"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know."

― Diane Arbus

"It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head" 

- Henri Cartier-Bresson

PHOTO15 is an open call for artists to submit photographs that examine how technology and the internet have changed what it means to take a photograph. With more than 200,000 photographs being uploaded to Instagram every minute (1), the definition of photography has quickly evolved over a mater of a decade. Interestingly enough, analogue photography has not only survived, but apparently has picked up popular momentum (2). 

Artists can submit digital and/or analog photography in color or black and white. Artists can also submit work in any medium that address the topic of PHOTO15 and/or the topic of photography, mixed entries will be accepted.  Only photographs/work from the last 5 years will be accepted. Photographs previously posted on online social media will be accepted. We will not censure any content, however we do ask that artists have some discretion in their submission and be sensitive and respectful to others. 

LEVELS OF RECOGNITION

 

1 x artist selected from Juror's Triad to participate in the New York City Affordable Art Fair

1 x artist will be selected from the PHOTO15 finalists for a solo show at FRONT art space storefront Gallery

3 x artists selected from PHOTO15 finalists to show in the juried exhibition at FRONT art space 2nd floor studio

30 x artists selected to be published in printed catalog and shown in online group exhibition at FRONT art space’s website

 

JUDGING CRITERIA: 

Originality - Technical skill - Engagement in topic

 

Guest Juror: Johannes DeYoung   artist | Yale MFA Professor

 

Please see below for more information on the awards and the guest Juror.

PLEASE READ THE PHOTO15 GUIDELINES BELOW BEFORE PARTICIPATING


IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE OPEN CALL YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING THREE STEPS: 

1 - SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FORM  |  2- EMAIL IMAGE AND IMAGE INFORMATION  |  3- SUBMIT ENTRY PAYMENT  


 

PHOTO15 GUIDELINES

Thank you for your interest in Photo15. Please read the guidelines in full .

There are four main parts to PHOTO15 guidelines:

A.   IMPORTANT DATES & GENERAL INFORMATION

B.   SUBMISSION INFORMATION

C.   SELECTION & AWARDS

D.   AGREEMENTs

    

        A.   IMPORTANT DATES & GENERAL INFORMATION

 

IMPORTANT DATES

SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 - Early Submission Deadline

OCTOBER 17, 2015 - Regular and Student submission deadline

OCTOBER 26, 2015 - Deadline to receive artwork for group exhibition at FRONT art space

 

LEVELS OF RECOGNITION

FRONT's Selection: NYC Art Fair   One artist selected from Juror's Triad to participate in the New York City Affordable Art Fair, Spring 2016 along with a group of artists presented by FRONT art space. 

Juror's Selection:  Solo show at FRONT art space's gallery   One artist will be selected from the PHOTO15 finalists for a solo show at FRONT's storefront gallery and 2nd floor studio space in TriBeCa, New York to run during the month of October, 2015. 

Juror's Trio: Group Show at FRONT art space's studio - Three artists selected from PHOTO15 finalists to show in the juried exhibition at FRONT art space' 2nd floor studio in New York City to run during the month of October, 2015.

PHOTO15 Finalists: Publication & Online Exhibition – Thirty artists selected to be published in printed catalog and shown in online group exhibition at FRONT art space’s website. Each finalist will receive a free copy of the catalog. Catalog to be published early 2016.

 

GUEST JUROR: Johannes DeYoung

artist |educator

Johannes DeYoung is an artist working primarily in computer animation, moving-image, and printed media. He received his MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2006. His recent exhibitions include Robert Miller Gallery, Jeff Bailey Gallery, and Eyebeam, New York, NY; Pallas Projects, Dublin, Ireland; and Hell Gallery, Melbourne, Australia. Publications include The New York Times, The New York Post, The Huffington Post, and Dossier Journal. He has served on the New Foundations Board of Study for time-based media at Purchase College, State University of New York; the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Contemporary Art Council; and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as Digital Literacy Consultant. Johannes currently teaches courses in animation and moving-image production at Yale University School of Art, where he is appointed Critic and Director of Digital Technology, and at the Yale School of Drama, where he is appointed Lecturer in Design. At Yale University, he also serves on the Computing and the Arts Academic Advisory Committee and the Digital Humanities Working Group.

To see Mr. DeYoung's work and learn more about him, please click here to visit her website.

PARTICIPATING:

Any artist/creative individual over the age of 18 is eligible to submit works for consideration. We require original art pieces created in the last 4 years. 

TYPES OF WORK:

PHOTO15 is a photography competition, but welcomes any type mediums (drawing, painting, sculpture, etc..)  that address in one way of another the topic of the PHOTO15 or/and of photography. We are very flexible as to the definition of photography and what its limitations can be and actually encourage artists to take risks and experiment with ideas. 

WORK SIZE:

PHOTO15 has a no size restriction. 

PARTICIPATION FEE:

Early Registration                   $25 for up to three submission, $5 for each additional entry

Students                                    $15 for up to three submissions, $5 for each additional entry   

Regular Registration              $35 for up to three submissions, $8 for each additional entry

NUMBER OF WORKS:

While one work will be the minimum, there is no limit as to the number of works to submit. We encourage you to submit between three (3) and six (6) works so that the guest juror and the selection committee gains insight into your artistic pursuits.

 

B.   SUBMISSION INFORMATION

 

SUBMITTING IMAGES:

In an effort to conserve resources, FRONT art space accepts only digital submissions for consideration: images and entry form. FRONT will retain submitted images of all selected artwork and reserves the right to use the images in publications and promotional materials.

Images must be sent via email to: PHOTO15@frontartspace.com. In the subject line please include: PHOTO15 First Name - Last. See image below: 

Images must meet the following specifications:

NAMING FILES:

Please name all of your entry files as follows:

artist's last name (underscore) first name, followed by the entry number from the entry form

Example: Smith_John_1.jpg.

There is no need to include any other information in the file name such as title, media, year, etc. - you will include any and all technical information in the body of the email.

Additional Detail Images  - If you think it is absolutely necessary to submit detail(s) to support a particular piece, you are welcome to do so; just be sure not to miss adding ‘detail’ to the name of your file. Otherwise, the entry system will count it as an additional entry and it will charge a corresponding fee. Please limit your detail images to two per entry. 

Example: Smith_John_1_detail1.jpg

Please make a note on the Notes section of the Entry Form if you are submitting detail images.

There is no need to submit resume, C.V., or bio at this stage of the call. If you are notified as being one of the finalists, we will ask you then to provide us with these documents.

FORMATTING IMAGES:

Format - Entry image files should be in High Quality JPG Format ONLY, In Full Color.

Files in TIFF, PDF, RAW, or any other format other than JPG will be automatically disqualified.

Size – Entry image files should be no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction (about 13'') and be exactly 72dpi. This should result in most image files ranging from 700kb to 2mb in file size. No file bigger than 3mb will be accepted. 

Images must be oriented properly (i.e. top of image is top of artwork) and should not include any text on the borders, unless it is considered part of the actual work.

SUBMITTING TIME-BASED WORK :

FRONT art space requests that all video or interactive submissions be in the format of a link to a viewable online copy of each work. The sample should be shown online in its full length. It is understood that online versions of video files may be of lower quality due to file compression and/or Internet formatting.

Please note that a .JPEG still image should still be submitted along with the link and listed in the entry form.  FRONT art space will represent video works via still images in publications, so please be selective on your video stills. Please email us if you have any uncertainty about this at front@frontartspace.com with the subject line AV-Question.

Links to video support materials should be provided on the entry form for each entry in the "Notes" section on the form, and should link directly to online streaming content that does NOT require a password or membership to view. YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, or similar platforms will be acceptable. Effort should be made to eliminate confusion or extraneous information that may interfere with the jury's viewing of the work. Any extraneous information, or material not considered to be "the work" itself will detract from the jury’s score for that submission.

Please ensure that links to video material remain valid/active through the notification of jury results.

 

C.   SELECTION & AWARDS INFORMATION

 

SELECTION AND AWARDS:

PHOTO15 will be juried by a Selection Committee composed of 4 to 6 members including one Guest Juror. This team is made up entirely of artists and art professionals with a broad range of expertise relative to art, architecture, and design, and with educational backgrounds including the Yale School of Art, the Cooper Union, the Pratt Institute, and Hunter College.

The Guest Juror and the Selection Committee will confer the following levels of recognition and awards:

FRONT's Selection: NYC Art Fair   One artist selected from PHOTO15 Finalists to participate in the New York City Affordable Art Fair, Spring 2016 along with a group of artists presented by FRONT art space. This award will include an additional group show at FRONT art space during the month of the Affordable Art Fair.

Juror's Selection:  Solo show at FRONT art space's gallery   One artist from the Juror's Triad will be selected for a solo show at FRONT's storefront gallery and be part of the group show on the 2nd floor studio space in TriBeCa, New York. Show to run during the month of October, 2015. 

Juror's Trio: Group Show at FRONT art space's studio - Three artists selected from PHOTO15 finalists to show in the juried exhibition at FRONT art space' 2nd floor studio in TriBeCA, New York. Show to run during the month of November, 2015.

PHOTO15 Finalists: Publication & Online Exhibition – Thirty artists selected to be published in printed catalog and shown in online group exhibition at FRONT art space’s website. Each finalist will receive a free copy of the catalog. Catalogue to be published Mid 2016. 

PARTICIPATING IN NYC AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 2016:

The artist selected to participate in the NYC Affordable Art Fair Spring 2016 along with the FRONT group, must deliver original pieces of art created in the last five (5) years. The works should arrive ready to install. All pieces MUST be available for sale. Every piece delivered must comply with standards of professional presentation and craftsmanship. Works not complying with any these requirements will be omitted from the fair.

Work may be hand-delivered or shipped. If shipping, works must be packed in a reusable container with return shipping prepaid. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be delivered at FRONT art space at dates to be determined closer to the fair. Work will be on display for sale for the duration of the fair, dates to be confirmed. If the work was hand-delivered, it must be claimed within 30 days of the end of the fair otherwise it will become the property of FRONT art space. The artist is responsible for all delivery/shipping costs to and from FRONT.

Fair Insurance:

Works will be insured while on the fair premises and in accordance with the fair’s insurance policy. Insurance will not cover any damaged artwork due to any of the following reasons:  failure of the work itself; failure of its mounting systems; breakdown due to the nature, materials or craftsmanship of the piece; or by failed mounting instructions given by the artist. Note: Insurance does not cover damage caused during delivery/shipping of the work to/from FRONT.

Fair Sale of Artwork
All work MUST be available for sale for the fair. FRONT art space works with a 50% artist - 50% gallery commission on all pieces sold during the fair.

EXHIBITING IN GROUP EXHIBITION at NYC FRONT art space:
The three (3) artists selected to participate in the group exhibition PHOTO15 at FRONT art space in NYC must deliver original pieces of art, created in the last 5 years, in ready-to-install condition. All pieces MUST be available for sale. Every piece's delivery must comply with standards of professional presentation and craftsmanship. Works not complying with any these requirements will be omitted from the exhibition.

Work may be hand delivered or shipped. If shipping, works must be packed in a reusable container with return shipping prepaid. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered. All work must be delivered at FRONT art space by November 2nd, 2015. Work will be on display for the duration of the exhibition from November 5th - December 30th 2015. If the work was hand delivered, it must be claimed within 30 days of the end of the exhibition otherwise it will become the property of FRONT art space. The artist is responsible for all delivery/shipping costs to and from FRONT.

Exhibition Sale of Artwork at FRONT art space gallery and studio
All work MUST be available for sale for the exhibition. FRONT art space works with a 60% artist - 40% gallery commission on all pieces sold during the exhibition.

INCLUSION IN PUBLICATION & ONLINE EXHIBITION: 

PHOTO15 Catalog - The PHOTO15 printed catalog will be designed and published by FRONT and it is expected to be available for shipping by the end of 2015.

PHOTO15 Online Exhibition – The PHOTO15 Online Exhibition will be launched in conjunction with the group exhibition and remain active for the duration of the show: November 4th to November 28th, 2015. After the show dates, the Online Exhibition will be filed in FRONT’s archives and will remain accessible at all times.  

Hi-Res Images - The thirty (30) selected artists notified as finalists MUST e-mail us high-resolution images by December 31, 2015 in order to be included in the PHOTO15 Printed Catalog and Online Exhibition.

 

D. AGREEMENTs INFORMATION

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

By submitting the PHOTO15 Entry Form you are in full agreement with the terms and conditions of this open call as outlined in these guidelines. If you don't agree with any of the requirements stated above, please DO NOT submit the entry form.

ARTIST/GALLERY AGREEMENTS

NYC Art Fair - The finalist selected to participate in the NYC Affordable Art Fair Spring 2016 will receive an Artist/Gallery Agreement prior to the event.

NYC Group Exhibition - The three finalists selected to participate in the PHOTO15 Exhibition at FRONT art space in NYC will receive an Artist/Gallery Agreement prior to the event. 

CALENDAR

Sep. 13, 2015                            Early Registration deadline

Oct. 17, 2015                           Student/Regular Registration deadline

Oct. 19,  2015                           Artists notified of selection

Nov. 2, 2015                            Artwork delivered/shipped to FRONT art space

Nov. 4th- Nov. 22nd, 2015 Exhibition dates for PHOTO15 at FRONT art space

Nov. 12th, 2015                       PHOTO15 exhibition opening

Nov. 22nd, 2015                   Last day of PHOTO15 Exhibition at FRONT art space

Jan. 31, 2016                              Last day to pick up hand-delivered artwork

Jan 31, 2016                               Expected date for returned artwork (shipped)

Jan 31, 2016                               HI-Res images to FRONT due

 

QUESTIONS?

Please e-mail us any questions or concerns at: front@frontartspace.com with subject line "PHOTO15-Inquiry". 

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please feel free to share or forward the PHOTO15 call for artists. Come visit us whenever you are in New York City!