The experiment of democracy has been analyzed as a dynamic process that is shaped and sustained by its people. For almost 250 years American Democracy has faced an array of threats internally and externally, each specific to its time. Today, we find ourselves at an inflection point internationally with the concept of Democracy Under Siege being ever-present globally. As a complex, dynamic, multi-layered organism, the threats to democracy are innumerable.
 

As an artist, how do you identify with the current moment? Are you using your creative voice to comment, criticize, raise awareness? Do you use your art to participate in the democratic discourse? Have you worried about your creative freedoms in a changing landscape where
artistic censorship has become increasingly widespread? How does your work converse with diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion and the battle between their advocates and critics?
 

As part of Hera Gallery’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, each show title is inspired by an exhibition from the past 50 years. Democracy Under Siege is inspired by the 2003 exhibition, American Democracy Under Siege, curated by Claudia Flynn and Troy West.

Juror: Lorenzo Fusi, Chief Curator of the Currier Museum

Application Requirements

Application Deadline: August 9th, 2024
Exhibition Dates: October 12th - November 16th

Notification of Acceptance: Hera Gallery will contact artists by September 9th, 2024 regarding their inclusion in Democracy Under Siege.

Delivery Due Date: Artwork must be at the Gallery by Thursday, October 3rd.

Artwork Delivery: Local delivery instructions will be sent to all accepted artists.

Return Shipping: The artist is responsible for all shipping costs and shipping containers.  The artist must include a prepaid return shipping label.

Sales Commission: As an artist-run nonprofit, Hera takes no commission in our national juried exhibitions, 100% of sales go directly to the artist.

Insurance: Although the utmost care will be taken in handling your work, Hera Gallery assumes no responsibility for damage, loss, or theft. Artists are responsible for their own insurance.

Photography/Publicity: Hera Gallery reserves the right to photograph work for publicity.  By entering this exhibition, you agree to the use of your name, likeness, certain personal information, and artwork in any publicity material or documentation developed for the exhibition.

About Hera Gallery:
Hera Educational Foundation and Gallery celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. As one of the first women art cooperatives in the United States, we continue to promote contemporary professional artists through a comprehensive exhibition schedule of member work, curated, and juried intersectional social justice shows. Together with thought-provoking programming our organization encourages dialogue that enriches the cultural life of our non-urban Southern RI community. We provide a venue for young talent to find a public voice, and creative support to local health services. Since its inception in 1974, Hera has been resolutely dedicated to gender equity and feminist discourse to challenge perceptions and inspire social change.

Because of its flexibility and commitment to presenting exhibitions with artistic merit and integrity Hera has been awarded numerous grants for its exhibitions and programs including grants from Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, The Champlin Foundation, Rhode Island Council on the Humanities, Rhode Island Foundation, and the Puffin Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: Hera Gallery seeks work in all media, 2D, 3D, and video for this timely, critical exhibition. 3D is limited to 100 lbs and must fit through a 5’10” x 6’8” door. 2D must also fit through said door.