February Open: The Art of You

Open Call for Submissions

As part of our continued commitment to offering space for unique and diverse forms of cultural expression, we are excited to welcome submissions to an explorative show which will run throughout February. “The Art of You” will look at works, objects, pieces of narrative, multimedia submissions, written statements, objects, journals, sketchbooks and a diverse array of other submitted material that explore the identity of the artist that submits them. This submission is open to any individual who wishes to celebrate their creativity, whether they are a full time professional artist or last did art at school as a child.

This is intended to be a richly personal exhibition that is open to artists, makers and individuals of any level or discipline to submit something which goes to the heart of their creativity. This might be a sketchbook that looks at their practice in its purest form or an object or item of particular relevance to their work. Equally, the submission could take the form of a completed artwork that is in someway uniquely representative of the artists identity.

We hope in this way to produce a show that is in part autobiographical, and where visitors are encouraged to focus on the lives behind the works. Through the collective display of personal items, the opportunity to draw interpretations of where shared aspects of creation lie, and where difference and similitude can be found in the homes of individual muses will be available, with scope to explore the raw and unrefined elements of creative process.

We view this as an extension of the “sketchbook” or “postcard” model of exhibition which looks at either the process behind an artwork, or a small representation, with our version offering a greater degree of flexibility and wider opportunity for individual expression. The exhibition follows on from a number of other shows hosted at the Gallery including the “Postcard Exhibition” which featured as part of the Gallery’s touring London exhibition, and “The Anonymous Artist”, an open show exploring issues of identity in which artworks were hung anonymously.

Submissions

Selection and Deadlines

There will be no formal selection process, but objects or works will be refused if their display is not practically achievable. The final deadline for completed submissions will be the 31^st January. However, if we receive large numbers of submissions in advance of this date, we may close applications early if we consider the exhibition to be full.

Sales, Commissions and Fees

Whilst we are happy for any items to be displayed as for sale, we anticipate that due to the nature of submissions this will primarily be a non-sales exhibition. Therefore, we welcome and encourage supporting prints and browser works to accompany any application. Were works are available to purchase a 30% commission will apply unless otherwise agreed.

With the above in mind, there will only be a low administration fee to cover the cost of entries of £5.

Artizan will be undertaking a number of revenue generating projects in association with this exhibition all of which are explained in full under the individual Submission Type sections.

Additional Requirements

A complete submission consists of a fully completed booking form and the appropriate fee, as well as a signed copy of the terms and conditions. Where necessary, submissions should be submitted with an explanation of their relevance.

Additionally, as part of the record of the exhibition we will be carrying out audio visual documentation which will include a compulsory verbal audio recording from each artist. The content of this can be of your choosing ranging from simply speaking your name, through to a full artist statement or another reading of your choosing. You have the option of recording this yourself and submitting it to us in a suitable format or of recording your piece in the gallery. For those who wish to do their own recording this could be as simple as using a voice recording app on a phone; we recommend “Audio Recorder” for android, or the stock voice memo recorder app on iPhone. Audio recordings must be of an audible volume and as clear of background noise as possible.

Submission Types

Objects

When submitting objects, we will ask you to confirm whether your item can be handled by visitors. Where this is not the case, a label stating this will be displayed next to the object. Object submissions can take any form be it artist tool, material or studio item.

Objects not displayed for sale cannot be insured by the gallery and as such all submissions are made in the knowledge that we cannot provide financial compensation in the event an object is damaged or stolen. We recommend that high value objects are not submitted and remind that all objects are provided at the artists own risk. We will of course treat all submissions with the same care and concern that we do are usual artwork submissions.

Any objects displayed for sale will be subject to a 30% commission fee. Your object may also feature in photography which will form part of a series of prints which will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition.

Performance Pieces and Audio-visual

All visual performance pieces must be submitted in video format and will be displayed via projector or other suitable screens with any audio. For the purpose of display, where required we will add titles and supporting information to these. Any spoken performance pieces can either by submitted in video format or audio only. Audio only submissions will have a title visual attached to them for the purposes of display.

Any other audio-visual pieces such as animation, film or musical production will be exhibited in the same manner. If pieces are available for purchase as digital downloads online you will be required to provide a link to the point of sale and it is expected that any sales during the period of the exhibition will be subject to the Gallery’s 30% commission.

We will produce a compilation of all pieces which will be available to view online and will also be available to purchase as a digital file. All submissions will be required to approve Artizan’s use of a minimum 20 second excerpt of the piece that is representative of the whole work for this purpose.

Books, Long Texts, Journals or Sketchbooks

Journals and sketchbooks form a vital part of many artists’ creative process. The opportunity to explore these is a privilege to any audience. Any submissions of these are subject to the understanding that visitors are permitted to browse the books with care or with the assistance of a gallery steward. Any special handling requirements can be specified, such as the use of gloves.

Long texts are considered to be any text greater than five sides of A4 and should be provided as a digital word document. If you wish to submit a handwritten document this should be provided as an original (not a photocopy) and must be provided with a digital transcript where practical. Long texts might take the form of a narrative, manifesto or autobiographical piece.

Books, unless autobiographical, are not anticipated to have been authored by the applicant, but instead constitute a text that informs or inspires the artist’s work, or is otherwise of personal significance.

Any books, journals or sketchbooks displayed for sale will be subject to a 30% commission fee. Long texts will be included as part of a compilation which will be available to purchase as a digital download and may also be reproduced in print. Books, journals or sketchbooks may also feature in photography which will form part of a series of prints which will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition. Books, journals or sketchbooks will not be replicated in their entirety as part of this process but may have the covers photographed or be pictured open. Handwritten pieces may also feature in photography which will form part of a series of prints which will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition.

Written Pieces, Short Texts or Artist Statements

Any written piece under five sides of A4 will be covered in this category and might take the form of a poem, quote, artist statement or other written piece. They should be submitted as a digital word document or if you wish to submit a handwritten document this should be provided as an original (not a photocopy) and must be provided with a digital transcript where practical.

Written pieces, short texts or artist statements, will be included as part of a compilation which will be available to purchase as a digital download and may also be reproduced in print. Handwritten pieces may also feature in photography which will form part of a series of prints which will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition.

2D/3D Works

2D and 3D works should be of particular significance or relevance to the artist. They might be self-portraiture, an early work integral to the applicant’s development or an unusual deviation from their usual style. Alternatively, the applicant may submit a piece not by themselves if it is of personal relevance.

We are not imposing a size limit on 2D/3D works but due to the nature of this exhibition we do not guarantee to hang works. All works will be displayed safely and available to view throughout the exhibition. Works displayed for sale will be subject to a 30% commission fee.

Call Details

Dates: The exhibition will run from February 6^th - March 2^nd with an Artist Preview on February 9^th 18:00-20:00. Exhibition set-up will take place during February 5^th and the final deadline to receive work is 5PM on Saturday 3^rd. Exhibition takedown will be on March 2^nd and all works must be collected by March 5^th 10AM at the latest unless alternative arrangements are made. Application success will be confirmed on a rolling basis as we receive submissions.

Payments: A submission fee of £5.00 will be required with all entries and 30% commission will be taken on all sales made during the course of the exhibition. Fees can be paid by cash in person at Artizan Gallery, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5UW, or by BACS:

Bank: Lloyds

Account: Artizan

Account Number: 38546760

Sort Code: 772918