Exhibition Proposal Overview for the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck
Proposals accepted: Ongoing
Each year, Rocky Neck Art Colony accepts proposals to fill up to two 5 to 6 week exhibition slots at the Cultural Center Gallery on Rocky Neck. Proposals are open to RNAC members and non-members from New England. There is no fee to submit a proposal.
The cost of mounting a show is $100 per week for the main gallery; $75 for the studio gallery; or $150 for the use of both galleries. The exhibition-use fee associated with each show contributes to operating expenses and marketing, along with commissions on sales (25% of sale price for RNAC members and 40% for non-members), which support programming and the sustainability of RNAC. As a non-profit organization, all fees collected by the RNAC support artists in bringing their work to a wider audience and are tax deductible by the contributor. Additional costs are detailed on page 2.
Exhibition Requirements
RNAC staff and experienced volunteers are committed to helping artists organize and mount polished presentations of independently curated exhibitions. Each proposal must have one or more RNAC members participating, and all proposals are subject to approval by a steering committee appointed by the organization. Proposals with clearly articulated thematic, topical, and/or aesthetic cohesion will be given greatest consideration. We aim to host shows in the Cultural Center that have been thoroughly considered as complete exhibits, featuring work with distinct connections. On acceptance, the curator will receive a contract detailing dates assigned for the exhibition and the process for mounting the show including the respective responsibilities of all involved.
Things You Should Know
The Cultural Center is a multi-purpose art space used simultaneously for exhibitions, performances, workshops, classes, meetings, and private events. There are two separate areas available for exhibiting artwork. The lofty, light-filled upper gallery is approximately 900 square feet. The lower gallery also has natural light and is approximately 560 square feet. Several pedestals are available for exhibiting small sculptures.
If you are unfamiliar with the space it is recommended that you visit the Cultural Center prior to submitting a proposal. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 5PM (closed in January). For questions or to schedule an appointment or tour, please contact director@rockyneckartcolony.org.
Due to the multiple functions played by these spaces, works in the center of the galleries may need to be temporarily moved during performances and other events occurring over the run of an exhibition. Thus, RNAC cannot always accommodate shows featuring large or delicate sculptural pieces that cannot be moved as necessary. Interested artists should consider these conditions and familiarize themselves with the space(s) before submitting a proposal. That said, we welcome proposals that include 3D and time-based work and that use the galleries in innovative ways; we encourage applicants to communicate with the exhibitions committee about mounting exhibitions that challenge these constraints (email rnac.exhibitions@gmail.com). Preference will be given to work that has been produced in the past three years with the bulk of the work not previously exhibited elsewhere on Cape Ann.
The artists/curators will be responsible for the artist’s reception, with some basic supplies and assistance from RNAC.
Participating artists are expected to cover as many gallery-sitting shifts as possible through the duration of the show, with some coverage provided by RNAC (shifts: Thurs-Sun, 12-5PM).
Artists must supply RNAC with complete show descriptions, artist statements and high-resolution images of art well in advance of the show for marketing and sales purposes.
We Are Here to Help!
Mounting an exhibition requires considerable organization and planning — please keep this in mind and plan ahead. To submit your proposal, complete the application and submit to:
Proposals, Rocky Neck Art Colony, PO Box 1451, Gloucester, MA 01931
Or email to rnac.exhibitions@gmail.com (use subject line ‘Exhibition Proposal’)
We are available to help you plan a successful exhibition. Have questions? Please contact rnac.exhibitions@gmail.com. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Costs to Mount an Exhibition
Use of space fee: 5 Weeks
Use of space fee: 6 Weeks
Printed postcards (optional)
Digital announcement (optional)
Diagram – Cultural Center Exhibition Spaces
