PROJECT ROOM OPEN CALL

About the Open Call

Locust Projects invites local, national, and international artists to apply for the opportunity to access the space and resources to create ambitious, large-scale new work in our 625 sq ft PROJECT ROOM. Proposals are reviewed by a rotating jury comprised of local, national and international artists that have previously exhibited at Locust Projects and one local curator. The process is coordinated by artist Elizabeth Withstandley, co-founder of Locust Projects with the final selection drawn from the panel's narrowed down recommendations by the Executive Director and scheduled based on overall programmatic balance and diversity and scheduling availability. Approximately 75% of annual exhibitions are selected through the Open Call process with 25% selected by the Executive Director who serves as Chief Curator of programming. Locust Projects provides selected artists with curatorial guidance, production budget, artist W.A.G.E. fee, documentation, and an opportunity to stay in the Locust Projects residency. For 25+ years Locust Projects has been committed to supporting the creation and presentation of ambitious new work. Existing work is not accepted for Open Calls. Proposals for new, installation-based work that has never been presented before should specifically be designed for our Project Room. We present visual artists working in any medium and any stage in their career as long as the work they propose for Locust Projects demonstrably pushes their practice in new directions as part of our mission to invite risk-taking and experimentation. Collectives and artist collaborations are encouraged to apply as long as the work is presented as a singular vision. Artists whose work engages with relevant contemporary issues—such as race, identity, gender equity, basic needs, climate change, or environmental advocacy—are encouraged to apply. These are just some of the many critical concerns shaping contemporary art today, and we welcome proposals that reflect a broad range of timely and ambitious inquiries, in keeping with our mission to support critically engaged practices. Final projects are realized with support from a collaborative environment and supportive Locust Projects staff. The Project Room Open Call offers a solo exhibition of ambitious and new, installation-based work created specifically for Locust Projects Project Room (approx. 625 square feet) and community engagement with the public through public programs or activations (i.e. conversation, collaboration, performance). Proposals are reviewed by a rotating jury of artists that have previously exhibited at Locust Projects and one local curator who narrow down hundreds of applicants to less than 10 that are recommended to the Executive Director for final selection and scheduling. The following criteria is used during the review process: Conceptual strength of the proposal, ambitious ideas, scale and/or use of space; Strength of past work; Unique or innovative approach to transforming or activating LP's space and extension of the artist's practice; Feasibility of proposed project and related programs within budget and logistical concerns, ADA accessibility required; Compelling approach to contemporary artistic practice, societal concerns, and/or community impact. We are a non-traditional alternative art space. If the project could easily be presented in a traditional or commercial gallery setting or could be realized without the support of our organization, it is unlikely for us to consider your proposal. We do not show existing work, host traveling exhibitions, retrospectives, or group shows. We are not a commercial gallery, we do not offer artist representation. Locust Projects is proud to be W.A.G.E. Certified (Working Artists in the Greater Economy), ensuring that we have and we will continue to compensate artists fairly, at, or above, minimum W.A.G.E. fees.

What is Offered

Locust Projects provides selected artists with curatorial guidance, production budget, artist W.A.G.E. fee, documentation, and an opportunity to stay in the Locust Projects residency. Resources and Support include: $5000 max Production Budget (may include but is not limited to: production/fabrication, equipment rental, materials, professional/technical support, installation/construction labor, assistants, shipping, de-installation); $3100 Artist Fee; Basic infrastructure provided by Locust Projects includes access to use existing tool and av equipment inventory, up to 24 hours preparator labor/assistance for install/de-install, signage, installation documentation, and promotional support; Accommodations, travel and per diem are provided to out of town artists. Includes $50 per diem stipend for out-of-town artists up to 21 days and stipend towards roundtrip, coach-class flights or car rental equivalent, and ground transport to and from airport with receipts available to artists that live 150 miles away from Miami.

Requirements

Existing work is not accepted for Open Calls. Proposals for new, installation-based work that has never been presented before should specifically be designed for our Project Room. We present visual artists working in any medium and any stage in their career as long as the work they propose for Locust Projects demonstrably pushes their practice in new directions as part of our mission to invite risk-taking and experimentation. Collectives and artist collaborations are encouraged to apply as long as the work is presented as a singular vision. Artists whose work engages with relevant contemporary issues—such as race, identity, gender equity, basic needs, climate change, or environmental advocacy—are encouraged to apply. ADA accessibility required for feasibility. If the project could easily be presented in a traditional or commercial gallery setting or could be realized without the support of our organization, it is unlikely for us to consider your proposal. We do not show existing work, host traveling exhibitions, retrospectives, or group shows.

How to Apply

Submit all of the above through Submittable. Submission Requirements include: 1. Project description (max. 250 words) 2. Draft floorplan/rendering of proposed project 3. General artist statement (max. 200 words) 4. Project Impact - Explain how your project embraces experimentation and risk-taking in your artistic practice and is relevant to current artistic practice. (Max 350 words) 5. Production Budget - provide an overview of approximate expenses for any that apply 6. CV or Resume 7. Three Images or sketches of the proposed project and up to five images of previous/related work or three links to time based works 8. Image details (title, date, year medium of the submitted work and/or links). Please note Locust Projects does not accept applications via email or post.