2022 CALL FOR NEW ARTIST MEMBERS
Shift Gallery is looking for new members for 2022. We are seeking innovative, dynamic, active artists and curators who can contribute to maintaining Shift as a vibrant and relevant Seattle art space.
COVID Times
Shift Gallery has adapted well to the challenges over the past year. We have increased our social media presence, negotiated a rent reduction, and continued to connect and support one another as we found new ways of running a meaningful gallery.
As we move forward from the effects of COVID, we are finding that with each month we are able to build on in person shows and invite visitors back into our space. We remain hopeful that this will continue as we morph to the changing conditions.
LOCATION
Shift is located in Seattle’s art district in Pioneer Square in the Tashiro-Kaplan arts complex at 312 S. Washington.
PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Shift was established as an artist-run space with the primary goal of supporting practicing Northwest area artists. At Shift, artists can make decisions about how their work is shown and promoted. Shift has created an atmosphere that is welcoming to the public to see the art and meet the artists who create it.
Shift Gallery does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or military status, or in any other way, in any of its activities or operations.
The artist members of Shift Gallery strive to cultivate a roster that reflects the diversity of the community we live and work in. We encourage applications from candidates of color and other underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
To read our recent statements in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and our acknowledgment of operating on Indigenous ancestral land, please visit our website at https://shiftgallery.org/about-2/.
Grant Program
We seek to attract membership from a diverse group of artists. Our new Grant Program offers a combination of financial support up to $500 towards your membership, and the help and guidance from our members on growing your art practice. Please let us know in your application, if you would like to be considered for this program by giving us a brief introduction.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Shift membership provides the opportunity to show your own work and/or curate an exhibition during a one-month period each year. Full-share Members have the entire gallery for their show and Half-share Members split the exhibit space with another Half-share Member.
You have the freedom to stage an installation, show challenging or controversial work, stage a performance, or create other collaborative events. You may also participate in group exhibition opportunities and sales events that arise, for example, pop-up shows. Membership provides an opportunity to be involved in a community of artists who are dedicated to supporting each other and bringing new and engaging art to the community.
Art sales are currently transacted directly by the artist (no commissions are collected by Shift). All members are responsible for their own taxes and accounting.
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS / COSTS
New members agree to a one-year contract commitment. If you are not able to commit for a year, please do not apply. Full-share members pay is approximately $170/month, and Half-share members pay approximately $85/month. Monthly payments cover the rent and other operating expenses equitably among all members. Shift has no employees—all money goes into rent, organizational and material costs to run the gallery.
All members take on defined responsibilities for various aspects of gallery operation. Members are responsible for paying dues for the entire calendar year even if they elect to drop their membership before the year is out. Members may incur other expenses if providing beverages or food for openings, as well as covering the cost of publicity, exhibition cards, etc. Each member covers sitting Fridays and Saturdays for their own show month.
At Shift, each member has a variety of responsibilities within a democratic, non-hierarchical structure. New members are encouraged to provide new ideas, energy, and a commitment to growing and developing the group.
Artists with additional skills in the following areas are desired: social media and online communications, familiarity with online marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, WordPress), writing, graphic design, curatorial experience, web design and maintenance, grant writing, networking, and community outreach. If you have any of these skills, or other related skills that you think may be valuable, please include support material in your application.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please submit applications by E-mail only and include the following: (please label your files using these conventions)
Last name – first name – 01 – title – media – size – year
Ten jpg images of work at 72 dpi. Images must not exceed 900 pixels in any dimension.
Last name – first name – image list
Corresponding inventory list: number, title, medium and date.
Last name – first name – resume
Current resume.
Last name – first name – statement
Brief artist statement.
Last name – first name – letter of intent
• Contact information and website address.
• A short description of your additional skills as pertains to Shift Gallery
(e.g., social media, writing, graphic design, etc., as mentioned above).
• A brief statement about why you would like to join Shift.
• Curators are welcome to submit ideas for solo/group exhibitions. Please send the above materials, and in the statement describe concepts and include supporting materials from previously curated exhibitions.
Last name – first name – grant
Give us a brief introduction; feel free to use which ever medium you feel most comfortable with to present yourself in
Send all materials to info@shiftgallery.org with “Shift New Member Application2022 – your name” on the subject line.
Please note that the final decision on new members will not be made until the fall.
If you have questions, please contact us at info@shiftgallery.org