art exhibition & auction - may 7th in san francisco

OPEN CALL FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS

Submission deadline for existing artworks - extended to April 29th.

(Google login required to access form)

Supporting:

Emerging Queer ARtists in their youth (equarty)

For detailed information about the nonprofit program sponsoring the exhibition and auction, click here.

The EQUARTY program provides support for up-and-coming LGBTQ+ artists in the Bay Area between the ages of 18-30 who lack affordable access to mental health and substance abuse services. The program aims to connect local queer artists to individual and group therapy so that they can continue to invest in their work without sacrificing their mental health needs.

In addition to providing mental health services to artists, the program also features an annual art exhibition and auction as a fundraising event. All of the proceeds from the auction benefit the emerging artists whose work is showcased. A small fee is charged to the winning bidders to help cover the exhibition’s administrative, production, and insurance costs.

For our 2022 exhibition, the theme is titled: “Metamorphosis: Embracing Change in the Queer Community”. We will explore the idea of metamorphosis in an ever-changing and resilient queer community.

exhibition + auction ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Artists should be between 18-30 years of age and self-identify as queer.

• Currently live and work in one of the Bay Area Counties — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.

• We will accept virtually any form of visual media including painting, drawings, weaving, glasswork, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and video.

• 2-dimensional works must be less than 4x3 feet, including mount and frame.

• 3-dimensional works must occupy a footprint less than 4x3x3 feet square, though exceptions can be made for hanging, or ceiling-based, installations.

• Work must be ready for installation.

• Submitted artworks can have been made in the past 5 years, OR you may submit a proposal for an original artwork. All artwork can be re-submitted in future years as we will have a new committee of jurors each year.

  • Submission deadline for existing works is April 29th: A maximum of three pieces of art may be submitted, all of which must have been completed in the last five years. These should be accompanied by a brief description of how the work relates to the theme of “Metamorphosis: Embracing Change in the Queer Community.” After submission, your work will be viewed by a panel of judges and we will inform you of the outcome, letting you know if you have been selected.

  • Proposal deadline for original works is April 10th: Applicants who feel inspired to produce new artwork for the exhibition will be required to submit a 325-word proposal detailing how they intend to interpret the theme of “Metamorphosis: Embracing Change in the Queer Community” including intended dimensions and which type(s) of visual media the work will feature.

• Because of space constraints, we can accept approximately two dozen artworks for this year’s exhibition and auction. The final number will depend on the dimensions or footprint of the works accepted.

• NOT ELIGIBLE: If the artist is already formally represented by a major agency or gallery. This program is for emerging queer artists who are seeking visibility.

• PLEASE NOTE: Judges are looking at many pieces of art in a short time. They are more likely to be captivated by pieces with something special to say, a personal point of view, and a clear style and identity.

• REMEMBER: This is an exhibition AND auction. Works in the exhibition will be bid on and sold, with all of the proceeds benefiting the artists. See auction details below.

• QUESTIONS: equarty@queerlifespace.org

AUCTION DETAILS

• Artworks in the exhibition will be auctioned at Queer LifeSpace’s 10-Year Anniversary Gala on May 7th, 2022 in San Francisco. The event is expected to draw nearly 500 guests.

• Prior to the gala, artworks will be photographed and shared online so that guests may familiarize themselves with the artists and their work before the auction. Each artist will have an artist profile, biography, and small portfolio of past works featured.

• Artists whose work is accepted into the exhibition will set a reserve price on their work. They will be paid the full winning bid within one week of the close of the auction, though they may decline to sell their work if the reserve price is unmet.

• The physical custody and transfer of artworks will be managed and insured by Queer LifeSpace. This includes exhibition production logistics and costs.

• As noted above, we will take a 5% fee from each transaction which will be calculated based on the difference between the reserve price and the winning bid. For example, if the artist sets a reserve price of $200 on her painting, and the winning bid is $500, then the 5% fee would be equal to $15. ($500-$200) * 5% = $15

• This fee, to be paid by the winning bidder, will be re-invested into the EQUARTY program fund and will partially cover administrative, production, and insurance costs relating to storing and transferring the artworks.

ABOUT QUEER LIFESPACE

Queer LifeSpace is a nonprofit counseling agency that seeks to bring sustainable, evidence-based mental health and substance abuse services to the LGBTQ+ community. The mission and formation of Queer LifeSpace began with the shared vision of its four founding directors to bring quality, long-term, and affordable mental health and substance abuse care to the Bay Area queer community. You can learn more about our mission here.

We strive to serve the underserved and are passionate about providing services to clients from all walks of life. Above all, we make it our priority to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for our fellow members of the queer community.

Note: Google login is required to access the application form.

No Google account? Email us: equarty@queerlifespace.org