Alabama Contemporary’s Independent Projects program is available to artists with site-specific exhibition concepts, independent projects, or new work as it is relevant to the community we serve. There are a limited number of exhibition spots each year and limited space. Our aim is to support projects that represent a new direction in an artist’s work, engage with topical concerns relevant to contemporary culture, and/or directly engage with the local community.
Artists may propose a solo project or collaborate in a group proposal under a theme. Collectives may propose together, but should identify one point of contact to manage all communication with the group. We are open to any medium or material culture that a curatorial aim might incorporate, given that it demonstrates the art of our time.
FIRST STEP:
Submit a Letter of Inquiry
a Letter of Inquiry should outline the basic concept of your exhibition in one page (doc or pdf). Make sure your letter includes:
- A short description of the curatorial aim (150-300 words)
- Information on the artists or the scope of the project (number and region of artists, include links to websites if possible)
- An estimated budget (broken out into honorariums, shipping, travel etc.)
- Contact information
Feel free to include images so long as the document does not exceed one page. Artist website links are preferred. Letters of Inquiry are reviewed as they are received (allow for a four week turnaround) and selection is made on a project to project basis. Please submit letters of inquiry along with any questions to Micah Mermilliod, Curator, at micah@alabamacontemporary.org.
SELECTION PROCESS
Letters of Inquiry are reviewed by staff only. If your Letter of Inquiry matches our program vision and seems feasible we will request a Full Proposal. Proposals are reviewed by committee twice a year (dates located below) and selection is made on a project-to-project basis. The review committee is composed of Alabama Contemporary staff, local artists, and an exhibition committee member from our board. We engage committee members and artists relevant to the proposal up for review to avoid allowing a static committee to select all proposals. For more information on the process as a whole or Assessment Criteria read the CFP_Guidelines. We usually allow at least two years of lead time for planning new exhibitions and typically run for 3 months, if accepted.
PROGRAM PRIORITIES:
- Site-specific or site-responsive work
- Socially engaged artistic practice
- Installation / New media art
- Work that addresses Marginalized or minority voices, LGBTQ, or underserved populations
- Creative Place-making
FULL PROPOSAL DEADLINES
MARCH 15 – Full proposal due
APRIL 1 – Committee Review
SEPTEMBER 15 – Full proposal due
OCTOBER 1 – Committee Review