Submissions FAQ

Q: Why “The Commons”?
A: The term “commons” refers to space that is shared by the community as a whole. SOMArts is committed to supporting artists at all levels of development and reflecting San Francisco’s many communities in the service of its mission: to promote and nurture art on the community level and foster and appreciation of and respect for all cultures.

Q: What can curators/artists gain through the Commons Curatorial Residency?
A: Curators/artists are provided with a support package valued at over $23,000 including technical support for programming, installation and outreach as well as the SOMArts Main Gallery as the venue for their exhibition. Eligible applicants may apply for funding. SOMArts outreach includes creation of original content for the SOMArts website and social networks, listings in local media, and event announcements through the San Francisco Arts Commission newsletter. Curators/artists also gain the experience of exhibiting in a large and unique space in the heart of San Francisco, as well as the benefit of mentorship and assistance from the hardworking SOMArts staff.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for The Commons Curatorial Residency?
A: Residency recipients must must have a lead applicant who has lived in San Francisco continuously for the two years prior to submitting their application, and who meets the eligibility requirements in the application. Preference is given to proposals that demonstrate dynamic engagement with one or more of the Bay Area’s cultural communities. For the purposes of this application a cultural community is defined as a group of people who share traditions, ideas, beliefs, values and/or knowledge which constitutes the bases of social action. Individuals, groups, and collectives are all equally viable candidates, as are new, emerging, or experienced curators/artists.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent via email to gallery@somarts.org by 5:00pm on Thursday, November 3, 2011. Please carefully review the Letter of Intent Information and Guidelines..

Q: When is the deadline for the application?
A: Full Applications (by invitation only, based on Letter of Intent) must be received at SOMArts no later than 5pm on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011. Incomplete applications will be disregarded.

Q: How are proposals evaluated and selected?
A: Proposals submitted to The Commons Curatorial Residency will be evaluated and selected by a jury comprised of working artists and curators, and SOMArts staff.