CALL | Art Gallery Studios & The Bureau of Queer Art support exhibitions and residency opportunities for contemporary artists for contemporary Queer and Allied artists to explore representation, identity, and themes of outsiderness in a culture of "mall-ification." We seek artists to feature in upcoming exhibitions, residencies, podcasts/magazines, and coinciding exhibitions. 

“Queer' is not as being about who you're having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but 'queer' as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.” - Bell Hooks

PUBLICATION | Artists will receive either a feature (1-3 pages, write-up about their featured artwork and selected pictorial of artwork) or a full article (3-6 pages, write-up, interview, and full pictorial spread of artwork in the physical publication. Select artists will be interviewed for the podcast available on all podcast platforms. Featured artists will also receive a gratis copy of the issue. 

EXHIBITION | Selected artists will also participate in the group exhibition. This 3-month online exclusive exhibition will be listed on our website and our sales platform, ARTSY. The Autumn exhibition will have a virtual opening reception where the participating artists and publication contributors will be asked to join in for a panel discussion moderated by The Bureau of Queer Art Director. We’ll discuss each artist's featured work, and viewers are encouraged to post relevant questions and comments. 

GALLERY | Art Gallery Studios & The Bureau of Queer Art is a Dama Gallery, LLC satellite exhibition space in Colonia Juárez, Mexico City. This densely populated and culturally significant neighborhood is a mecca for the city’s art community. Though the original colonial style architecture is still prominent throughout the space, retrofitted with display walls that are more synonymous with contemporary U.S. galleries. Housed in a 3 story old world style former residence, with a total combined exhibition space of 1200 sqft, it is curated exclusively by Dama Gallery curator Micheal Swank. 

CURATOR | Micheal Swank graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in printmaking and Design in 1998. In his design career, he has been Art Director for California Tan (packaging), San Francisco Examiner (Hearst), Miller Huber Marketing, Joie de Vivre Hotels, S.F. Business Times, Disney, Dance Magazine, Pasadena Weekly, and others. Micheal began to teach Graphic and Web Design in 2001 and decided to pursue teaching as a full-time profession. In 2006, he completed his Masters in Technology from Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. He led within the design education community as Academic Department Director, Graphic Design and Web Design Interactive Media at the Art Institute of California Inland Empire, Art Institute of California San Francisco, and Associate Dean of Academics Art Institute of Houston - North. In January 2012, after a significant car accident caused him to reflect on his dreams to pursue his art, he left his position as Dean to live abroad, travel, learn, create, and reignite his passion for art. He has since lived in China, and Mexico City DF; after spending two years focussing his practice in Ventura, CA Micheal relocated to Mexico City permanently in 2018. 

SALES - We have forged a strategic partnership with the esteemed online art sales platform ARTSY for the last 8 years. This collaboration catapulted the company onto the international stage, placing it among renowned art institutions such as Gagosian, David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth, and Simon Lee.

CALL FEE - Basic media fee is $35 for 3 images. Additional media may be added, the cost is $5 per image. No more than 20 images can be added. The curator's time plays a crucial role in shaping our gallery selections. Fees are allocated to reflect the curator's efforts, encompassing portfolio reviews, submission consultations, exhibition publications, artist stipends, juror honorariums, gallery interns, and other essential expenses integral to the meticulous curation, strategic marketing, and seamless execution of our extensive and ongoing exhibition program.

COMMISSION - Dama Gallery adheres to the industry norm of a 50% commission, retaining half of the sale proceeds. Artworks from the gallery are listed on Artsy, contributing to its online presence and market visibility.

REMITTANCE - Sales remittance to the artist occurs 5-7 business days post-exhibition and/or upon buyer payment finalization to Dama Gallery (whichever finalizes first). A detailed remittance statement is promptly provided with payment. 

NOTIFICATIONS - Entries on or before 4/30/2024 are for Exhibition Consideration for The Bureau of Queer Art in Mexico City. Ongoing notifications are typically sent via the CaFE communications email server  throughout the month, with final decisions and notifications being dispatched at the curator's discretion. Artists chosen for exhibition will receive timely status updates. 

CONTACT - You may send a courteous email to mxc@damagallery for all inquiries regarding this call (questions about your status, late entries, additional entries, consultation appointments, etc.) Be sure to include the name on your CaFE account and date of submission.

ABOUT - Dama Gallery is a contemporary art gallery dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Our commitment is reflected in a series of innovative and singular exhibitions that traverse various media and genres. Engaging both the primary and secondary markets, Dama Gallery plays a pivotal role in fostering the careers of some of today's most influential artists, maintaining a steadfast representation of an internationally diverse group of creative visionaries.

As one of the very few established galleries that offer exhibition considerations to non represented artists, the goal of Dama Gallery is to give the opportunity to working artists in hopes of discovering and featuring new visionaries and the latest in contemporary art movements. Through a multifaceted approach of contemporary art publications, artist talks, panel discussions, artist residencies, and art films, the gallery offers a rich exploration of artists' processes and identities. 

VISIT - www.damagallery.com | IG - @damagalleries @thebureauofqueerart

Application Requirements

ART REQUIREMENTS - All artwork must be original and unsold. The artist must own the sole copyright to art. Frames, mats & wiring must be professional quality & in good condition. No saw- tooth hangers. Wiring must be securely fashioned & support weight of the artwork. 2D Artwork selected for exhibition MUST BE READY TO HANG.  

SHIPPING (EXHIBITION) - Absolutely no packing peanuts. Crates, boxes, even small packages containing packing peanuts will be resealed and immediately shipped back to you, no exceptions. Artists are responsible for round-trip shipping & insurance (during shipping) of artworks for purposes of exhibition.

Eligibility Criteria

ACCEPTED ARTWORK - Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Glass, Fiber, Functional, Digital, Photography, Installation, mixed media and New Genres. Proposals may include multiple disciplines.

SUBMISSION TIP - A comprehensive and detailed submission will include at least 3 images, biography and artist statement. Include your website and social media accounts.