Open Call for Artists, Curators, and Designers for showPOD
What is showPOD?
show POD; (shō pod) n. 1.) a vessel to bring or put into sight; 2.) a seed for public display or exhibition
showPODs are a series of 7 exhibition spaces, compact, dynamic, unmanned, and designed to support concepts of art experimentation and installation. Conceptualized by John Podmajersky III, and created by the Chicago Arts District, showPODs create an instant art experience in the non-traditional space and format of a high exposure art installation operating around the clock. showPOD, by design, can be viewed by anyone at anytime during the life of its installation, allowing a rich public art experience that breaks down the traditional limits of a gallery space or museum.
Each month, showPODs offer an opportunity for artists and curators to make a statement through art experimentation and installation. Since their inception showPODs have presented the work and or projects of bikeith recyclery and (re)cycle green(er), The Chicago Urban Art Society, Jeremy Ehly with Reamscape and RGB, FireWorks by Nathan Peck and Pei San Ng, Looking For by Mike Nourse and Marta Sasinowska, Another 6 Endlessly Open Cities by DeptUS the Department of Urban Speculation and others.
There are 7 showPODs, each approximately 16' wide and 6' feet deep, all have storefront windows, are painted white, and have standardized lighting. We prefer site specific installations that engage the viewer and weave the 7 spaces together, but if you have a project that would translate well in this format please make a submission, we're happy to look at it. The showPODs are located along the 1800 block of South Halsted Street, in the Chicago Arts District, (1822-43 S. Halsted St.), and are available for viewing 24/7/365.
If your proposal is accepted, you should be prepared to install your exhibition in the showPODs. You will need to supply any materials necessary to mount your exhibition. You will be expected to return the spaces in the condition in which they were delivered, materials will be supplied to you to restore the space when the exhibition is complete. Please keep this in mind when designing attachment points to walls or in considering the painting of spaces. Limited assistance with installation may be available, and can be requested upon acceptance of your proposal.
Installations in the showPODs will be featured on the Chicago Arts District website, the 2nd Fridays e-blast, and will participate in the popular 2nd Fridays program in the Chicago Arts District. Your installation will enjoy promotional opportunities through our experienced PR staff, and exposure to our built in audience who enjoy 2nd Fridays each month.
The submission process:
Please submit a proposal which includes the following:
-A project overview or statement.
-An artist bio or statement, help us learn a little about you and other installations you may have been involved with.
-Images, samples, or illustrations of the project/installation you are proposing .
-showPOD installations are generally one month long, please specify your preferred month, if you do not have a preference please let us know that as well.
-submissions can be accepted via e-mail or CD or DVD
We look forward to your submission, if you have questions please feel free to contact:
Cynthia West
Director, Chicago Arts District
1945 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60608
312-738-8000 Option 6
cwest@chicagoartsdistrict.org
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