OPEN CALL FOR ART Precious Protection

For thousands of years, the innate drive for self-preservation has motivated artists and craftspeople to create objects imbued with protective qualities — especially during times of turbulence when long-held protections feel precarious. In addition to physical threats, our survival mode reacts to social, emotional, and spiritual hazards. The intensity of dangers is often a complex intersection of identities, external situations, and internal perceptions.

Protective objects and rituals — such as amulets, ex-votos, deity figures, armor, masked dances, and vocal chants — function in many ways: as physical barriers, connections to culture, channels to the supernatural, or amplifiers of strength. The materials composing these objects are often considered precious: valued for their rarity, cultural significance, or inherent qualities like shininess, strength, and medicinal effect. Sometimes the very process of crafting these items enhances their perceived power and preciousness.

As we find ways to shield ourselves and our communities from potential threats, we also must consider how to protect ourselves without harming others.

In response to this time of uncertainty, we call upon artists to examine the human need for protection and explore what makes protection precious through both its physical qualities and the act of crafting it.

Guidelines and Submission Requirements 

All artwork must tie into the idea of protective elements & explore the idea of preciousness in their materials.
2D, 3D, and video works are eligible for submission.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• $10 per DVAA Artist Member application 

• $25 per non-member application

• Link to membership: https://davinciartalliance.org/become-a-member

• Artwork title and artwork statement for each submitted work (200 words or less)

• Up to 4 images per submission/ 2 submissions per artist

• Images in the following formats: jpeg, jpg, png

• Video in .mp4

• Submissions accepted through the application form only. NO mail-in applications

• All two-dimensional work must be ready for installation with hanging hardware/wire, or clip/cleat system already installed on work (no sawtooth hangers). The entire work must not exceed 30” x 80” and the work cannot exceed 75 pounds. No paper backing. Pieces without hanging hardware will not be included in the exhibition.

• Three-dimensional work cannot exceed 30” x 60” x 80”, and work cannot exceed 100 lbs.

• All work requiring assembly or any work with a complex installation procedure must be accompanied by a detailed set of installation instructions and a list of all required cords, media players, USBs, speakers, etc., with reference photos from previous installations. Verbal instructions will not suffice.

SELECTED WORKS: 

DVAA reserves the right to refuse to exhibit artwork that requires special installation requirements, is too fragile, could damage the building, or is deemed inappropriate by a majority of the DVAA staff. Artworks considered unsuitable for hanging/presentation will be refused. Curatorial staff reserves the right to refuse an artwork that is misrepresented through documentation or is not the piece selected by the juror.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 

Artists from across the United States, 18 years or older. Original works only that have never been exhibited at DVAA.

SALES: 

• DVAA artist members receive 70% of their sales, non-members receive 50%. If
  DVAA sells a member’s work through a third-party site (MutualArt, artsy, etc.), the
  commission split is 60%/40% to account for brokerage fees.

• All artwork for sale will be listed on the DVAA webstore and partnering sites for
  the length of the exhibition.

• All exhibited artwork must remain in the gallery for the length of the exhibition.

• All sales of work on display must be purchased through DVAA while it is on
  display at the gallery.

Important Dates

Submission Deadline Tuesday, March 31st, 11:59 pm

Artists Notified mid-May (both accepted and declined)

Exhibition Runs July 28th - August 23rd

Opening Reception Saturday, August 1st from 5-7 pm

Closing Reception Sunday, August 23rd, from 12-2 pm

Artwork drop-off at DVAA Art must arrive between July 14-17; the artist is responsible for shipping, return costs, and insurance. Pieces that are too large to store must arrive during install week, July 21-25.

Any work that is deemed too fragile or difficult to ship will not be listed with
shipping available. DVAA determines what they do and do not feel comfortable
shipping. If an interested buyer lives out of state, DVAA will connect the artist with
Philadelphia art handlers whom the artist can pay to ship the work safely.