Applying for Gallery Shows

Updated December 1, 2019 @ 10:35 am

Every gallery will have slightly different criteria when accepting applications for a show. You will need to check their website for dates and specifics as they can change slightly from year to year. Generally they all want some version of the following 6 items.

Application Form (usually found on a galleries website)

Cover Letter
Bio
CV
Images and documentation List ( generally the gallery will have a check list of documents and image specifications)
Detailed project description (You will need to describe in words what you want to do so that the reader can visualize it)

Bruno Vinhas is the gallery director at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. If you reach out to him through CCNL he is available for advice up until the opening of the call for submissions which is usually in the early part of October each year.

Email gallery@craftcouncil.nl.ca.

Why do you want to do a gallery show?

Is there a topic you want to explore
Is there a medium you want to explore
Do you want to collaborate
Why do you feel compelled to do this

Concept Considerations

This is the phase where you “Brain Dump”. Get a notepad or however you document/ collect thoughts and dump everything you are thinking and feeling about the project here. From here you can start sifting through all the material to clarify what you want to do. Before you write your proposal you will need a clear idea of what your show will be about.

Technical Considerations

What is your theme
What is your medium
What techniques are you using
How long will it take to make your work
Will your show be ready for the deadline you are suggesting

Remember that by applying for a show in a gallery and getting accepted means that the gallery is counting on your work for their programming and cancellations are usually not a good impression for selection committees. When suggesting a timeline on your application give yourself more time than you think you need!

Resources