Shell Gallery Exhibition Proposal OPEN Application
The Cary Saurage Community Arts Center (CSCAC) offers gallery space (“Shell Gallery”) for the exhibition of artwork and the installation of art pieces—all exhibits are free and open to the public.
Exhibitions at the CSCAC aim to advance the mission of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge by enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the greater Baton Rouge public. Exhibitions create a forum for critical inquiry-- promoting visual thinking and advancing knowledge of the arts across the capital region. Please understand that our exhibitions are planned 12-18 months in advance-- upon your application submission, please be aware that there most likely will be an extended period of time before your proposed exhibition might be executed.
Any artist who proposes an exhibition in the Shell Gallery must adhere to the guiding principles below-- failure to do so will result in your application being denied.
Guiding Principles:
Artistic Excellence – Exhibitions in the Shell Gallery are comprised of significant works of art that demonstrate a high level of aesthetic quality. Artistic excellence, artistic significance, and artistic merit are the primary criteria guiding the selection and evaluation of the CSCAC’s exhibitions.
Audience—Exhibitions in the Shell Gallery focus on clearly defined audiences. Each exhibition takes into consideration the strategic goals of the Arts Council and is informed by research documenting the needs and interests of our parishes served.
Community Engagement—Exhibitions in the Shell Gallery strive to engage the greater capital region with the services and amenities offered by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Exhibitions in the Shell Gallery foster community collaborations whenever possible. Exhibitions with The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge includes a commitment to exhibit and interpret the work of both established and upcoming artists living and/or working in the greater Baton Rouge area.
Design—Each exhibition in the Shell Gallery integrates high-quality exhibition design that is visually pleasing, effectively communicates the exhibition’s message, and that facilitates meaningful aesthetic experiences for all Gallery visitors.
Learning—The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge strives to offer some type of educational publication or programming (gallery guide, catalogue, workshop, etc.) with exhibitions.
Planning—Exhibitions in the Shell Gallery are planned twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months in advance. However, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge builds flexibility into its schedule so that it may be flexible and responsive to contemporary concerns and/or unforeseen opportunities.
Evaluation—Each exhibition is informed by clearly articulated curatorial goals and learning outcomes. Those goals and outcomes are measured with appropriate evaluation protocols.
Social Concerns & Balance—The CSCAC presents a balanced portfolio of exhibitions, demonstrating diversity in artists represented (local, regional, national, gender, ethnicity, contemporary, historic) and types of exhibitions (traveling, juried, Museum/Gallery-originated, collection-based, etc.) The Shell Gallery’s exhibition portfolio includes exhibitions relating to contemporary, local, regional, national, and international social concerns.
I look forward to reviewing any and all exhibition proposals!