50th SF Open Studios
Campaign Collateral Competition (2024)
ArtSpan’s 50th annual production of its citywide SF Open Studios program is a testament to the enduring power of art to bridge communities, and to the unyielding spirit of the artists who have been at the forefront of shaping San Francisco's cultural identity. ArtSpan and SF Open Studios have remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the artists who make San Francisco a hub of creativity, counter-culture, and free-thinkers. We are proud to have presented five decades of uninterrupted SF Open Studios, spanning historic earthquakes, soaring real-estate, the tech “boom”, the pandemic, the so-called doom-loop, and now thrilled to be stepping into a golden anniversary contributing to the renaissance of our beloved city.
In celebration of 50 golden years, we invite ArtSpan Artists to submit artwork around the heartfelt theme of “Stay Gold.” The SFOS Campaign Collateral Competition (CCC) seeks 5 artworks—each by different artists—to be widely used as part of ArtSpan’s expansive promotion of our 50th SF Open Studios. Our multimedia marketing campaign prominently features winning artworks on SFOS print and digital materials distributed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and gracing the city’s skyline.
STAY GOLD
The phrase "stay gold" comes from S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders, and references the courage to persevere with integrity, compassion, and humanity in the face of adversity. In honor of a half-century ensuring local artists remain an integral part of San Francisco's ethos, ArtSpan invites you to reflect on the theme of Stay Gold.
Consider how art has the power to illuminate pathways forward, reminding us to embrace resilience and optimism. We encourage creations that incorporate the radiant warmth of gold. How does your art glow with the spirit of unwavering hope?
Let your art be the shimmering embodiment of staying gold.
DETAILS
Entry Deadline: Sunday, April 21 @ 11:59PM
*You must have an active ArtSpan Artist Membership to be eligible for consideration*
Top Winner & Finalist Notification: May 2024
For Questions: email info@artspan.org
- 1 Top Winner and 4 Finalists will be selected, for a total of five awards.
- The Top Winner will receive a $1,000 artist stipend and complimentary Premier registration for SFOS 2024*
- 4 Finalists will be awarded $250 each, as well as complimentary Premier registration for SFOS 2024*
*By submitting to this call, you agree that if your artwork is selected you will participate in ArtSpan’s 2024 SF Open Studios program.
- The Top Winner’s artwork will be featured as the 2024 SFOS Guide Cover and 50th anniversary promotional material.
- Finalists will be featured throughout the Guide and as page dividers between weekend sections.
- ALL will be prominently featured in additional SFOS 2024 promotional materials, related programmatic collateral, and public relations efforts.
- ALL selected artists agree to make their submitted artwork available for inclusion in the SFOS Exhibition for the duration of the 2024 SFOS Season.
- If at the time of submission reviews you are not yet an active ArtSpan Artist Member, your submission will automatically be declined.
Finalists and top Winner are selected by SFOS designer Jeremy Joven of JOVEN CREATIVE, with input from ArtSpan staff and board.
ABOUT SF OPEN STUDIOS
A beloved annual tradition since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide SF Open Studios (SFOS) offers residents and tourists the free opportunity to engage directly with artists actively contributing to the region’s unique creative culture and vibrancy. SFOS mobilizes hundreds of artists, who are members of ArtSpan, to open their studios from 11am to 5pm according to geographic quadrants that align with weekend dates. SF Open Studios is ArtSpan’s flagship program. In addition to SFOS, ArtSpan provides year-round artist support by way of artist professional development workshops, networking mixers, public art and exhibition opportunities, and more. Learn more at artspan.org/artists/artist-membership
ArtSpan’s 50th SF Open Studios season will run from September 19 through October 13, 2024.
ArtSpan’s Premier SFOS Registration includes:
- Inclusion in the SFOS Printed Guide widely distributed to households and businesses in the SF Bay Area
- Eligibility to participate in the SFOS Exhibition*
*Selected artists are required to have their winning artwork on display at the SFOS Exhibition, and have the option to display an additional piece within the exhibition that fits within a 20” x 20” hanging space. - Eligibility to be considered for the AMPLIFY: Juror's Choice Awards with recognition in the SFOS Exhibition & at the Art Tasting event
- Inclusion in the Online Guide & Map
- Access to Venues Seeking Artists list to connect with spaces in San Francisco open to hosting SFOS artists for select weekends
- Eligibility to purchase advertising space in the SFOS Printed Guide
- Branded Media Kit to help promote your SFOS participation
50th Annual SF Open Studios Weekends & Neighborhoods
Weekend 1 | NORTH: September 21 & 22
North Beach, Downtown, Duboce Triangle, Marina, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Pacific Heights, Laurel Heights/Presidio Heights, Nopa/Divisadero, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Chinatown, Civic Center, Cole Valley
Weekend 2 | CENTRAL + SOUTH: September 28 & 29
Excelsior, Noe Valley, Castro, Ingleside, Bernal Heights, West Mission, Portola, Visitacion Valley, OMI (Outer Mission/Ingleside), Oceanview
Weekend 3 | EAST / SOUTHEAST: October 5 & 6
SOMA, East Cut, South Beach, Dogpatch, Bayview/Hunter’s Point, Potrero Hill, Mission Bay
Weekend 4 | WESTSIDE: October 12 & 13
Richmond, Sunset, Inner Sunset, Parkside, Twin Peaks, West Portal
ELIGIBILITY
- You must be a current ArtSpan Artist Member to be eligible for consideration
- log in to check your status: artspan.org/user/login
- register as a new member: artspan.org/artists/artist-membership
- If selected, the Campaign Collateral Competition Winner and Finalists must participate in SF Open Studios 2024
- All entries must be original and created within the past 5 years
- Collaborations are accepted
- Work must not have been used for print material purposes (other than to promote the work of artist)
- All selected artworks must have the submission available for viewing during the SFOS Exhibition from September 19 through October 13, 2024.
- You must be the owner and creator of the submitted work
REQUIREMENTS
- Entries representing all media will be accepted, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, fiber, furniture, glass, new media.
- One entry per artist.
- Artist statement of originality – 100 words describing what inspired the piece and how it relates to the theme STAY GOLD.
- Selected artists are required to have their winning artwork on display at the SFOS Exhibition from September 19 through October 13, 2024.
- By submitting to this call-for-entry you agree that your image may be respectfully modified or reconfigured for use across multiple platforms, including digitally, in print and online. Art may be altered for use in various orientations (vertical, horizontal, or square), and portions may be used as graphic accents.
- All entry image files for the initial entry should be submitted in JPEG format. Maximum 5MB.
- All image files must be titled with artist’s last name and first name (ex: SmithJane.jpg)
- If chosen, artist must provide a high-resolution image appropriate for print: 300 dpi image at least 8 inches wide in CMYK. Artist will be responsible for additional photography that may be required to meet print quality standards.
TIPS
Successful entries feature artwork that
- visually responds to the theme
- has elements which can stand alone and apart from the composition as a whole
- can have text overlaid or will work in conjunction with text
Winning pieces are traditionally used on billboards, posters, digital ads, and postcards, with accompanying text >>See 2023 Examples Here<<
• • •
SAMPLE RELEASE OF ARTWORK (for selected artists)
By submitting this form and digital artwork image(s) (“Artwork”), I hereby grant ArtSpan, SF Open Studios, and the ArtSpan board, employees, contractors, and assigns (collectively, “ArtSpan”) a perpetual, unlimited, non-exclusive and irrevocable license to use, display, and reproduce the Artwork and any corresponding identifying information or written material created, installed or produced in connection with this Agreement for ArtSpan’s promotion of SF Open Studios 2024, as well as for any other purpose, in all forms and media and in all manners, in whole or in part, and to authorize the making, display and distribution of reproductions and derivative works of the Artwork in ArtSpan’s sole discretion. I agree that I will not be entitled to any compensation or royalty payment from ArtSpan for such uses, reproductions or derivative works.
I warrant that I created the Artwork submitted and that I am the sole copyright owner and, subject to the perpetual and irrevocable license granted to ArtSpan under this Agreement, shall retain the copyright to the Artwork. I agree to indemnify and hold ArtSpan harmless from any claims, losses, and liabilities (including attorney fees, court costs, and all other litigation expenses) arising out of any copyright infringement or other intellectual property rights claims in connection with ArtSpan’s use of the Artwork. I also agree that I will not make any claims against ArtSpan arising out of its selection and use of the Artwork.
I acknowledge that should ArtSpan select my Artwork as SF Open Studios 2024 Campaign Collateral Competition Top Winner or Finalist, I will make the original artwork available for additional digital photography and that ArtSpan may modify, crop or edit the Artwork, including any written material, in its sole discretion. I waive any right to inspect or approve ArtSpan publications or reproductions of the Artwork, including any written material that may be created in connection therewith.
I am 18 years of age or older and have the authority to enter into this license and release, and am fully familiar with its contents; or I am a parent or legal guardian submitting on behalf of a minor or dependent adult and have full authority to authorize this license and release, and agree to assume any liabilities therein.
SFOS EQUITY GRANT
Para ayuda en español, contáctase con Vanessa Wilson, vanessa@artspan.org
ArtSpan’s Equity Grant awards complimentary PREMIER level SF Open Studios (SFOS) Registration to 10 Bay Area-based artist applicants from underserved communities. The Equity Grant was developed to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of our SF Open Studios program, and to draw attention to the under-recognized contributions of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled visual artists to the San Francisco Bay Area’s artistic landscape.
SFOS EQUITY GRANT
The SF Open Studios Equity Grant serves artists of all levels—from emerging, to rising, and established—from underrepresented communities and of intersectional identities. In reviewing applications, we take into consideration the applicant’s commitment to their creative practice and to presenting an SF Open Studios event.
ABOUT SF OPEN STUDIOS (SFOS):
A beloved annual tradition since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide SF Open Studios (SFOS) connects local artists to San Francisco’s residents and visitors. Now entering its 50th annual production, ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios is a testament to the enduring power of art to bridge communities, and to the unyielding spirit of the artists who have been at the forefront of shaping San Francisco's cultural identity.
ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios program mobilizes hundreds of artists, who are members of ArtSpan, to publicly open their studios from 11am to 5pm according to geographic quadrants that align with weekend dates. ArtSpan’s 50th SF Open Studios will run from September 19 through October 13, 2024 (full schedule below).
SF Open Studios is ArtSpan’s flagship program and is accompanied by the SFOS Exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center and a printed Guide catalog (more info below). This year’s historic 50th production will include the distribution of 25,000 Guides throughout the Bay Area and will be preceded by an archival exhibition at the SF Public Library—From Disco Days to the Tech Craze: 50 Years of SF Open Studios.
In addition to SF Open Studios, ArtSpan provides year-round artist support by way of artist professional development workshops, networking mixers, public art and exhibition opportunities, and more. Learn more at artspan.org/artists/artist-membership
ArtSpan’s 2024 SF Open Studios Season • September 19-October 13
Events in the SFOS Exhibition @ the SOMArts Cultural Center
September 19: ArtLaunch, SFOS Exhibition opening & kick-off celebration
October 2: Art Tasting & AMPLIFY Juror’s Choice Awards
Artist-Hosted SFOS Weekends & Neighborhoods
Weekend 1 - North: September 21 & 22
Weekend 2 - Central + South: September 28 & 29
Weekend 3 - East/Southeast: October 5 & 6
Weekend 4 - Westside: October 12 & 13
*SFOS Public Visiting Hours are 11am to 5pm
Review the All About SF Open Studios Slide Deck Here
View SF Open Studios Artist details at artspan.org/sfos-artist
Awarded artists will receive all the benefits of Premier level SFOS registration:
- Inclusion in the SFOS Printed Guide widely distributed throughout the SF Bay Area
- Eligibility to participate in the SFOS Exhibition at the SOMArts Cultural Center (one artwork NO BIGGER than 20" x 20")
- Eligibility to be considered for the AMPLIFY: Juror's Choice Awards with recognition in the SFOS Exhibition & at the Art Tasting event
- Broad promotion within ArtSpan's city-wide campaign as part of the SFOS season
- Access to Venues Seeking Artists list to connect with spaces in San Francisco open to hosting SFOS artists for select weekends
- Eligibility to purchase advertising space in the SFOS Printed Guide
- Access to ArtSpan's branded Media Kit to help promote your SFOS participation
- Inclusion in the Online Guide & Map
PLUS:
- Inclusion in dedicated 1/2 page Printed Guide ad promoting the open studios events of Grant recipients
- Assistance from ArtSpan staff with SFOS registration, Exhibition space reservation, and Venues Seeking Artists list
- May be further selected for the honor of serving on ArtSpan’s Equity Committee to help advance more opportunities like this one
AND immeasurable benefits of being an SF Open Studios artist:
- Practice professionally presenting yourself and your artwork to the greater public—you never know who may be walking through your studio doors!
- Grow your network and stay connected with your admirers—SFOS offers the opportunity to build your mailing lists and online following to keep both new and dedicated and potential patrons engaged with you and your work
- Receive feedback from potential collectors and art professionals on your work—speak with your visitors; find out what resonates with them, what pieces draw them in, why?
- SF Open Studios primarily offers the opportunity to nurture direct connections with the community. Visitors range from avid collectors, to curious passersby, and professionals in the art and design industries.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Entry Deadline: April 21, 2024 by 11:59PM
Grantee Notifications: week of April 29, 2024
ELIGIBILITY:
- You must be a current ArtSpan Artist Member to be eligible for consideration
- log in to check your status: artspan.org/user/login
- register as a new member: artspan.org/artists/artist-membership
- Must not have been an Equity Grant recipient within the last 3 years (2021-2023).
Questions? Contact info@artspan.org