Curatorial Residency

Please note: for individual artist opportunities throughout the year,  join the SOMArts eGroup or visit the opportunities page for regular updates. Next application period for the Commons Curatorial Residencies opens October 2013 for the 2014–15 season. Join SOMArts eGroup to be notified.

The Commons Curatorial Residency Program: 2013–14 Call for Proposals

SOMArts Cultural Center’s Commons Curatorial Residency Program contributes to the dynamic cultural ecosystem in the Bay Area by providing space and support for exhibitions that take creative risks, promote cultural connectivity and learning, and instigate accessible, multifaceted participation in the arts. Selected artists and groups receive support consisting of a $3,000 grant, a month-long exhibition in the SOMArts Main Gallery, 80+ hours of  technical assistance, and help with traditional and social media outreach to connect their work with new audiences.  Through this support, Bay Area artists can engage the community, expand their practice and turn vision into reality.

SOMArts is requesting proposals for exhibitions in the Main Gallery for the 2013–14 season. This request is open to artists and independent curators presenting contemporary work in any medium.

Please read through all documents, including the FAQ and eligibility guidelines, carefully. ALL LETTERS OF INTENT MUST BE RECEIVED VIA ONLINE SUBMISSION BY 11:59PM ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012. No late applications will be accepted, we strongly recommend submitting your proposal at least one week before the deadline.

Click here to access online LOI application.

The LOI stands as a preliminary view of the larger project and will be evaluated in consultation with an advisory panel of arts professionals, artists, and curators for full invitation.  Full proposal submission is by invitation only.

SOMArts staff is available to answer questions during the scheduled meeting times below. Please review the following documents carefully before contacting staff with questions. Or view the application online: (the online application  process will be opened on October 1, 2012)

The following downloadable documents are for informational purposes.  Please refer to the Letter of Intent online application for application instructions: Floor Plan, Work Sample Disclaimer and Budget.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, October 15, 6:30pm to 8:30pm: In-person gallery tour with Question-and-Answer Session held at SOMArts. Come and see the facilities at SOMArts, get a sense of the gallery space, meet the Gallery Director, and ask questions about the application process.
RSVP: http://commonsquestions.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, October 17 at noon and Tuesday, October 23 at 7:00pm: Online Info Sessions
 A virtual opportunity to talk directly to The Commons program organizers and ask any questions you might have about the application process.
RSVP is required. http://commonsquestions.eventbrite.com

Saturday, October 20, 2012: Computer assistance available from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Sign-up required at least 48hrs in advance by calling 415-863-1414 x110.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012: Letter of Intent is due by 11:59pm.

Friday, November 16, 2012: Selected applicants are invited to submit a full application.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012: Full applications are due via online submission by 5:00pm.

Monday, January 21, 2013: Artists invited to submit full applications are notified of the status of their application.

2014 RESIDENCY DATES

2014 Commons Curatorial Residency #1
Tuesday, Jan 7—Thursday, Feb 6, opening reception Thursday, Jan 9

2014 Commons Curatorial Residency #2
Friday, February 28–Tuesday, March 25, opening reception Thursday February 27

2014 Commons residency #3
Friday, March 28–Wednesday April 23, opening reception Thursday March 27

DOCUMENTATION OF PAST COMMONS EXHIBITIONS

July 6–28, 2012 | Performing Community | Photos

February 3–29, 2012 | At War  | Photos

November 4–30, 2011 | Man as Object: Reversing the Gaze | Photos

July 1–July 29, 2011 | The Book | Photos

April 8–28, 2011  |  Spread: California Conceptualism Then and Now  |  Photos

March 5–31, 2011 | Breathed…Unsaid… | Photos

February 4–24, 2011 | A Sensory Feast | Photos

November 5–30, 2010 | I Live Here: SF  | Photos