Call for 2020 Exhibition Proposals

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, December 1, 2019

Download the 2020 Call for Exhibition Proposals

The Spudnik Press Exhibitions Program invites artists and curators to submit proposals to be considered for the 2020 cycle of exhibitions. This is an opportunity for artists to spotlight their work in a solo show, a group to build a collaborative exhibition, or a curator to make their vision a reality. Proposals may be for existing or new work. Any and all are welcome to apply.

Exhibition proposals are reviewed by a committee of Spudnik Press members and guest jurors. Final selections are made using the organizations’s curatorial statement as a guidepost.

Please note that while installations and performances may be included in proposals, 2-D or wall-mounted artwork is typically best suited for our gallery, which functions as a multi-purpose space. Additionally, while we welcome proposals from beyond Chicago, applicants should be aware that there is a limited budget for each exhibition and final selections may need to partially cover shipping and travel fees.

Timeline:

  • Proposals due: Sunday, December 1, 2019.
  • Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
  • Exhibitions will occur between February 2020 and February 2021. Exact dates TBD.
  • Exhibitions typically run for 9 weeks with two weeks in between shows for gallery preparation.

Spudnik Press Cooperative Curatorial Statement:

Spudnik Press exhibitions amplify the impact of our resources by providing opportunities for artists and audiences to move through a variety of creative roles: from making to experiencing, and learning to teaching.

Spudnik Press showcases work that has ongoing relevance to our mission and vision, while also encouraging a breadth of community participation. Exhibitions create an active platform to expand and diversify our cooperative.

To achieve these goals, Spudnik Press exhibitions:

  • Are selected by a curatorial committee that includes active members.
  • Emphasize printmaking and print-based projects within contemporary art practices.
  • Showcase the creative, analytical and/or technical process of art making.
  • Feature exceptional projects, whether produced at Spudnik Press or beyond.
  • Engage diverse levels of professional experience.

Spudnik Press exhibitions offer participating artists opportunities to:

  • Produce new fine art prints.
  • Present corresponding educational programming.
  • Present Artist Talks.

To Apply:

First review the entire Call for 2020 Exhibition Proposals. E-mail the following to angee@spudnikpress.org with “2020 Exhibition Proposal” in the subject line:

1) PDF including the documents listed below in the following order:

  1. Applicant(s) contact information. Please include your address, phone number, and email address.
  2. Working title of the exhibition.
  3. Exhibition/Curatorial Statement. Description of the exhibition, both conceptually and visually. (500 words max)
  4. Artist Statement(s) and Bio(s). Brief statement for each artist and bio for each artist. Include websites, blogs, notable artistic achievements, other relevant material.
  5. Resume or CV. Please only submit a resume or CV for the applicant(s), not each individual artist.
  6. Image List. Including artist name, title, year of completion, medium, dimensions, and name of file.
  7. Public Program (optional). Applicants are welcome to submit a brief description for a public program related to the exhibitions, i.e. an artist talk, workshop, etc.

2) Images: 

  • For both solo exhibitions and small group exhibitions, include up to 10 images of artworks that will be included in the exhibition, or are representative of the artwork that will be in the exhibition.
  • Sketches may be included for forthcoming work. Please clarify in the written materials if the artwork is not yet complete.
  • Images need not exceed 1 MB each.
  • Work samples files should be labeled as follows: LASTNAME_01.jpg, LASTNAME_02.jpg, etc.