Call For Artists!!!
Unfinished Business: Women’s Power of Persistence
A Month-long Exhibit at the Doña Ana Arts Council in Celebration of Women’s History Month
Application/Sample Artwork Deadline: October 16, 2022
Notification of Acceptance: October 30, 2022
Deadline for Submission of Final Images: December 18, 2022
Delivery of Art: February 20, 2023
Exhibit Date: March 2023
The Dona Ana Arts Council (DAAC) is accepting proposals from female, female-identifying, nonbinary, and Two Spirit artists of all sexual orientations for an exhibition entitled “Unfinished Business: Women’s Power of Persistence,” to be held in March 2023, Women’s History Month.
Exhibit Theme
The theme “Unfinished Business: Women’s Power of Persistence” centers around a recurring and recognizable trajectory in women’s history: one of great strides and recurrent setbacks, making women’s work for equity “unfinished.” The theme of this exhibit further acknowledges the goals, disappointments, and successes of our many predecessors, while also recognizing that in the contemporary world we still have much work to do. For example, achieving full citizenship, personal control over our bodies, health, and economics, as well as acknowledgment for the many social, scientific, and cultural contributions, have been ongoing pursuits.
Recognizing that the issues faced by women and girls are experienced differently depending on race, age, sexuality, gender identity, and culture, this exhibit will not only celebrate these differences, but will also present a forum for exploration and discussion of these differences and challenges.
Submission Details
The DAAC encourages, and is especially interested in, submission of new art specifically created for the exhibit’s theme and that clearly focuses on contemporary issues related to “Unfished Business.” Artists may also submit recent work if that work fits the exhibit’s theme. Jurors may give preference to new vs. already completed work. Artists, artisans, and craftspeople from Doña Ana County and regional southwestern New Mexico will comprise the majority of work in the exhibit and will be joined by national or international artists to broaden the exhibit’s geographic scope.
All types of media or combinations of media will be considered, including but not limited to:
• 2D work: painting, drawing, print, collage, digital, and mixed-media art on canvas, paper, or other substrates.
• Installation art: larger scale, mixed-media constructions that provide a unified experience by allowing the viewer to walk through or around a multi-item display. The suggested size for an installation is no larger than 3 ft. x 3 ft. floor space, and up to 7 ft. in height.
• 3D or sculpture: freestanding or hanging art, or small sculptures that can fit on a pedestal.
• Textile: 2D or 3D work in textiles or stitching/embroidery on cloth or other substrates, or in combination with other media.
• Short video media, up to 30 minutes maximum.
• Student artists, artisans, and craftspeople are encouraged to apply.
Application and Selection Process
Interested artists must submit an application, application fee, and proposal, including relevant images of their work, that explores the contemporary issues women and girls continue to face worldwide. Although new work is highly encouraged, already completed work related to the exhibit’s theme will be considered. Up to 3 pieces per artist may be accepted.
Proposals must include the following:
- A narrative or description of the work that includes the intention of the artist with regard to the theme of the exhibit and the specific media to be used. In other words, the proposal should describe the content, media, and other physical properties of the work.
- Sample images:
a. For new work, sketches or representative images related to the theme, style, or approach the artist intends to use.
b. For completed work, up to three images related to the exhibit’s theme. - An artist CV.
- A completed application and a $35.00 application fee for Dofia Ana Arts Council members and students; $45.00 for non-members.
- Submissions will be juried by the DAAC Gallery Manager, the DAAC Board, and the Curator.
Click Here for Application
DAAC Support and Commission
The DAAC will provide exhibition gallery space for the month of March 2023. In addition, the DAAC will provide:
• Full support of the DAAC Gallery Manager and the Curator
• Promotion and marketing, including website and social media postings, print ads, videos, and postcards
• An event specifically created for the exhibit
• Assistance in installation
• Two receptions with refreshments
• Assistance in uninstallation
• Follow-up discussions with exhibiting artists
• Research resources for women’s history, gender studies, and more
If artwork is offered for sale, the DAAC will take a 30% commission on all sales.
Questions about the exhibit should be emailed to: Penny Peace, Gallery Manager, gallery@daarts.org
Doña Ana Arts Council
250 W. Amador, Suite B
Las Cruces, NM 8800 5
575-523-6403
daarts.org