2024 National Open Call for Artists
Vox Populi is Accepting Applications for a guest artists residency in August with an exhibition in Sept/Oct 2024.
The applications are available via SlideRoom and may be accessed here. A floor plan of Vox Populi’s gallery spaces is available here. Application opens in December 14th, 2023. SUBMIT HERE
Vox Populi is pleased to announce our annual open call offering two artists or one collaborative duo the opportunity to extend and challenge their artistic practice. This upcoming year we are also introducing our first Residency+Exhibitions application. We seek to support artists who are working in a range of media, who take on various subject matter and material, and who represent the range of diversity present and underrepresented in our communities, including on the axis of race, class, gender, and sexuality, as well as geographic points of origin (eg. rural, non-art centers, underrepresented localities).
Vox Populi is interested in exhibitions by national artists from outside the larger Philadelphia area. We are seeking artists and collaborators without commercial representation, who want to find new audiences. Vox Populi is interested in work that takes place in experimental media and employs alternative methodologies, pushing boundaries in terms of form and content. We want work that takes risks, is ambitious, timely, and experimental.
Application opens in December 14th, 2023. SUBMIT HERE
Application Fee:
$35.00 Dollars 12/14-1/30
$45.00 Dollars Final Day 1/31/24
$10.00 DAY! January 8th
(If the application fee is an economic barrier, please contact exhibitions@voxpopuligallery.org)
Open Call:
Artists interested in participating in a one month residency in August 2024 with a group show in September/October 2024. The four week residency will be granted to two artists to develop work for a fall group exhibition in Vox Populi’s gallery space.
Residency Dates:
August 5th- September 8th, 2024
Exhibition Dates:
September 6th- October 13th, 2024
Submission Guidelines:
Completed application that includes information about you and your practice, intentions during the residency, and references. Artists will submit works (1-10 work samples). Please note this is an opportunity for artists living outside of the greater Philadelphia region to gain exposure with a Philadelphia audience. We will consider applications outside of a 50 mile radius from the city.
Application Materials:
Personal Bio
Artist’s Statement
Current CV* no more than 2 pages
Residency Goals: Why Vox Populi, Why Philadelphia, Why now?
Exhibition Proposal: We would like to hear about what makes you curious, what you are interested in exhibiting, and what your jumping off point would be. (200 words max)
Artist’s Questions *We would like to know a little more about you!
Work samples* 1-10
Two references
Application fee is $35. More details on the application process, types of media files accepted, and information on past and current work Vox has supported can be found on our webpage: [link to web landing page, which has more details about the applicant info section, media, and applicant availability
Submission Timeline: December 14th, 2023- January 31st, 2024
Application deadline: 11:59pm January 31st, 2024
Notification date: Late February/Early March 2024
Residency dates: August 5th 2024 – September 8th 2024
Exhibitions: September 6th- October 13th, 2024
Residency Information:
Summer residents receive 24-hour access to a semi-private apartment in a historic home in the Germantown Neighborhood in Philadelphia. Accommodations include a private bedroom and bathroom in a shared house, complete with common spaces, and kitchen. Artists-in-residence also have access to our limited workspace and dry studio. Monthly programming includes group and one-on-one studio visits with our artists members, Executive Director, and other Philadelphia artists. Other activities include communal dinners, access to Vox Populi events and inclusion in other artistic opportunities.
Artists will have 24 hour access to the Vox Populi gallery during the duration of their stay and throughout their exhibition install period.
Review Process
Artists-in-residence are selected by the Vox Populi artists members. Residents will be selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to their practice, feasibility of their exhibition proposal and ability to interact positively with the community at large.
If you have additional questions, see our Residency FAQ. We’ll also be holding info sessions on December 22nd 12pm- 1pm EST & Jan 9th 5:30-6:30pm.
Questions? Contact: exhibitions@voxpopuligallery.org
No phone calls please!
FAQs
Shared Studios</3>
What are the studios like?
Our shared workspaces are located on two different floors of the residence house. We provide each artist with one table, one chair, and the basement workspace has at least two working walls and some storage.
Workspace size?
Varies
Can I ship art supplies ahead?
Yes.
Can I put holes in the walls?
Yes, on the shared walls in the basement workspace. Spackle over anything larger than a pushpin hole before you leave. Within the Vox Populi Gallery space you can alter walls but will have to restore all gallery walls to their original state.
What’s available in the resident workspaces?
Basic hand tools (hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, etc)
Two power drills and bits
Hand routers and bits
Chop saw
Small table saw
Jig saw
Air compressor
What’s available in the Vox Populi Gallery space?
Basic hand tools
Power drills
Limited install hardware
Gallery paint and primer
Painters tape
Gaf tape
Limited monitors, speakers, media players
Limited projectors
Misc. tools and install equipment
Are materials provided?
There are limited install materials provided at the Vox Populi Gallery.
Is there a slop sink?
Yes at the Vox Populi Gallery and at the residency.
Any material restrictions?
Nothing flammable or hazardous in the workspace! You are staying in a shared home and the gallery is in a shared building. And be careful with toxic fumes, especially in the workspaces. No disposing of anything toxic in the sinks — we want to keep our city clean. If you’re unsure about it, be on the side of caution and ASK.
WiFi?
Yes. In both the residency house and gallery.
What is expected of me while I’m at the residency?
The intention of the summer residency is to assist artists outside of Philadelphia an opportunity to develop work for their fall exhibition. During the month of the residency program your time is open-ended and lets residents make their own studio hours, but all residents are highly encouraged to participate in the months events and studio visits.
Can I sell my work during the residency?
Of course. Artists are responsible for handling any sale of their work.
Housing
Move-in date?
The date of arrival, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Our designated artist member, will help coordinate your arrival/orientation.
Where will I live?
You’ll have a private room in a home in the historic Germantown neighborhood in Philadelphia, The house is within walking distance of public transit and has ample street parking.
How many artists are in residence?
2, either two separate artists or one collaborative duo. Each artist gets their own bedroom and bathroom with a shared living space and kitchen.
Are meals provided?
No. Residents are responsible for their own meals (and bonds are formed in the kitchen!). There will be a few communal meals with the Vox Populi community.
Are there washers/dryers in the houses?
Yes, there’s one washer/dryer setup.
Can I bring a spouse/partner/collaborator?
Yes, with approval and for a limited time. Non-family residents must pay a $100 impact fee, however. Guests are not allowed to use the workspaces unless they also apply and are accepted to the residency program.
What if my spouse/partner/collaborator wants their own studio?
They’ll need to apply separately. Please note whether you’d be willing to come if they’re not accepted, though.
Can I bring my kids?
Unfortunately, at this time no.
Is the residency/housing accessible for people with disabilities?
Our residency is housed in historic spaces that are not accessible. Our residency housing with a workspace contains two sets of stairs. Our bathrooms are not ADA compliant. Artists who need to move around, twitch, pace, or not make eye contact are welcome. If you have access needs not addressed here, email us and we’ll try to work with you to support them.
What to bring for the house?
The kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, plates, cups, etc. All the standard kitchen stuff. We provide bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets), and bath towels. We’ll keep the bathroom stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, etc.
Note: The home you are staying in was built in 1819. It is not equipped with air conditioning and summer in Philadelphia can be steamy. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan and the shared living space is equipped with a window unit air conditioner.
What to bring in general?
Art supplies or any special tools you need to execute your project. There are opportunities to get supplies in Philadelphia but will need to be coordinated with an artist member. Weather-appropriate clothing.
Proper footwear. Be smart — no open-toed sandals in the workspaces or gallery. Toiletries, medicine, etc. There are pharmacies within walking distance from the residence. Bug spray. Summer gets muggy. Mosquitos and ticks love that. Headphones. You’re sharing a space — no blasting hair metal at 7:00 AM.
What not to bring?
Pets, hot plates, toxic materials. Again, be smart and ask if you’re unsure.
Visitors?
Yes. Any visitors need to be approved by staff and sign a waiver (which is sent to the Executive Director) before their arrival. Visitors can stay with a resident for up to three consecutive days, after which the resident will be charged a $100 per month impact fee.
Composting?
Not right now.
Life in Philadelphia
What’s it like?
Our Gallery is located near Chinatown in Center City, Philadelphia. There are several other art spaces within the building. Our residence is located in Historic Germantown, about 7 Miles from our gallery. The house is located close to Germantown Avenue, Wissahickon Park and other local favorites like the Germantown Kitchen Garden. The house has ample outdoor space with a firepit, an enclosed garden, front porch with a swing and covered deck.
Getting around?
The residence is a few blocks from the regional rail line, SEPTA bus lines to center city. The gallery is located near several different public transportation options.
Mail?
Packages can be delivered to the residence or gallery.
Pets?
Sorry, no pets. Also note there is a dog that is located at the residency.
Hiking?
Tons at Wissahickon park! You are also not far from the Schuylkill river trail.
Can I visit before my residency?
Yes. Email exhibitions@voxpopuligallery.org to schedule a visit.
Programming
What are my studio visits like?
We arrange studio visits for the month with current Vox Populi artists members and other Philadelphia artists/curators. They are informal and can last anywhere from 30–60 minutes depending on the visitor’s schedule.
What other programming is there?
Early in each month, you will be invited to join our General Membership meeting for an artist presentation about your practices. On the second Sunday of the month, we will host a communal dinner.
Fees and Fellowships
Financial support?
Each resident will be provided a stipend of 750.00 dollars. Travel to and from the residency and additional materials to implement your project are the responsibility of the artist(s). Vox Populi can provide a letter of intent to any artist who is looking to supplement their residency and show with additional grants.
What if I need to leave early?
You are welcome to leave early but you are expected to execute your exhibition installation prior to leaving the residency.
When are applications open?
Dec 14th, 2023
Are writers/filmmakers able to apply?
Yes!
I’m a mid-career or established artist, should I still apply?
Yes! We encourage everyone to apply.
Are applications open to international residents?
Not at this time.
Can I apply for a shorter/longer residency?
The residency is connected to the September 2024 exhibition. August 2024 is the only available time for the residency.
How does the review process work?
Applicants are evaluated by a review committee composed of the Vox Populi artists members. Residents are selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to their practice, and ability to interact positively with the community at large.
What happens after I’m accepted?
We ask that all accepted residents reply to confirm their spot within 10 days. Upon confirmation, we also ask that residents review and sign our Residency Agreement.