Call to Artists
Dates: March 24 – May 5, 2023
The Mosesian Center for the Arts invites artists to submit work using at least one traditional printmaking technique such as relief, silkscreen, intaglio, lithography either by itself or in combination with digital printmaking techniques and other mediums like painting, sculpture, drawing and photography. Artists exploring themes of war, trauma, climate change, race and the complexities of contemporary life that move us to protest to strive for change to fight against injustices and address issues ranging from the personal to the global are welcome to submit work.
Printmaking, from relief printmaking to intaglio to lithography and silkscreen, has a long history as a medium used to comment on political and social issues. Printmaking was used both in political propaganda as well as the medium of choice for political activism and protest. Different printmaking techniques at different points of history made the reproduction of images relatively inexpensive and allowed for easy distribution to wide audiences. Printmaking was used and it is still used in anti-war movements, political campaigns, and campaigns for social and environmental change.
Great examples of socially engaged art that utilizes printmaking techniques are the works of artists such as Kathe Kollwitz whose woodcuts and intaglio prints depict suffering, grief and are generally viewed as a powerful message against war. Goya’s The Disasters of War series depicted the cruelty and horror of war. Artists also used printmaking to comment on social injustices and inequalities as seen in the work of Daumier and Posada.
Artists continue to use printmaking today to address issues of climate change and in most recent years tackle issues like trauma and community revitalization. Alison Saar’s prints and large woodcuts address race, American history, and contemporary events.
In addition, this exhibit aims to explore traditional printmaking techniques and their relevance today in creating socially engaged works. Why do contemporary artist still choose to use these techniques even tough digital printmaking is available as a cheaper and faster alternative?
About Mosesian Arts:
The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary arts venue in Watertown, Massachusetts. The 30,000 square foot center, located within a former U.S. Army arsenal, houses a 339-seat main stage theater, a 100-seat black box theater, exhibition galleries, classrooms, and rehearsal studios. Mosesian Arts is located six miles from downtown Boston, borders the Charles River and Brighton, and is easily accessible from surrounding suburbs and Metro West. Programs include professional theater and musical performances, gallery exhibitions, literary and art discussions, and performing and visual arts classes and workshops for all ages.
Important Dates:
Submission Deadline:
February 13, 2023
Announcing Selected Artists: February 20, 2023
Drop off Dates: Saturday, March 11, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Tuesday, March 14, 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
*Shipped work must be received no later than March 16
Exhibition Opens:
March 24, 2023
Opening Reception:
Thursday, March 30, 5:30–7:30 PM
Exhibition Closes:
May 5, 2023
Artwork Pick Up: Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Tuesday, May 9, 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Gallery Talk:
April 27, 2023
Please note that the Mosesian Center for the Arts reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the exhibition timeline. Artists will be notified of final dates in their acceptance letters.
Eligibility:
All artists regardless of location are welcome to apply, including international artists. Local artists may drop their work off on Saturday, March 11 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and March 14, 10:30 AM–4:00 PM. Non-local artists work must be received at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 c/o Exhibitions by March 16, 2023. Non-local artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from MCA and are responsible for insuring their work while in transit. If shipping work, each artist must provide a pre-paid, UPS or FedEx return shipping label including insurance. Please pack your work in sturdy reusable packaging. The Mosesian Center for the Arts carries appropriate insurance to cover all artwork in the show for the duration of the exhibition, including the time frame of dropoff, installation, deinstallation, and pickup.
Additional guidelines:
Submission Fee:
$10 per submission. Limit 5 submissions per artist. Artwork must be submitted online here at: https://mca-printmaking.artcall.org To submit work, click the register or login buttons at the top of this page. There's an Application Process Tutorial if you'd like more info on the submission process.
Commission Structure:
Artists receive 60% commission, and the Mosesian Center for the Arts and Newton Art Association split 40% for art sold during the exhibition. The Artist reserves all copyrights and reproduction rights on the artwork in the exhibition. Mosesian Center for the Arts may duplicate and reproduce images of work for purposes of public relations and exhibition announcements directly related to the exhibition.
Featured Artwork: Saskia G. Van Vactor, Remembering, Honoring, Cherishing
A quilt dedicated to and inspired by BIPOC and Trans Women
The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Learn more: www.mosesianarts.org
