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<<
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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.
ArtSpan’s 50th Anniversary Juried Benefit Art Auction 2024
Call Opens: Friday, February 2, 2024
Deadline EXTENDED: Sunday, March 31 @ 11:59PM
Artist Notifications Begin: Week of Monday, April 15
Artwork Drop-off: Sunday, May 12 & Monday, May 13 @ Heron Arts*
*Selected artwork will be received in-person during specific drop-off windows that must be reserved in advance. By submitting to this call, you agree to dropping your work off in-person on the arranged date. Early drop-off is not possible. Once your artwork has been selected, you will receive details and instructions.
Private VIP Preview: Thursday, May 16
The Auction: Friday, May 17
Artwork Pick-up: Saturday, May 18*
*All unsold auction art must be picked up from Heron Arts on May 18. ArtSpan & Heron Arts do not have storage available. Once your artwork is selected, you will receive details and instructions related to drop-off and pick-up and must be available to retrieve your work (or arrange for someone else to do so) if it does not sell at the Auction.
AUCTION JURORS
Kevin B. Chen, Curator at Fine Arts Gallery, San Francisco State University
Renée DeCarlo, Artist & Founder of The Drawing Room SF
Karen M. Gutfreund, Curator, Consultant, Artist
Janna Keegan, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art and Programming at Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Tova Lobatz, Gallery Director at Heron Arts
Michelle Mansour, Executive Director of Root Division
Owen Christoph, Artist Liaison at Jessica Silverman Gallery
Shiva Pakdel, Executive Director of Sausalito Center for the Arts
Andrea Schwartz, President of Andrea Schwartz Gallery
Meg Shiffler, Director of Artist Space Trust
EVENT OVERVIEW
ArtSpan's 50th Anniversary Juried Benefit Art Auction is a multifaceted affair featuring a juried collection of 100 works of art presented in-person, plus an additional online-only collection of biddable works.
The Auction will incorporate
- A stunning 100-piece Auction Collection installed at Heron Arts gallery
- Two energetic in-person events with mobile bidding:
- May 16 - VIP Preview
- May 17 - General Auction Night → all artworks to be sold!
- Two LIVE in-person auction paddle-raises—a different grouping each night
- A separate collection of 30-40 online-only pieces
- Bidding for the online-only auction runs until Sunday, May 19
- Inclusion in the extended online bidding if your artwork does not sell at the in-person events
EVENT DETAILS
Two nights of in-person Silent Auction mobile bidding and live auction paddle-raises—a different grouping each night—plus an online-only auction that continues through the weekend.
Our 2024 Auction is a dynamic event honoring ArtSpan’s 50 years of championing San Francisco Bay Area art and artists! In addition to supporting ArtSpan’s year-round programming, Auction funds will springboard exciting golden anniversary celebrations throughout the city of San Francisco.
ArtSpan’s Juried Benefit Art Auction is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your art to prominent jurors in the art and design field, to new potential collectors, and to a vast range of art enthusiasts. Most of all, contributing your art is a meaningful way for you to support the work that ArtSpan does to cultivate connections within our creative community.
ArtSpan’s Auction Juror panel of local arts, culture, and design professionals will curate a collection of 100 artworks to be hung within the exhibition space at Heron Arts.
ArtSpan will also be accepting between 30 to 40 artworks to be auctioned as online-only pieces. These additional works will not be physically installed within the exhibition space and will solely be hosted online. To foster further connection with buyers, it will be the artist’s responsibility to schedule a time with the winning bidder to visit their studio and pick up their purchase directly from them.
Artworks showcased in the 100-piece Auction collection at Heron Arts that do not sell during the two in-person events, will automatically be added into the online auction that concludes on Sunday, May 19. This offers bidders the extended opportunity to further engage with and vie for your work.*
Bidding will officially begin the evening of Thursday, May 16 at the VIP Preview. The VIP Preview is limited to ArtSpan Benefactors & ArtLovers at Enthusiasts level and above, major donors, and ticket purchasers. Exhibiting Auction artists will receive one (1) complimentary admission to attend the main Auction event on Friday, May 17. Artists selected for the LIVE auction during the VIP Preview, will receive complimentary admission to the VIP event.
*In the application, you will have the option to opt out if you do not wish to participate in extended online bidding. We encourage artists to participate in the extended online auction to keep the bidding going and have the opportunity to meet their patrons! Please note that you will still be required to retrieve your unsold work on Saturday, May 18 and, should you work sell online during the extended bidding period, you will need to make arrangements directly with the winning bidder to pick up the work from you.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The Auction will center around two, in-person nights with a VIP Preview, on May 16, followed by the main Auction on May 17, 2024
- All work will be featured and promoted online and on our auction-specific website
- ALL Auction artwork will include buy-it-now pricing
- Each event will have cash & carry for winning bidders
- A selection of artwork will be auctioned as LIVE lots during the in-person events with a different grouping each night. As such, your art may be sold prior to the main Auction event on Friday, May 17. By submitting your work, you accept that your art may be sold to a VIP & absent from the exhibition by Friday, May 17.
- Artists with work selected for the LIVE auction during the VIP Preview, will receive one (1) complimentary admission to the VIP event.
- ALL unsold artwork at Heron Arts must be picked up on Saturday, May 18
- Artists participating in the online-only auction are responsible for coordinating pickup with their winning bidder.
- Meet your patron! Artists whose work sells during online bidding will coordinate pickup directly with their winning bidder. Your contact information will be shared with the winning bidder at the time lots close so they may contact you to arrange pickup. This is a great time to share other works of art and your studio to a new patron.
- In the case that artwork exhibited at Heron Arts does not sell by the event's end on Friday, May 17, the artwork will be rolled into the extended online auction which will continue through Sunday, May 19, 2024.
- All selected Auction artwork must be retained until bidding concludes on Sunday, May 19 (i.e. if your piece is selected for the Auction, it cannot be listed elsewhere for sale nor can it be sold prior to the event’s conclusion)
- Online bidding will run from May 16 through May 19, 2024
- It is possible that some collectors will only see your work online, as such, we require you to upload the best quality image of your donated artwork when submitting your application.
BENEFITS
All selected artists will be recognized in the 2024 Golden 50th Anniversary SF Open Studios Printed Guide.
All selected artists will be included in our robust promotional campaigns.
Artists will receive bidder information from their sold artwork after the Auction.
100 Auction Artists will have their work exhibited for in-person viewing as part of our Auction event.
10 Auction Artists will have their work sold in a live paddle-raise in-person auction.
All artist applicants will have their work seen by local art-world luminaries who jury the work for inclusion consideration.
Your contribution as an Auction Artist directly supports ArtSpan’s programs, and has a positive impact on our local art community.
ELIGIBILITY & TIPS:
- Open to all current ArtSpan Artist Members
- CLICK HERE to login and renew your membership
- CLICK HERE to join as a new member
- All entries must be original and created within the past 3 years
- Entries older than 3 years will be automatically disqualified and not go before the juror panel
- Artwork minimum value is $500 (bidding will start at approximately 1/3 of the artwork value)
- It is essential that you provide a high-quality image of your work as it will represent your piece to the Auction Jurors. We recommend a JPEG that is minimally 2000 pixels wide
- We encourage artwork donations that do not exceed dimensions of 30” on the longest side*
*IF YOUR PIECE IS FRAMED, the provided artwork dimensions should include the frame - We have extremely limited space for donations larger than 40"*
*IF YOUR PIECE IS FRAMED, the provided artwork dimensions should include the frame - Artists valuing work over $3,000 should have a verifiable sales record and should be insured by the artist
- We encourage submitting your strongest work and welcome high-value contributions.We encourage submitting your strongest work, and welcome high-value contributions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Entries are accepted in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, assemblage, fabric, jewelry, ceramic, furniture, and glass.
- One entry per artist.
- All image files for the entry must be submitted as a JPEG that is minimally 2000 pixels wide.
- All image files MUST be titled with the following format or they will not be considered: LastName_FirstName_title_height(inches)_x_width(inches).jpg
- IF YOUR PIECE IS FRAMED, the provided artwork dimensions should include the frame.
- Artists must provide a 30 word promotional statement to describe and sell the piece of artwork submitted. Statements should describe the specific process or a noteworthy story to be shared online and via social media. Help us promote you and your work by submitting a statement that is ready to publish. ArtSpan may edit your statement for clarity.
- Artists must complete their online ArtSpan Artist Profile with images and contact information (ArtSpan will link to this information in all Auction promotions).
- ArtSpan reserves the right to use images of accepted artwork for promotional use online and in print for the Auction.
- Artwork must be READY TO HANG: framed, pre-assembled, with appropriate hardware (wire and d-rings). Artwork without hardware will not be accepted.
- Sawtooths are not considered “ready to hang” and will be rejected at the time of drop-off. PLEASE PROPERLY WIRE YOUR PIECES.
- Artwork that is damaged or unfinished will NOT be accepted into the Auction at the time of drop-off. Including, but not limited to: chipped frames, scratched glass, wet paint, etc.
- By submitting to this call, you agree to bring the juror-approved artwork. Misrepresented artwork will not be accepted into the Auction and will be declined at the time of drop-off.
- Artwork must be labeled with the artist's name and the title of the piece.
- Artwork whose longest dimension (height or width) 30” or less, will be prioritized.
NOT ACCEPTED
- Artwork that is not mounted professionally and ready to hang/display
- Artwork that is damaged (including damaged frames)
- Artwork that has been modified or swapped out from the original submission
*ArtSpan reserves the right to decline artwork after drop off, if we feel it was not well represented in the jury image, is not ready to be professionally hung, is damaged, or for any other reason.
ART SALES
- Selected artists will have the option to donate 100% of the artwork sale price to ArtSpan, or to receive 15% of the artwork sale price.
- Artists will receive bidder information from their sale after the auction.
QUESTIONS?
Email info@artspan.org
ARTSPAN’S MISSION
ArtSpan is committed to cultivating a vibrant, accessible, and world-class art community in San Francisco and to promoting the city's unique creative energy locally and globally. We champion an inclusive art experience by providing hundreds of local artists with the equal opportunity to showcase their work and make direct connections to diverse audiences and patrons. We are guided by the belief that artists play a vital role in society and that broad public engagement with their work is essential to defining a new cultural environment for our changing city.
** You must sign in with your SUBMITTABLE account below. This may be different from your ArtSpan email and password. If you do not have a Submittable account you must create one to submit!
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Thank you so much for submitting your work. Our Auction Jurors work hard to curate a diverse exhibition that is appropriately balanced in theme, color, style, medium and price. Every year we have to turn away some amazing work because of this difficult balancing act. We appreciate your understanding of this process in the event that your work is not selected.