Opportunities
Ways to get involved.
We Are accepting applications for new members
Deadline: Feb 28th, 2023 11:59 pm PST
Carnation Contemporary is looking for new members. Situated within the Oregon Contemporary building alongside other thriving arts spaces, Carnation is an artist-run, cooperative gallery located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2018, Carnation has been awarded numerous grants to support our member-centered approach, and has been featured in publications ranging from local press, to Hyperallergic and Art in America.
Carnation supports emerging and mid-career artists from the Northwest, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse community of member artists (including but not limited to diversity in race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and age).
Applications will be reviewed by current members for gallery representation and exhibition opportunities for our upcoming 18-month cycle, which runs from May 2023 through December 2024, with the opportunity to continue as a member for future cycles. Memberships can be for a solo or a split-membership (please see information on membership below). Additionally, Carnation regularly has group exhibitions, exchanges with other galleries, produces publications and interviews, and hosts other opportunities for members and non-members.
Membership Benefits:
- Each Carnation member has the gallery for an entire month on a rotating 18-month cycle. Members may use the space however they choose. Artists have utilized the space for solo shows, curatorial projects, two person exhibitions, workshops, art book-fairs, and more. We welcome experimental approaches.
- Split-members share the space during their month and are welcome to collaborate or hold two-person exhibitions within the space. Split-members still contribute equally to gallery operations and get the same benefits of membership, such as inclusion in group shows and exchanges, gallery publications, etc - but pay lower monthly dues (please see membership requirements for information on dues and fees).
- Carnation members support each other in creating robust opportunities in the form of: gallery exchanges, curating each other’s artwork into exhibits, workshops, collaborations, openings, gallery talks, parties, fundraisers, member hangouts, studio visits, and more. We enthusiastically welcome the ideas and contributions of all members equally. Carnation members retain 100% artwork sales, and members receive professional documentation of their exhibitions.
Membership requirements and expectations
- Commit to being a Carnation member for the upcoming 18 month cycle. Membership is for a full 18 month exhibition cycle, members are contractually obligated to contribute and participate for a full cycle when they sign on.
- Show up. When possible, we expect members to come to openings to support their cohorts. We also expect members to share upcoming exhibitions and opportunities on their social media and other outlets. We support one another by showing up, and encouraging our respective communities to come out to exhibitions and other happenings.
- Participate in regular meetings. Meetings are held on Zoom twice a month, lasting about 1 hour each. We expect all members to attend and to contribute to the decision-making and administrative tasks of running the gallery.
- Participate in committee work and other roles. Carnation is member-run, which means we all wear a few hats. Each member selects committees, or roles that fit their expertise - and contribute by pitching in. This can range from running our social media, to grant writing, to fundraising - there are many ways to contribute.
- Gallery-sit for open hours. Each member commits to approximately 8 gallery shifts throughout the 18-month cycle during open hours (Sat-Sun, 12-5pm). Members may trade gallery sitting weekends or arrange a paid substitute in advance for these dates as well.
- Pay a $100 refundable deposit, and monthly membership dues. This is how we cover rent, insurance, taxes, and additional programming. Membership dues are agreed upon when signing the member contract, but are estimated to be $85 for full membership and $50 for split membership.
Application Guidelines
Email a single PDF or Google Slides document to carnationapplications@gmail.com with the subject matter New Member Applicant by Feb 28th, 2023 11:59 pm PST with the following items:- Your name, location, phone number, email, and website or social media link (if applicable)
- 10 - 20 images of work made in the past 5 years
- Your current CV
- Current Artist Statement (500 words or less).
- Answer to the following questions in 1-2 paragraphs (200 words or less):
- Why are you applying? Why is Carnation a good fit for you and the current state of your practice?
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What skills and attributes can you bring to the group as a member? For example: website building, grant writing, fundraising, construction skills, administrative experience.
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What are your goals as an artist? How can Carnation help serve them?
- Tell us about a tool (physical or digital) that you use in your studio that you are really into right now? Why? (Just for fun).
- Are you applying for a full membership, split membership, or are you flexible?*
- 10 - 20 Work Samples completed in the last 5 years (please label work with medium and scale)
Eligibility:
- Age 18+; Residing in the Northwest
- Artists may not currently be represented by another gallery
*Question added Feb. 24. If you submitted your application before this, we may need to follow up, or you can email us with your answer.