ARTIST OPEN CALL | DIRECTORS’ TOP TIPS
Jack Bullen & Lizzie Glendinning, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair Founder-Directors, have given their top tips on applying to our international artist Open Call. Jack & Lizzie are part of the panel of experts reviewing this year’s Open Call submissions.
We welcome applications from living artists at any stage of their career, based anywhere in the world.
1. We’re LOOKING FOR ORIGINAL PRINTS
WCPF accepts all forms of original print. By this, I mean an artwork that is intended to be a print from it’s initial conception. This could be an edition, multiple or one-off.
A submission could also combine printmaking techniques with other forms of art practice (such as sculpture, installation, performance etc.).
Sometimes the term ‘print’ is misused to describe posters or mass-produced images. Whereby the ‘original’ exists elsewhere and is conceived of separately by the artist. WCPF does not accept reproductions of artworks.
2. ARTWORKS THAT MAKE US FEEL SOMETHING
We love seeing artworks that are evocative, connecting subject matter and emotion. We also like to see submissions that have a resonance with people, ideas and events happening today.
3. TAKE RISKS
We like to see artwork that isn’t afraid to push the limits of contemporary printmaking!
WCPF accepts and encourages applications that are pioneering new technical approaches, that are large-scale contemporary art interventions, or presented in unconventional formats.
4. GOOD QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS
For your application, take good quality photographs of your artwork.
We want to see your artwork as clearly as possible. If accepted these images will be shared with press and on our own marketing channels. Keep the background simple, the image in focus, and the lighting natural (and no hands holding up the artwork please!).
5. SIMPLE ARTIST STATEMENTS
The best artist statements that we read are short and simple. No more than 5-6 sentences. Keep it personal and specific to you and to the artwork you are submitting. It should be written in third person.
If successful, these statements will be shared with journalists and our wider audiences. Engaging yet succinct is key!
6. WE ACCEPT WORK-IN-PROGRESS
At WCPF, we understand the lengthy processes and facilities required in creating an original print. Therefore, we do accept artworks that are works-in-progress or a plan of your intended artwork. However, the application must fundamentally represent and form part of the final piece.
7. don’T be afraid to reapply
Our artist Open Call is selected through an annually-changing panel of industry experts. This keeps the process completely democratic to include different tastes and expertise, and to create a fresh hang every year. Each application is reviewed anonymously on a piece-by-piece basis, selecting the highest calibre of work.
Please don’t be put off if you are unsuccessful one year …
