Seeking advice from MetaFilter artists on proposing a gallery project proposal.

April 2, 2005 7:02 AM

Anyone out there well-versed or versed in the protocol for submitting proposals for art projects to open call gallery shows? I'm a non-artist (maybe a dilettante is a better way to put it) who would like to submit an idea for a (two-dimensional, text-based) project to a gallery show soliciting submissions on a certain theme.

The gallery asks for a proposal (which I can do), a resume (which I can do) a portfolio of previous work (none) and- here's what I'm wondering about- "a sketch of the proposed project."

Can you give me some tips on what they might expect? The project in miniature? On "nice," gallery-quality materials? Is pasting ok? How approxiamate vs. how final? How big, relatively (the final version would be parge- about 7 feet by 7 feet)? Is pasting ok, with a few rough edges? And how big is too big? Is 8.5 by 11 the standard, if there is such a thing as a standard?

The gallery is a large, NYC-based one that sepcializes in "open-call" shows around broad-based themes. My idea is more concept and ideas in print, rather than a traditional fine art piece such as a sculpture or painting.

Thanks for any and all advice from a somewhat naive novice.

posted by foxy_hedgehog to Media & Arts (2 answers total)

I don't know if there's a standard format. Are there any guidelines in the call for proposals? Call up the gallery and ask what they want to see (what information they need, how much detail, how long/short it should be, etc.). In my experience, people are very happy to share this information (having read too many applications that didn't include what they needed to know).

Beyond including the practical information they need, I'd say make sure what you submit is exciting to read. Make them say "That sounds really cool!" -- without that your format doesn't matter and if you have that then lapses in format can be forgiven.
posted by winston at 8:59 AM on April 2, 2005

I would guess that the size of the sketch doesn't matter as long as it conveys a fairly clear idea of what the finished project is going to look like in place. In other words, if what you are envisioning is a wall covered with text, than try to draw, or cut & paste, or photoshop, something that looks like a gallery room with one wall covered with text. You could have another drawing that's more of a detail or close up of your project.

Also, what winston said. If everything else about your project is interesting, they won't care much about the sketch.
posted by mygothlaundry at 5:09 PM on April 3, 2005