Appalachian Center for Craft

Open Call to Curators and Artists

Request for proposals:

The Appalachian Center for Craft (ACC) is pleased to receive submission proposals from artists/craftspeople and curators for exhibitions for 2026 and 2027. 

ACC Galleries exhibit traditional and contemporary fine craft by emerging, mid- career, and established craft artists. We are seeking well-developed themes that highlight mastery in craftsmanship, featuring new work, pushing the boundaries of craft. Exhibitions can be individual or group shows. If applying as a curator or on behalf of a group, we ask that one person act as a liaison. This will entail collecting paperwork from all parties exhibiting, communicating with the group the requirements and deadlines of the ACC, etc. 

At the ACC we are interested in cultivating and showcasing work that strengthens the role of craft in contemporary culture and to create a space for craft artists and curators to experiment freely, beyond their usual craft custom or practice. Artists and curators will be given the opportunity to present work which may not be easily presented in conventional craft venues. Experimentation may be in the areas of style, technique and/or concept. Thus the definition/expectations of contemporary craft may be further explored and investigated, and challenging conversations may ensue. 

The selection committee will be looking for bodies of work/installations that are cohesive, well- considered, informative, challenge the artist, the curator, the viewing public, and which promote craft and contemporary craft practices. Exhibitions are two months in duration and a $200 honorarium per exhibition is offered to help support shipping/delivery of artwork. Artwork is insured while on the premises.

 

Application Requirements

Submissions must include the following: 

Letter of Intent/Proposal: 

• Clear description of theme/concept and the type of work defined by medium, technique, or function (maximum of 500 words). 
• Please describe your current artistic practice, the proposed body of work, installation and overall intent or concept of the exhibition. 
• If applicable, describe how this body of work or installation differs from your current practice. 
• A list of artists and justification for their inclusion if the proposal is curatorial or a group exhibition.
• Proposed or working title of exhibition.
• Please also note the 3 different gallery space layouts (see attached files). Note any preference as to the gallery space you would choose for your proposal. 

Support Material: 

• A list of works to be exhibited (include artist, title, medium, dimensions, date of work) or if not yet created, a list/description of what is planned for inclusion. 
• Support material which can include any materials relevant to the application, images (minimum 10, maximum of 20), promotional materials, reviews and catalogs.
• Image requirements are as follows: JPEG or PNG format, maximum of 1024 x 768 resolution. 
• A list of the support material provided including the title, medium, dimensions, and date. 
• A curriculum vitae of the principal organizer/curator or artist. 
• In preparation for the application we suggest that you have a CV that reflects previous exhibitions, educational background, honors & awards, permanent collections & commissions and residencies. 

Proposal evaluation in based on:

• The artistic merit of the exhibition proposed
• The quality of the applicants (or group’s) work to date
• The ability of the artist/curator to bring the exhibition to fruition
• Applications will only be accepted by email or through www.WeTransfer.com
• Proposals will be accepted until midnight, August 31, 2025

Questions? 
Email: accexhibits@tntech.edu 
Phone: 931-372-6882

Submit proposals to accexhibits@tntech.edu 

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Dogwood Gallery

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Lakeview Gallery

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Joe L. Evins Gallery

Margaret Jacobs, December 14, 2024 - February 17, 2025