Call for Artists

The Call for Artists is now closed - thank you for your submission.

Opportunity for Artists

Three distinct events comprise Art in the Open.   The first, a preview exhibit at Philadelphia's City Hall, will introduce the public to the artwork of the selected artists (i.e. what they might see when visiting the artists on site).  Images submitted with your application will be used in making the selections for this exhibit, though in some cases, drawings or previous photographs might be also requested.  
  
The main program, from June 9-12, will focus upon the selected artists creating new work in the designated areas along the tidal Schuylkill River (note- AiO will provide additional geographic information to the artists before they begin). Selected artists will be able to move around the designated areas or stay in the same spot over the four day period: artists working in larger scales (i.e. sculptors and/or installation artists) might find it more difficult to move easily and should plan accordingly.   A closing exhibit and sale will be held at the Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery at the University of the Arts. AiO will select work to include in this installation created during the four days- time and that is in suitable form to exhibit. In some cases, photo documentation, small objects or drawings might be acceptable.  

Eligibility

AiO is open to all professional artists working in any medium that can be made 'outside, on site'. Students and artists under the age of 21 are not eligible. The jurors will be selecting artists based on the quality of previous work, not on their proposal of intent. However, artists may include a descriptive statement that will help the jurors better understand their process.

Entry Fee: A non-refundable entry fee of $30, payable by Check to: AiO: City Parks Association.

Digital Entries: All documents should include the artist's name and contact information at the top of each page submitted. The following materials should be submitted on a CD in two separate folders:  

  • Folder One: Please submit 5 images of previous work. All work submitted must be available for exhibition. All images should be in jpg format, at least 300 dpi, but no larger than 5 x 7 inches and individually labeled (i.e. Name 1, Name 2, Name 3, etc.). On a separate document, please provide corresponding descriptions of the artwork and indicate: selling price, title, medium, size.
  • Folder Two: Attach resume or CV, artist's statement.  On each document include the following information: Name, Address, Email address, Phone, Website   

Submission

Send entry materials to: Art in the Open c/o Tu Huynh, Art In City Hall Program City of Philadelphia, Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, 116 City Hall Philadelphia, PA 19107.

The enclosed entry fee of $30.00 should be payable by check to: AiO: City Parks Association.   If selected, you will receive additional instructions on shipping artwork for the preview exhibit at Philadelphia's City Hall.  

Terms & Conditions

Artists are not permitted to sell any works during the four days of the festival. Works selected for the closing exhibition and sale will be tagged by the AiO selection committee on the last day of the festival.

  • We cannot provide insurance for artist's work or for artist's participation in AiO and the related exhibitions.
  • Selected artists will be responsible for shipping and return shipping of all submitted artwork.
  • AiO will take 30% commission on all artwork sales, 70% of the sale will be given to the artists.

Additional Considerations

Out of town artists are responsible for living accommodations and travel. Housing hosts may be available.

  • Artists will be provided instructions for delivering the work to the gallery.
  • Artists who do not like to work with the public or interested onlookers should not apply: we expect many related activities along the site during the festival.
  • Participating artists' biographies and their work will be posted to the AiO website along with links to their personal websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of medium is eligible?
All visual medium is eligible for review by the jury, from traditional to contemporary, as long as the work can be created on site, outside during the 4 day program.

What state or region is this program open to?
AIO is open to all professional artists age 21 years or older not currently enrolled in an accredited education program. The jury will select local and non- local artists to participate.

I am a video artist – how do I submit my work?
Please send us a 3 minute sample on a CD or DVD in a windows media player or QuickTime format, size the viewing image at 720 x 480 pixels.

I am a musician/dancer/actor can I participate?
Performance artists who are interested in developing work during AiO can submit an application, indicating how their work will meet the criteria established in the guidelines.  Note, those submitting should consider a final product that will be exhibited at the end of the program.

AiO coordinators are considering coordinating other performing arts that might enliven the 4 day program.  If you are interested in being considered for participation, send in a description of your work and how it might relate to the goals of AiO.