Call Description

Behind every finished piece of art is a network of influence, support, and inspiration. This exhibition invites artists to showcase the relationships that have shaped their work. From direct collaborations to subtle presences, Collab is looking for artwork that honors the many roles others play in the act of creation. 

Artworks may be direct collaborative pieces (created by more than one artist) or single artist pieces that reflect the contributions of peers, mentors, teachers, models, muses, artistic communities, assistants, and more.

All visual mediums are accepted including but not limited to painting, printmaking, textile and fiber, video and animation, photography, sculpture, ceramics, collage, performance, sound, and mixed media. Works must be original and completed within the past five years. This exhibition will include both a physical gallery show located in Washington, DC and a virtual exhibition.

Jurors:

• Jarvis DuBois, Arts consultant and curator
• Anna Kenneally, London based artist

Application Requirements

• Artists should submit a single artwork per application.
• Additional images on an application may be alternate angles, detail shots, etc..
• Applications must also include a written statement about how collaboration impacts their artwork and practice.
• Artworks submitted should be available for the entire installation, exhibition, and deinstallation period (August 3 - September 7, 2025). 
• Artists will be notified if they are selected to participate on July 15. Notifications will be sent through the CaFe portal and accepted artists will be required to submit a digital participation form by July 20. 

Eligibility Criteria

• ​​All artists must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• Artwork must have been made within the last five years.
• Each application is for one artwork.
• Additional images and media on the application may be close-ups, stills from videos and performance works, etc. but each application is for one artwork.
• Applications with images of more one artwork will be disqualified.
• If you wish to submit more than one artwork, you must submit a second application.
• The first submission fee is $35; submitting a second artwork is $15 (with code REPEAT).
• If the application fee would present a hardship, please email to inquire about a fee waiver. All requests for waivers must be received by June 12.
• Physically installed artwork must be delivered/shipped ready to hang.
• All physically installed artwork must be for sale (unless agreed upon by the Gallery). Touchstone takes a 40% commission on all artwork sold during the exhibition or if the gallery acts as the agent.
• Artists are responsible for the delivery of the work to the gallery. Accepted works must be received by Sunday, August 3. 
• Works may be dropped-off or shipped to the gallery. Shipping (and a prepaid return shipping label) is the responsibility of the artist. International artists are especially encouraged to consider the timeline and expense of shipping artwork before applying. 
• Performance-based works will be scheduled with the Gallery after juror selections are finalized.
• All artwork must fit through a standard doorway.
• Suspended works cannot weigh over 10 lbs.
• Touchstone Gallery may use images of accepted works for media and publicity purposes.