VSA arts seeks proposals, entries

Seeking proposals for art exhibitions:

VSA arts is seeking proposals for art exhibitions for production in 2009-10. Deadline for receipt is February 20, 2009

VSA arts is committed to expanding the understanding, development, and appreciation of contemporary work by artists with disabilities. VSA arts produces exhibitions that provide exposure and opportunity to emerging and established artists. Exhibitions offer a familiar and approachable setting for the public to discover and reflect on issues of disability within a contemporary art context.

VSA arts encourages curators and researchers from the cultural, university, and museum communities, including those with disabilities, to incorporate the work of artists with disabilities into their exhibitions. Individual or group proposals are acceptable. This call invites a progressive dialogue by nurturing the curatorial voice from the perspective of disability. We welcome proposals that address, challenge, and expand the discussion about disability and culture. If selected, proposed exhibitions will be produced in partnership with VSA arts to include shipping, installation and deinstallation, collaterals, marketing, publicity, and events.
A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. For more information about disabilities, please review the VSA arts’ Disability Awareness Guide, located under Resources at http://www.vsarts.org/.

Call for entries

VSA arts is seeking visual artists who are interested in participating in the VSA arts International Festival to be held in 2010. Revealing Culture will be the most comprehensive survey of international artists with disabilities brought to the United States.

Applicants from a wide range of artistic practices are encouraged to apply. Disability is a requirement for eligibility, but will not be disclosed during the jury process. Artists will be selected on the aesthetic merits of their work. Artists are asked to consider the theme Revealing Culture as it relates to their submission, but a relationship to the theme does not have to be explicit or obvious in the work itself.

VSA arts will use the exhibition to consider the influence of disability: What connections are established between the artist and the local disability community? How has the experience of disability shaped the artistic process or resulting work—if at all? These influences in conjunction with artists’ responses will help to further refine the theme of the exhibition, as well as exploring how artists negotiate the sometimes competing claims of responsibility to art and to self-identification. Revealing Culture will also examine the unique attributes of a community to disability in the artists' respective countries.

Revealing Culture will be the most comprehensive survey of international artists with disabilities brought to the United States.

The call for entries dead line is April 30, 2009, midnight (MST). Go to www.vsarts.org/ to find out more.
The exhibition will include approximately 50 artists from around the world and will be showcased at the International Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.