Open Call for Artists is Closed
DEADLINE: Sunday, Oct 22, 2023, 11:59pm ET
APPLICATION FEE: $5* / Free for Jersey City-based applicants**
Jersey Art Book (JAB) Fair organizers are curating their first-ever exhibition entitled “Old School, New Worlds,” to be held January 19 - February 15, 2024 at SMUSH Gallery in Jersey City.
In this month-long exhibit, "Old School, New Worlds” explores the futures of book arts, printed matter, papermaking and works on paper in the face of distorted, paperless, alternate worlds that we’re constantly coaxed into, and how our physical dimensions of humanity, materiality and connection manifest, resist, co-opt or co-emerge in response to these worlds.
Through this exhibition, JAB Fair's team of curators seeks to expand the field of book arts by supporting multidisciplinary practices that demonstrate a breadth of experimentation across techniques, media, scales and/or technologies.
Selected through our open call, up to four individuals will explore this theme through the lens of Jersey City, our host city for 2024. Selected individuals will each be supported to create an exhibition that will be held at SMUSH Gallery for one month (Jan 19 - Feb 15, 2024) and activate their work during JAB Fair (Feb 3 - 4, 2024).
Who can apply to this Call?
JAB Fair's Call for Artists is open to individuals who:
Are at least 18 years of age
Have a multidisciplinary background in the arts, media, design, journalism, humanities, sciences, memory work and cultural practice
Currently live, work or study within 100 miles of Jersey City, NJ
Have not had a solo exhibition in Jersey City within the last two years
Do not have current, consistent commercial gallery representation in the US
Have maintained a consistent studio practice outside of an academic setting for at least one year
People of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, non-English speaking people and others who have been historically marginalized or oppressed are especially encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
Personal Narrative (100 words)
Individual's Statement (400 words)
Brief Exhibition Overview (100 words)
Detailed Exhibition Proposal in response to the theme (600 words)
Links to uploaded samples of work related to the theme
8-10 images
Up to three (3) audio/video files
NOTE: The strongest proposals are those that are flexible and have room to evolve. When developing your application, focus on conceptual language, and describe your work and practice in detail. Include some language about what you’re thinking as far as exhibition design and spatial planning, but please note that this may shift due to a number of factors.
Please see the application form for a full list of questions and requirements. All submitted applications will be considered final. Applicants will not be permitted to edit an application once it has been submitted. Incomplete or duplicate applications will not be considered for final review.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us at info@jerseyartbookfair.org.
Key Dates
2023
September 7 Launch Open Call
UPDATED! October 22 Close Open Call
Early November Individuals are notified of application status
2024
January 15-18 Install period
January 19 Exhibition opens with reception
February 3-4 JAB Fair activation events
February 15 Closing reception
February 16 De-install
Selection Process
Call for Artists is open through October 22 at 11:59 pm ET.
We first evaluate your application for the following four criteria:
Fulfillment of Eligibility criteria
Submission of a complete application
Demonstration of vision for ways the proposed exhibition will benefit the individual's practice
Demonstration of alignment with JAB Fair's mission to expand the field of book arts by supporting multidisciplinary practices that demonstrate a breadth of experimentation across techniques, scales and/or technologies
If your application meets all the above criteria, it then advances to the next round for content review by a jury of advisors. Advisors change each year but may include JAB Fair alums, DesignShed board members, multidisciplinary professionals, and local leaders in curation, community engagement, publishing and visual arts.
As part of the review process, the jury gives special consideration to applicants who reflect our commitment to promoting diversity and equity, as well as those who present ideas or concepts that could be better represented in the mainstream, commercial, or institutional spaces. Individuals will be notified in early November of their application status.
What do artists receive if accepted?
An exhibition at SMUSH Gallery for one month, January 19 – February 15, 2024
An honorarium of $500
Inclusion in the JAB Fair catalog that accompanies the exhibition and includes an essay developed by the JAB Fair curatorial team.
Support from DesignShed/Dense on exhibition design and layout specific to our space, communications including press and public outreach, identity and graphic design development, photography, and other professional development opportunities
An opening reception and in-person activation programming that accompanies the exhibition during JAB Fair
Venue Resources
Gallery Floor Plan with dimensions (coming soon)
Photos of the space (coming soon)
* The $5 application fee helps to support JAB Fair's basic operating expenses. We understand that for some, this fee may create a barrier or burden to applying. If this is the case for you, please contact info@jerseyartbookfair.org with subject "FEE WAIVER" to request a fee waiver.
** Upon submitting proof of eligibility, all applicants who live, work or study in Jersey City will be reimbursed $5 application fee.