Call to Artists
”Intersections”
About Art on the Ave:
Art on the Ave NYC is a public art initiative dedicated to community regeneration, diversity and inclusion. Open to “New York City artists with a story to share,” the program provides underrepresented and emerging artists with exhibition showcases in vacant and select occupied East Midtown storefronts, generously provided by property owners.
Exhibition Theme: “Intersections”
Using the work of local New York City artists, we wish to spark a conversation about the idea of “Intersections.” As a concept, “Intersections” is universal, timeless and abstract. Therefore, it is up to the interpretation of the artist to decide how their work speaks to the theme. All applications will be considered by the Art on the Ave NYC Curatorial Team, and results will be released on November 5, 2021.
What will the project look like?:
Art on the Ave NYC transforms vacant storefronts into temporary galleries, with large white walls and professional lighting. These will be in high visibility locations, showcasing the artists’ work and engaging the community. Professional labeling and corresponding QR codes provide an interactive experience for viewers, enabling them to purchase art and to learn more about each piece in the words of the artist.
Location:
The exhibition will be located in East Midtown, with support from the East Midtown Partnership. Artwork tells a story, and we want to tell one that complements the narrative of this area. East Midtown is not only a place to do business; it is a community and a neighborhood. With the significant 20th anniversary of the Partnership's founding, it is a great opportunity to highlight this vibrant area. As a large-scale business hub, as a home to smaller, independent businesses, and as an area brimming with arts, culture and schools, East Midtown exemplifies the diversity of New York City.
Artistic Direction:
Artists will be guided by the concept of “Intersections” - the occasion or the place where a set of components come together. East Midtown is an intersection of people, residences, culture and commerce - a dynamic environment comprised of all those elements that make a community. We want to see how each artist interprets the theme, reflected by their individual creative, physical, or metaphoric experiences. The artist’s statement, which each artist will read for their QR coded voice recording, should describe what “Intersections” means to them.
Submission Concept:
Should reflect, in a literal or symbolic way, Art on the Ave NYC’s values. Inclusivity, empathy, equity, growth, action and activism are some of the key values that applicants can integrate. We look at artist statements closely to ensure that they reflect the exhibition theme.
Technical Parameters:
Artwork must be:
● 2-dimensional (3-dimensional sculptures will be considered if they can be wall-mounted)
● There are two sizes of gallery walls. 2ft wide and 4ft wide. Pieces CANNOT exceed 40in by 40in.
● Gallery-Ready (i.e., photography must be framed either without glass or with non-reflective glass; canvas must be stretched)
Project Timeline:
● Oct 30, 2021: Application Deadline
● November 5, 2021: Selections Announced
● November 27, 2021: Deadline for artwork to be deposited at storage facility
● December 2021: Installation
● February 2022: End of Project
Application Requirements:
● Artist Statement (including rationale detailing why the submission meets the mandate of the project)
● Artist Bio
● Resume
● Links to website and social media channels (if applicable)
● Phone Number
● Address
● Artwork Image - May submit up to 3 pieces for consideration (submitted as a JPEG or PNG, maximum 5 MB per image)
● Artwork medium and dimensions (dimensions should reflect the final framed size if the piece will be framed)
● Price (cannot exceed $5,000)
● Important Requirement: Selected artists will be expected to record an audio recording of how their work speaks to the theme of “Intersection”. These are facilitated by our partner, Mouth Media Network, and require the use of Google Chrome on a laptop or desktop computer and a stable Wi-Fi connection. These audio recordings will take place between November 15-22. They are 30-minute slots, and the final recording will be 1 minute long. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS.