Juried Call:
Artist-run, Artist-organized

Call for exhibition proposals
Open to Texas-based artist-run spaces, collectives, and groups

DEADLINE EXTENTION: MAY 27, 11:59 PM CT

ORIGINAL DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 13, 11:59 PM CT

FotoFest will accept proposals for its inaugural Artist-run, Artist-organized exhibition series through May 27, 2024. Three winning proposals will be realized as discrete exhibitions presented at FotoFest between October 4­–November 17, 2024. Artist-run spaces, collectives, and networked groups of artists are invited to submit a proposal online via FotoFest’s Submittable platform.

Please note: single or solo artist exhibition proposals will not be considered.

About the Artist-run, Artist-organized exhibition series

Artist-run, Artist-organized is comprised of three exhibitions, curated and organized by Texas-based artist-run organizations, presented concurrently at FotoFest’s Sawyer Yards campus. Designed as a platform to support community-focused artist-run groups and organizations, the Artist-run, Artist-organized project consists of a call for exhibition proposals from artist-run institutions in Texas, three of which will be selected to receive up to $5,000 each in exhibition, programming, and promotional support for their projects. The 2024 presentation of Artist-run, Artist-organized marks the debut of a long-term series of exhibitions.

Submission process

Proposals up to 1,000 words should describe a conceptual group exhibition featuring Texas-based artists who utilize image-based media (At least 50% film, photography, video, AI, computer-generated images, and/or light-based work) as part of their practice. Proposals demonstrating an experimental and educational approach to examining contemporary ideas in Texas art, photography, and cultural and political issues are highly sought after. Each exhibition will fill 300 linear feet of wall space.

Applicants must provide a concept and details statement, a preliminary illustrated checklist, two public programming event descriptions, a budget (not to exceed $5,000), and a statement describing the mission and history of the applying artist-run organization.

Links to resources to produce your application

Concept and details statement example

Exhibition checklist example

Exhibition checklist template

Budget template

There is no fee to apply, and artist-run organizations can submit multiple projects. The deadline to apply is May 27 at 11:59 PM CT.

Questions? Email info@fotofest.org.

Winning applicants will receive

- $5,000 in production support, including artist fees, shipping, framing, and materials.
- Access to FotoFest’s frame inventory.
- Professional administration, mentorship, and curatorial support from FotoFest staff.
- Promotional support, including advertising via local media and FotoFest’s online outlets.
- Professional installation and in-gallery art handling support.
- Professionally designed title walls, wall labels, didactics, and ephemera.
- Publication in a bespoke FotoFest gallery guide.
- Support for at least two free-to-the-public events or programs (one of which must be an exhibition tour).     

Review process and jurors

A review panel consisting of FotoFest staff and three jurors external to FotoFest will select three exhibitions for presentation at FotoFest. Winning applicants will be notified on June 3, 2024. The jurors for Artist-run, Artist-organized are Leslie Moody Castro, Kevin Rubén Jacobs, Roberta "Nina" Hassele, and FotoFest staff.

About the jurors

Leslie Moody Castro is an independent curator and writer whose practice is based on itinerancy and collaboration. She has produced, organized, and collaborated on projects in Mexico and the United States for nearly two decades. She is committed to creating moments of exchange and dialogue within exhibitions, is a co-founder of Unlisted Projects Residency and Co-Lab Projects, and in 2022, served as inaugural curatorial fellow and curator in residence at New Mexico State University and Casa Otro Residency, respectively. She has been awarded two grants from the National Endowment of the Arts for her curatorial projects and a fellowship from the Department of State for her research on borders. Moody Castro is currently guest editor of Glasstire Magazine and has been selected as co-curator of the Aurora Biennial in Dallas, slated for November 2024.

Roberta “Nina” Hassele is a Brooklyn-raised, Texas-based curator, arts supporter, and arts organizer. As a child, New York’s museums and galleries were her playgrounds and safe spaces. After moving to Texas, Nina found her joy and refuge in art again, falling in love with San Antonio’s vibrant and inclusive downtown art scene. Nina has spent over 26 years immersed in the arts community, first as a friend, volunteer, collector, and fundraiser, and now curating local and traveling exhibitions and advising art institutions. Her mission is to increase recognition and support for all of San Antonio’s artists. She has been the Executive Director of Contemporary Art Month San Antonio since 2011.

Kevin Rubén Jacobs is a Dallas-based curator, arts organizer, and the Founder of Pushkin & Gogol, a combined art transportation, installation, storage, documentation, and exhibition venue. Between 2011 and 2015, Jacobs held roles of exhibitions manager and curator of The Goss-Michael Foundation, caring for over 500 works of contemporary British art. During that time, he founded and directed OFG.XXX (Oliver Francis Gallery, 2011–), organizing over 50 exhibitions and performances. He began freelancing in 2016, working for Dallas Contemporary, the Dallas Museum of Art, and for private clients.

Winning applicants will be notified on June 3, 2024.