Gallery Information

---

The Gallery is an exhibition space within the Clarenville Events Centre that provides

visibility for the arts in the Clarenville Region, by creating a space where artists, citizens,

and visitors can enjoy exhibitions and related programming.

The Gallery is an 800 sq.ft. space that connects the main entrance of the Events Centre

and The Theatre, a professional 400+ seat theatre. It has 45 linear feet of hanging

space, and a professional hanging system with adjustable lighting, for 2-dimensional

works.

There is a display cabinet that can hold small 3-dimensional works.

The Gallery is mandated to balance artistic quality, community relevance, and

accessibility in its exhibition program. This balance will be achieved through up to six

exhibitions per year that feature a range of media, subject matter, and approaches.

The Gallery is overseen by the Clarenville Regional Arts Association (CRAA), which has

entered into a collaboration with the Town of Clarenville to run the gallery. 

The CRAA is a group of artists and makers who have come together informally to foster cultural

growth and artistic expression in the region. 

The region includes Clarenville and all the communities that surround Clarenville, such as Port Blandford, the Lethbridge area, Random Island, George’s Brook/Milton, the communities of the Southwest Arm, Goobies, and others in this area.

As a non-profit space, The Gallery offers:

- Installation assistance.

- An opening reception/meet the artist event.

- Promotion of each exhibition (press release and social media.)

- The option for artists to offer their works for sale. 

We do not take a commission, and any sales are negotiated directly between the artist and the buyer.

We regret that the budget does not allow for artist fees at this time. We encourage

selected artists and curators to apply for additional travel and project funding from other

sources if necessary. 

If required, The Gallery will be pleased to assist with letters of

support. 

Exhibitors are responsible to obtain their own insurance including shipping insurance to and from The Gallery.

Exhibition proposals are welcome from artists, artist collectives, art and craft

associations and/or guilds, curators, and others involved in the production and

presentation of artworks (eg. art teachers).

Artists residing and/or working in the Clarenville region will be given preference for

exhibition opportunities, but artists and artworks that are not from the region may also

be exhibited.

Featured artists do not have to have prior exhibition experience, but their work must

meet the standards set out in the Exhibition Selection Criteria for The Gallery, available

at www.clarenvilleregion.art.

Proposal Requirements: 

All proposals must include:

Identifying information:

o name

o pronouns

o address

o phone number

o email

o website (if applicable)

o additional self-identifying information you would like to provide (queer,

IBPOC, other social/cultural/neurodiverse perspectives).

Professional information:

o current CV (max. 2 pages)

o artist bio (approx. 150 words).

o artist statement outlining your practice/interests (max. 500 words).

Exhibition proposal:

o title of the proposed exhibit

o summary of your proposal (2 sentences, max. 50 words)

o detailed proposal which should include the themes/ideas you are exploring

in this exhibition (max. 500 words)

o timing considerations for an exhibition

o approximate number of pieces and dimensions

o outline of technical equipment and support needed

o Images (max. 10), including images of the works being proposed for

exhibition, if they are available, or other works by the artist(s) that would

provide a good sense of what is being proposed. This includes links to

video clips/audio files. Provide accompanying information and descriptions

for each image to indicate: artist, medium, size, year of creation, whether

the work is proposed for exhibition, or is an example of other work by the

artist. Use Google Drive for ease of file sharing and provide the link in the

proposal.

Ensure that all the information listed above is included in your application, and that word

counts are adhered to. Poorly prepared applications will not be considered.

How to submit a proposal:

Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis, and should be sent by email to

clarenvilleregionart@gmail.com. There is no fee payable to submit a proposal.

Proposal selection process and notifications:

A review committee, comprised of CRAA members, will evaluate submissions using the

Exhibition Selection Criteria for The Gallery. As The Gallery evolves, the composition of

the review committee will also evolve to include community members and other

stakeholders. 

This collaborative process ensures that selected exhibitions meet the

gallery’s goals while being accessible and relevant to the community.

Submissions will be evaluated periodically. Successful proponents will be notified by

email, with a follow up phone call if needed. Unsuccessful proponents will be notified by

email.

Selecting artwork and artists for exhibitions for The Gallery requires balancing artistic

quality, community relevance, and accessibility. 

These criteria help ensure that exhibitions are engaging, inclusive, and reflective of the gallery's mission to provide visibility for the arts in the Clarenville Region, by creating a space where artists, citizens,

and visitors can enjoy exhibitions and related programming.

1. Artistic Merit

Quality of Work: The artwork should demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and a

cohesive vision. Considerations include composition, craftsmanship, originality,

and overall aesthetic appeal.

Innovation and Vision: Preference may be given to work that is experimental or

introduces new perspectives in subject matter, medium, or style, encouraging

viewers to think critically and engage with the artwork in new ways.

Professional Presentation: Submissions should be prepared professionally, with

quality framing, clean mounting, and presentation-ready condition.

2. Relevance to the Community

Local Artists: Priority should be given to artists who reside in or have connections

to the local area to foster a sense of local pride and engagement.

Community Interest and Impact: Priority should be given to exhibitions that

resonate with the local audience and reflect themes or issues that are relevant or

of interest to the community (e.g., social issues, cultural heritage, local history).

Inclusivity and Diversity: Seek works from diverse artists, including those from

underrepresented backgrounds, to provide a broad perspective and encourage

inclusivity in the arts.

3. Alignment with Gallery Mission and Values

Mission Fit: Works should align with the gallery’s mission, whether that includes

supporting emerging artists, educating the public, or fostering cultural diversity.

Themes and Goals: The selected exhibition themes should be consistent with the

gallery’s values, helping to achieve long-term goals such as promoting

sustainability, advocating for social justice, or exploring specific artistic

movements.

Consistency with Annual Programming: Consider how each exhibition fits into the

overall programming of the year, ensuring variety in media, themes, and artist

representation.

4. Audience Engagement and Accessibility

Interactive and Educational Potential: Preference for exhibitions that offer

opportunities for engagement, such as interactive components, educational

materials, or artist talks, which make the art more accessible and engaging for

the public.

Family and Community-Friendly: While challenging or provocative work is

welcome, it should be displayed in a way that considers a broad audience and is

age-appropriate or labeled as needed.

Accessibility: Exhibitions should be accessible for people of all abilities, both in

terms of physical space (e.g., allowing for wheelchair access) and in providing

information or support that makes the art more accessible (e.g., audio

descriptions, text in braille).

5. Feasibility of Installation and Maintenance

Space and Technical Requirements: Consider whether the gallery space can

accommodate the artwork in terms of size, structural capacity, and lighting. Some

pieces may require special equipment or environmental controls.

Budget and Resources: Assess the financial feasibility of mounting the exhibition,

including costs related to transportation, installation, maintenance, and

promotional activities.

Duration and Timeliness: Consider whether the exhibition is suited for the

intended timeline and whether it aligns with significant dates or seasons that

could enhance its relevance.

6. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Environmental Impact: Encourage works that are environmentally friendly or

made from sustainable materials. Consider using recycled materials in the

installation process or finding ways to minimize waste.

Ethical Sourcing and Representation: Artwork should not involve exploitative

practices and representations of cultures or communities must be authentic and

respectful.

Final Selection Process

An initial review committee, comprised of CRAA members, will evaluate submissions

against these criteria. 

As The Gallery evolves, the composition of the review committee

will be amended to include community members and other stakeholders. 

This collaborative process ensures that selected exhibitions meet the gallery’s goals while

being accessible and relevant to the community.

These criteria will be revisited regularly to align with evolving community interests, artist opportunities, and gallery objectives.