QUAD’s Season of Play: Play During the Pandemic

QUAD’s Season of Play: Play During the Pandemic 
Open Call for UK Based Artists 
For Exhibition in QUAD Extra Gallery Spaces 2022 

Open Call Dates: Opens: Friday 11 March 2022,10am (GMT) 
Closes: Sunday 1 May 2022, 23:59 pm (GMT) 
Exhibition dates: 23rd July–30th October 2022 
Exhibition Launch: 22nd July 2022, 6:30 pm 

 
QUAD’s Season of Play is broad-ranging and will feature artists and works that connect to our sense of play and playfulness across all age ranges. The focus of this Open Call – titled ‘Play During the Pandemic’ will result in artists selected for exhibition in QUAD Extra Gallery Spaces. We are seeking work that pursues a different sense of 'Play' that relates to our daily life, our childhood and specifically how 'Play' has been transformed in the past two years during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Alongside this exhibition, in QUAD’s main Gallery, are two separate exhibitions by artists Seema Mattu and Bruce Asbestos. Mattu and Asbestos, both current QUAD International Digital Fellows, were selected for their work that examines the theme of ‘Play’ in its broadest sense, including notions of playfulness, curiosity, imagination and – most importantly for QUAD and our continuing work – ‘wellbeing’ and participation. The QUAD Extra Gallery spaces Season of Play Open Call will run simultaneously to the main Gallery exhibition and takes as inspiration the same themes.  

 
This Open Call is aimed at UK based artists. We accept proposals of 2D and 3D works, also temporary works that can be directly applied to the gallery walls, plus video and sound works, and interactive works. There is a budget available for artist fees, travel as well as some production costs. QUAD has an extensive list of AV and computing equipment available. 

 
The gallery space is comprised of stairwells, corridors and mezzanine areas - it is a busy, well-used area of this large public building. We welcome applications from individuals and collectives and can offer payment for exhibiting the work. We can cover some production costs, installation and travel. For enquiries, please get in touch with Jodi Kwok - QUAD Assistant Curator. 

 
Please Note:  Artworks must be delivered/ installed between Monday 4th–Friday 15th July 2022.   

 
QUAD is an international centre for engagement in contemporary art and film, based in Derby. The year-round programme focuses on major exhibitions, professional practice for artists, mass participation, commissions, independent film and the creative use of emergent technologies. QUAD is a charity focused on intercultural dialogue through supporting diverse audiences to engage, develop skills and contribute to contemporary culture.