Call for Proposals – Window Installations
Originally posted 7-21-20, updated 7-31-20
Amidst a global health and economic crisis, attention to racial inequity and injustice, and growing divisions in a pivotal election year, CAW seeks to explore issues of our time and of our city and region through our fall exhibition program.
Even as our own building is closed, our most public stage — our street-to-roof curtain wall — looking into our two-floor gallery space is wide open. We are excited at the opportunity to invite proposals for work by New Haven and CT-based artists to exhibit at CAW.
Proposals are now being accepted for site-specific window installations at 80 Audubon Street that explore issues that our community is grappling with. Proposed artworks or installations can be 2D or 3D, but must be designed to be viewed streetside through the windows of the CAW gallery. A reopening plan for CAW is still in formation; however, it is anticipated that no gallery visitors will be entering the building and gallery space to see work during the fall. Applications and concept ideas must take this into account.
Proposals may be submitted by individual artists or collaborative artist groups or teams. CAW’s intention is to better use its gallery and window space, particularly in this triple crisis we are experiencing as a community and nation. We hope to see proposals that advance the most creative use of the space and opportunity within the context presented. We strongly encourage applications from artists of diverse backgrounds, experience, and training. Preference will be given to artists whose work affirms the importance of black and brown lives, lived experiences, influence, and culture in our community and nation.
Successful proposals will both explain the concept for the installation, and give consideration to the technical elements of the installation, including being mindful of social distancing requirements during installation and de-installation. Ladders are available at CAW, but no scissor-lifts.
Proposals should include an idea for an accompanying online program to complement the installation. This part of the proposal can be modest in scale and scope, but seen as a way of engaging with the community. For some it may look like an ‘on air’ demonstration, artist studio visit, or visit to the windows to give a tour of the work, for others it may be a proposed 1:1 conversation with another artist, a CAW board member, teacher, staffer, and for others, it might include community organizing. Ideas need not be limited to this list.
Stipend: Each selected artist or artist team will receive a $750 stipend to cover materials, creation of the work, and facilitation of an online program.
In addition to the stipend, CAW staff will assist artists with the marketing, installation, and development and execution of relevant online programming.
Selection: Submitted proposals will be reviewed by a panel of local arts leaders, including Jacob G. Padrón, Artistic Director of Long Wharf Theatre, Lisa Dent, Executive Director of Artspace, Luciana Q. McClure, Co-founder of Nasty Women Connecticut, and Anne Coates, Executive Director of Creative Arts Workshop.
Exhibition Dates: Up to three (3) proposals will be selected. Each window installation will be installed for up to four (4) weeks, slated as follows:
Window Exhibition 1: September 28 – October 25
Window Exhibition 2: November 2 – November 29
Window Exhibition 3: December 7 – January 4
Submission Deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 5 pm
Artist Notification: Monday, August 31, 2020
To Apply: Interested artists should submit their proposal along with 3 samples of work and contact information to gallery@creativeartsworkshop.org. Please use “2020 Window Installation” in your subject line. There is no fee to apply.
Window Dimensions: There are five identical window bays, each with three vertically-stacked panes. Each bay is 82” wide and just over 19½’ tall. For dimensions of the panes, see our online specs.
This exhibition program is made possible with the generous support of the Neighborhood Cultural Vitality grant program of the City of New Haven.
Through the Window Open Call
CAW presents a project idea from the Head of our Young People’s Department, Nellie Shevelkina, to do while at home during the shutdown. We are seeking submissions for a celebratory, unjuried exhibition of works resulting from this community prompt.
Through the Window Prompt
Confined to our homes, we are all experiencing a unique way of life in this current moment. This new time at home can be used to engage and explore our creative natures. While we are all staying in, the Natural world is coming to life around us. Observing Spring through the window may give a sense of hope and inspiration during this uncertain time.
CAW invites anyone of all ages to make a drawing, painting, collage or other art piece by working from the view through your window. You can use the window pane as your viewfinder or compositional frame, or include the window in your piece. Nellie recommends cutting the paper or surface to the size and shape of your window. Works in any medium are welcome. This call is open to anyone in our community at large—no previous relationship to CAW is needed to participate.
To share pictures of your work with CAW while in progress or from home, post an image with the hashtag #CAWthroughthewindow and tag us @creativeartsworkshop on Instagram or Facebook.
Submission Deadline: Rolling
To Submit: Please send an image and the following information to gallery@creativeartsworkshop.org
Required: Name, Title of Artwork, Medium,
Suggested: a short statement (1-2 sentences about your piece) and your website links or social media handles so CAW may credit your images in our promotion of the open call and exhibition.
The Tiny Gallery at Creative Arts Workshop
Submission deadline: Rolling
Creative Arts Workshop invites artists to think… small. CAW is currently accepting submissions of work for display in the Tiny Gallery, New Haven’s tiniest exhibition space. Open to all media.