The Clemente Open Call 2021. Submission Deadline Now Open!
We look forward to reviewing your application and seeing your work in our galleries in 2022-2023. Good luck!
We are pleased to invite independent curators, emerging artists and arts professionals to submit exhibition proposals to be considered for the two gallery spaces at The Clemente, the Abrazo Interno Gallery, and the LES Gallery, from April 2022 to April 2023.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Clemente is a Puerto Rican/Latinx cultural institution that demonstrates a broad-minded cultural vision and a collaborative philosophy. While The Clemente’s mission is focused on the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latinx culture, it is equally determined to operate in a multicultural and inclusive manner, housing and promoting artists and performance events that fully reflect the cultural diversity of the Lower East Side and the city as a whole.
Given that history and the increasing gentrification of the Lower East Side, The Clemente’s Visual Arts program is dedicated to supporting alternative voices, intra-diasporic exchange and work that pushes the boundaries of its media. We are committed to co-producing and presenting a roster of exhibitions that elevate emergent and mid-career art practitioners, and to offer diverse mechanisms of participation and collaborative partnerships with art collectives and cultural organizations.
In 2021, The Clemente added digital support to the curatorial projects through video and podcast productions, with an emphasis on exchange between theory and practice, collaborations across disciplines and sectors, and cross-promotion.
The Clemente’s Visual Arts Review Panel, which includes independent museum professionals, curators, gallerists and arts educators, will select 8 exhibitions total for the Abrazo and LES Galleries based on the strength of the art and curatorial concept.
Please review the guidelines below before submitting:
Submissions will be judged on merit; you do not have to be a professionally trained curator to submit a proposal.
Curators should select their preference for either the LES or the Abrazo Gallery (floorplans included below, as well as on the Clemente website under ‘Spaces’)- The Clemente will have the final decision if proposal is selected.
Group exhibitions are strongly encouraged (note: group shows are defined as 3 or more artists), however, show proposals for the work of a single artist will be considered if they meet the criteria below.
Artists acting in a curatorial role for a proposed group exhibition may include their own work in a proposal, i.e. you may not submit a solo show for yourself.
Submissions that include programming such as artist talks, community workshops and gallery tours are encouraged.
Proposals that include an additional fee-based open call will not be considered.
To be considered, Clemente Residents cannot constitute more than 25% of the artists in your proposal.
We do not accept proposals from undergraduate or graduate students.
The Clemente does not discriminate based on age, gender, or nationality.
Single Artist Exhibition Criteria: This option is intended to offer exhibition opportunities to mature (artists 65+) or deceased artists whose work has been overlooked. Artists acting in a curatorial role may not submit a solo show for themselves.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Selected exhibits will run for 8 weeks.
The Clemente will offer a stipend of $500 for each curatorial proposal. Each curatorial project is expected to execute a public program component, such as a public workshop, artist talk, panel, etc. as well as exhibition documentation such as a video tour or podcast- The Clemente works with a videographer and sound editor to support with this programming.
The Clemente staff art handler will provide 1 day (5 hours) of assistance during the exhibition installation. Tools are provided to assist with the installation
The curator/organizer must be present for both install and deinstallation of the exhibition- if this is not possible you must organize for someone to be present in your place.
Gallery Hours: Open 7 days a week, the galleries are open 11-5pm. The building is closed on all major holidays.
Submission Deadline is October 25th, 2021. Application is open to US and non-US residents. Artists will be notified of selection mid December 2021.