Guidelines for Solo Exhibitions

TRASA urban arts collective accepts applications for solo exhibitions on an ongoing basis. We are interested in innovative work that promotes critical exploration of physical, social, and political landscapes. We are also interested in proposals that consider the unique architecture our facility and encourage site-specific projects. (space map)

We encourage artists to take risks, to challenge, and to educate. The commercial potential of work is not a factor, and the sale of artwork should not be the primary purpose of the exhibition.

Click here for a printable version of these guidelines.

Submission Guidelines

Applications for solo exhibitions must include the following information in the following order (please do not staple, package, or bind material):

1. Samples of work. If new work will be created for the exhibition, send images of past work.

10 to 20 Slides, Prints, or Digital Images
Please submit standard slides, 8" x 10" prints, or a CD with digital images. Standard slides or prints should be organized in a plastic holder page. Each piece must be labeled with title, medium, date, dimensions, and your name. Please mark the top and front of each slide/print and number each piece corresponding to a list. Include a brief description of the work (less than 50 words per piece).

OR

Video: VHS or DVD format
Video segment should be no longer than 5 minutes and cued to the appropriate segment. Only moving images (time based media, video art or documentation of performance art, etc.) should be submitted on VHS or DVD. Please do not submit videos of still artwork or documentation of artistic process. Include title, date, and a brief description of the work (less than 250 words).

Do not send original artwork.

2. Resume. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address along with exhibition and educational background. While submission of resumes is required, emerging artists who do not have substantial exhibition records will be considered.

3. Biography. A brief statement relating your personal history to the body of work submitted. Please limit to 250 words.

4. Statement of Objective. An Artist Statement specific to the proposed exhibition. Please limit to 250 words.

5. Supporting materials (if available) such as media reviews, previous promotional materials (cards, flyers, posters), etc.

6. References. Please provide the name, email address, telephone number, and address of three people who know you on a professional level and can comment on your recent work and artistic development.

7. Self-addressed Stamped Envelope with sufficient postage for the return of your materials. Material sent without an SASE will not be returned and will become property of TRASA urban arts collective.

8. Self-addressed Stamped Postcard. Please include a self-addressed stamped postcard with your application if you would like to have notification that your materials have been received.

Submit application to:

TRASA urban arts collective
attn: Solo Exhibition Program
PO Box 406
Salt Lake City, UT 84110

Contact: info@thepicklecompany.org

Requirements

The artist will be responsible for:

  • Graphics for all promotional materials (flyers, posters, etc.).
  • Meeting publication deadlines for press releases.
  • Distributing promotional materials.
  • Installing and striking the exhibit under the guidance of TRASA staff.
  • Providing any necessary technical equipment and staff.
  • Restoring the gallery space to its original condition.

Services

For all solo exhibitions, TRASA will provide:

  • A set budget for printing and postage of promotional materials.
  • Assistance in distribution of press releases.
  • Listing of the event on our website and in our calendar mailing (when possible).
  • Insurance of work on-site.
  • Limited assistance in preparing the space.
  • An opening reception.
  • Gallery sitters.

TRASA urban arts collective should not be expected to provide financial support for the project.

Specifics about installation, use of space, equipment, and technical assistance will be discussed after the initial proposal has been accepted.

Selection Process

A panel of artists and arts professionals will review applications and select artists as space allows. Artists are selected for exhibition on the basis of:

  • Overall quality and innovative character of the work.
  • Clarity, subtlety, and power of the underlying concept.
  • Capability of the artist to carry out the proposed project.

We require exhibitions to have an articulate central idea convincingly presented by the work shown. This idea must be expressed in a brief Artist’s Statement of Concept. This is required whether the central idea is simply strong aesthetic resonance between works in a single medium, or complex theoretical or academic dialogue presented across multiple mediums.

An artist whose work shows merit, but is not accepted for the upcoming season, can be put into our Image Bank. If your work is selected for the Image Bank, we will keep your resume and work samples. All applicants will be notified by mail.

For all submitting artists, a letter will be sent to you informing you of the Curatorial Committee's decision, and any further action you need to take, if any.

Please be aware that it may take up to six months for TRASA's staff to review your proposal.