in the world. We invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to explore the multifaceted dimensions and essence of care.

At its core, Care & Stewardship beckons reflection upon reciprocal responsibility we hold as stewards of the Earth. It prompts us to consider the consequences of our actions, both immediate and in the future, on ecosystems, biodiversity, and future generations. Yet, its reach extends far beyond interpersonal dynamics to encompass the stewardship of our environment, the pursuit of social justice, and the cultivation of collective well-being. Through this exploration, we invite artists, scientists, scholars, and cultural bearers to critically engage with the concept of care, probing its intersections with issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical responsibility. Together, let us delve into the transformative potential of care in shaping more compassionate and sustainable futures.

At Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, we work with artists, educators, researchers and Tribal members to support the long-term resilience of the local ecosystem. As stewards of the land, we rely on a deep understanding of the local ecology and the application of time-tested techniques to conserve natural resources and maintain the fertile conditions in which life can flourish. Understanding how different entities within the ecosystem interact and coexist at PMRCAA has allowed us to preserve the ranching tradition and maintain agricultural land. Our hope is to restore PMRCAA’s soil by understanding the diverse web of relationships responsible for maintaining its fertility.

By embracing a more expansive perspective that recognizes the power of diverse ways of knowing and being, we concern ourselves with how to instill ethical relations of production and explore the role artists, culture bearers, scientists, scholars, and researchers play in nourishing radical imagination and facilitating transformative change.

The City of West Hollywood's Arts Division invites artists, curators, and non-profit arts organizations based in the U.S. to submit proposals for temporary public art projects to the Art on the Outside (AOTO) program. AOTO funds the temporary display of art at publicly accessible City-owned locations and facilities. Past projects include sculptures, murals, digital screen-based artwork & projections, and performance art.

Please see website for further application details.

The Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality art space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support. The Residency includes a free art studio for 12 months with many additional benefits. Ideal candidates live in the Marin/San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area and can commit to regularly making art and participating in the program activities.

Art Works Downtown offers a diverse mix of studio artists and mediums in the heart of the San Rafael commercial core for regular interaction with the public. The Max Thelen Studio is a located on the street-level of the AWD complex. Art Works Downtown believes that an emerging artist will stimulate new ideas among established AWD studio artists and vice versa. Our community will be better served as they recognize and understand the importance of supporting emerging artists in their career endeavors.

Benefits:

Free art studio, including utilities, fees and operating costs.
PLEASE NOTE: This residency does not include living accommodations.
92 sq. ft. located in the main entrance hallway.
You may see the space during our public hours, Wed–Sat, 12–6pm.
An environment that is supportive and empathetic to the creative process.
Solo exhibition in the Founders’ Gallery, which provides exhibition production experience.
Waived fees for AWD membership and juried exhibitions.
Representation on AWD’s newsletter, website, and social media.
Exposure to large groups of visitors every month during the 2nd Friday Art Walk events.
Scholarship granted for mandatory participation in Marin Open Studios.
Exposure to exhibit procedures and processes.
Exposure to the nonprofit arts organization operation.
Application Requirements
Calendar:

Deadline to apply July 6, 2024
Award announced in August 6-8, 2024
Studio Residency to commence in September 5, 2024 through August 30, 2025
Founders Gallery exhibition: August 8–September 27, 2024

Brushstrokes is a non-themed juried exhibition. It is held annually and is open to all painters
residing in California. It showcases a diverse array of unique artistic expression across various
painting mediums, including acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, encaustic, digital, and collage.
Juror: The juror for this year’s exhibit is Frank Eber, an award-winning artist and Signature
member of the American Impressionist Society (AIS), American Watercolor Society (AWS),
the National Watercolor Society (NWS) and a juried Artist member of the prestigious
California Art Club. He conducts workshops and demonstrations locally and at the national
and international level, working in both oil and water media.
He writes, “Subject matter is really secondary to me. I am looking for interacting patterns
and shapes, and above all, for some meaning that lies beyond technical ability, beyond
brushwork. Website: http://www.frankeber.com/

Jurying Process: Juror will select paintings from digital images supplied by artists. Final
show selection and awards will be made from the actual submitted work. The Juror and The
Painters Group reserve the right to reject any painting that does not meet the standards as
shown in the images supplied.
Cash awards will be presented at the Opening Reception on August 11.
Notification of Acceptance: Notification will be made by email by July 17, 2024
Agreements: Submission of work to this exhibition constitutes an agreement to the
conditions stated in the Call For Artists and a commitment to show accepted work for the
duration of the exhibition. By entering this exhibition, artists agree to allow The Painters
Group and Art Center Morro Bay to use submitted images in promotional material.
Sales: All artwork must be for sale. Prices set by the artist may not be changed after
acceptance. The Morro Bay Art Association will retain a 25 percent commission on all art
sales. The artist receives 75 percent of the sale.
Insurance and Care: Artists are encouraged to carry their own insurance. The Painters
Group and Art Center Morro Bay representatives will make every reasonable effort to
protect art from the time it is received until it is returned to the artist. They will not be held
responsible for any damage or theft.