Deadline for submissions: June 15

We are the River is a new citywide art exhibition that will take place September 6th through October 25, 2013 at several locations in downtown South Bend, Indiana.

Artpost Gallery is seeking artists who have a body of work on the theme of rivers, to be included in a group exhibition at Artpost.

Download PDF of Call for Entry

Artpost is also seeking proposals for temporary site-specific installations created for five public, outdoor locations on the east and west banks of the river in downtown South Bend — Find out more on the Call for Proposals page.

The Theme

We are the River will use art exhibits, performances and children’s activities to acknowledge the significant role the river has played in providing work, sustenance, recreation and beauty to our community. Located on the southernmost bend of the Saint Joseph River, South Bend developed an industrial-based economy that depended on the river for transportation and energy production. The waterway was also used as a repository for pollution — from residential, industrial and agricultural sources. By 1930, a State Board of Health study concluded that the river was dangerous to public health and to fish life.

In today’s post-industrial, service-based economy, both the city and the river have changed. Through the efforts of concerned citizens, non-profit advocates and government initiatives, this tributary has begun to make a comeback. The city now relies on the Saint Joseph River for a recreational resource used for fishing, boating, and white-water rafting. Maintaining a healthy river ecosystem is critical to South Bend’s survival.

The work submitted to the Artpost exhibition can explore many concepts within this theme: the river as metaphor, as a spiritual source, as a critical component to industrial development, as well as a reminder of the natural world in an urban space.

If your work has a performance aspect, there will be two opportunities to interact with an audience – during the opening night on September 6^th, and on First Friday October 4th.

Submittal

This call for entry is open to artists who live near the Saint Joseph River watershed, specifically Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. There is no entry fee.

Participants should e-mail a single PDF to info@artpostblog.com that includes the following:

1. 5-8 images of the proposed work,
2. An artist statement about this work (no more than 250 words),
3. A resume and/or your website URL

E-mail questions to info@artpostblog.com

Artists Stipends and Publicity

Each accepted artist will receive a $100 stipend towards delivery of artwork.

Artpost will promote the event to local and regional press contacts through radio and print ads, postcards, posters, and through our website and e-newsletter.

Schedule

March 15: Call for proposals released

June 15: Entry deadline

June 30: Notify artists of acceptance

August 23-25: Drop off/Delivery of artwork

September 6: Opening night; reception at Artpost Gallery

October 4: October First Friday events

October 25: Last day of exhibition

October 26-27: Pick up of artwork

About Artpost

Artpost is a gallery and performance space located in South Bend, IN, that features regional contemporary and folk art. In the three years since its launch, Artpost has exhibited upcoming and established regional contemporary artists, curated group shows that have gained critical attention, and hosted poetry/performance events that aim to be inclusive to all in the Michiana community.

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