entry instructions

THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE.

Applicants are required to submit four (4) separate works of art for consideration, uploading one (1) JPEG (.jpg) image of each to the CaFE™ site. These digital images should represent the subject matter and technique(s) to which you are most committed. The judges are looking for an overall quality in the submissions.

Applicants are asked to present four (4) digital images or stills in JPEG format in addition to any audio, video, or film component (if applicable) of their work. These JPEG images will be reviewed simultaneously with the supplemental materials. The images will project or appear as they were uploaded and in a horizontal row during the jury process. Please submit four (4) different images as opposed to uploading the same digital image four times. If necessary, a detail may be uploaded as one of the four images if the artwork requires it (e.g., large canvas or unusual media).

DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL ARTWORK.

EACH ARTIST MUST COMPLETE THE SUBMISSION PROCESS ONLINE WITH A COMPUTER.

All materials should be submitted in digital format through CaFE™ at www.callforentry.org. Interested artists will be required to create a CaFE™ profile to apply.

Applicants must allow enough time to prepare their images to CaFE™ specifications and finalize the electronic submission prior to the midnight (U.S. Mountain Standard Time) deadline of June 19, 2009. The submission process should take approximately two hours to prepare images and submit the application, depending on a variety of factors. You may begin a CaFE™ profile, save it, and return to it at any time prior to the deadline. Applicants are strongly urged to allow enough time to compensate for any unforeseen technical difficulties during the application process.

THREE STEP PROCESS TO USING THE CaFE SYSTEM:

  • Register on CaFE™ to create a user name and password that allows you to save information and return to it at any time.

  • Create your portfolio by formatting and uploading images of work.

  • When logged in to the CaFE™ system, click on “Apply to Calls,” find “Accelerate ” and click on “Apply to This Call.”

Please use the image upload function within your CaFE™ profile to illustrate the visual components of your work. No slides will be accepted. For installation components that include video, film, and audio, please supplement your CaFE™ profile by submitting a CD or DVD to the address below. Videos must be ready to play on a computer using Windows Media Player, Real Player. U.S.-compatible formats are encouraged; no VHS or mini DVDs.

The jury will initially review two (2) minutes of a video or audio file. Artists should note a specific segment to be reviewed, not longer than two (2) minutes, noting the segment times within their submission. The jury may opt to view the entire video for a final decision based on this segment. Please allocate one of the four JPEG images to upload a still of your video or performance piece for marketing purposes.

Please send supplemental materials directly to: VSA arts, c/o Accelerate, 818 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006. Applicants must complete the full application on CaFE™, including images. All supplemental materials must have a corresponding CaFE™ profile and be postmarked by June 19, 2009.

Applicants will be asked to type or upload an artist’s narrative (no more than 2,500 characters including spaces), and a personal statement responding to the exhibition theme (no more than 350 characters including spaces) in Microsoft Word (.doc) or PDF (.pdf) format. This information will be used to create an artist’s biography. A headshot or photograph of the artist in JPEG format is also required.

Submitted materials will NOT be returned. Materials may be archived within the VSA arts Artists Registry, a comprehensive directory that is consulted when identifying artists with disabilities for professional opportunities. VSA arts is not responsible for submissions that are incomplete or that fail to upload as a CaFE™ profile.

The artist’s narrative should provide your artistic background information and answer EACH of the following questions:

  • When did you start creating your artwork and what motivated you to begin?

  • What techniques and media do you use?

  • What role does art play in living with your disability? Does your disability affect your artwork in any way?

  • Do you remember a significant experience during your education where the arts played an important part? What about a favorite art teacher or art class?

  • When, and under what conditions, do you feel the arts were most effective in your education?

For specific assistance with CaFE image formatting or use of the CaFE system, please contact WESTAF at 1-888-562-7232 or email cafe@westaf.org.