Carrack Application Guidelines

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Until March 18, 2019, The Carrack is accepting applications for 3-week, 1-week, and 1-night exhibitions, installations, events, performances, gatherings, happenings, and regular programming in 2019. There is a separate application for 3-week, 1-week, and 1-night slots.

Who can apply:

At The Carrack we understand that Art comes in many forms. Whether paintings on a wall, or a curated collective experience, we invite all cultural workers, artists and curators to apply.

  • We especially welcome those who are:
    • ● emerging and seeking inaugural exhibition space
    • ● experimenting or pushing the boundaries of their own art practice
    • ● belonging to a historically marginalized or non-dominant cultural group
    • ● producing work that critically engages current issues
    • ● creating temporal and/or site-specific work
    • ● working in collaboration with other artists and/or the community

How The Carrack works:

The Carrack is an artist-centered, volunteer-run, zero-commission art space in Durham, North Carolina supported by community donations. Artists are given complete creative control of their exhibition or event and are expected to undertake all aspects of the professional presentation of their work. Artists have the option to price and sell their work as they see fit during their exhibition. The Carrack does not take any commission of sales.

Before beginning your application, please read about The Carrack at http://thecarrack.org/about​.

APPLICATION PROCESS

There is no fee to apply or present work at The Carrack. There are two deadlines to apply: by Friday, January 25th at 11:59pm, or Monday, March 18th at 11:59pm. You may apply for a 3-week, 1-week, or 1-night slot. Please thoroughly read the guidelines for the appropriate application before submitting.

Submitted proposals will be reviewed by our Curatorial Team that includes past Carrack artists and are moderated by Gallery Director Saba Taj. One night events will be curated to correspond with exhibitions where possible. Applications that are not accepted by one review panel are eligible for resubmission to be reviewed by the next review panel. We recommend that you apply early.

Contact ​director@thecarrack.org ​if you have any questions during the application process.

ABOUT THE CARRACK

Since The Carrack opened its doors in June 2011 the space has hosted hundreds of exhibitions, performances, and events. Each artist, curator, performer, and organizer brings a new idea, audience, or perspective to the project. The relationships that we build through our artists’ networks form the strong foundation of grassroots support that sustains this organization. In sharing your work at The Carrack, you become a part of a larger story – it is every artist’s voice that defines and redefines who we are.

We believe that art is a vital component of a thriving community. We acknowledge the obstacles presented by commission-based models and we seek to expand the creative possibilities of exhibition spaces by offering an alternative. The Carrack provides a free-to-apply, free-to-use, zero-commission option. During your time here, we want you to create your best work and actively engage with your audience in the way you choose. We also hope that, through your experience at The Carrack, you will become invested in our organization and in the futures of other artists in our shared community.

The proposal process is straightforward. We want to see that you have a clear vision of how you plan to use your time at The Carrack and that you understand our expectations before you apply. By selecting your proposal, we are trusting you to be a responsible steward of our space and our mission, to be professional in the presentation, marketing, and execution of your exhibition, and to bring an open and collaborative spirit that will foster productive relationships within our organization and with the broader community.

Thank you for applying and we look forward to seeing your work!

ARTIST REQUIREMENTS (upon acceptance)

  1. Attend at least one reception or event at The Carrack prior to your own exhibition/event/performance.
  2. Design an invitation and/or poster for your exhibition and send it to us four weeks ahead of your opening date.
  3. Attend an orientation session with all artists in your Cycle in advance of your exhibition/event/performance. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and get advice about many of these requirements at the orientation.
  4. Undertake all aspects of installation and deinstallation of your exhibition/event/performance, including any necessary coordination with the programming preceding and following yours. The Carrack can assist as needed.
  5. Undertake all aspects of marketing your exhibition/event/performance. We can offer support and suggestions on how to maximize exposure.
  6. Be present to represent your work on Third Friday (if your slot includes a Third Friday).
  7. For 3-week slots, give a public artist talk, presentation, performance, or Q&A. For 1-week slots, offer at least 2 opportunities for the public to access your work.
  8. For 3-week slots, host a public reception or event during the first week. We have resources to assist you with reception planning and budgeting.

Note regarding insurance: The Carrack does not offer insurance coverage for any artwork or materials brought into the space. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own insurance if coverage is desired. Please contact Gallery Director Saba Taj with specific questions.