OPEN CALL FOR SOLO EXHIBITIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INFO

When will selected exhibitions be on view?
This open call is for programming at CUE’s gallery space in 2025.

Where is CUE located?
Our gallery space is at 137 W. 25th Street (between 6th and 7th Aves) in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York City. The gallery space is on the ground floor and is accessible to wheelchairs.

How many exhibitions will be selected?
As part of our open call for 2025, CUE will present 2-3 solo exhibitions and 1 curatorial project. 

How long will each exhibition be on view?
Exhibitions at CUE’s gallery space are generally on view for 6-8 weeks.


ELIGIBILITY

I've had a solo show in NYC recently, but it was in a small gallery. Am I still eligible to apply?
It depends. If your solo show was at an artist-run space or small non-profit, you are still eligible to apply. Please contact us if you are unsure.

I will be graduating in 2025. Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, no. Current students must have graduated from an academic program before the start of 2025 to be eligible. We encourage you to apply next year!

Can I submit an application as a collaboration or artist collective?
Yes. However, you must demonstrate a minimum two-year history of working as a collaborative team or artist collective. The application should be completed under one name. In the body of the proposal, please state the nature of the collaboration, and include CVs for all collaborators.

How do I demonstrate that I have maintained a consistent studio practice for three or more years outside of an academic setting?
In addition to looking at work samples, we look for activity such as exhibitions, residencies, and awards.

Can I submit an application for both a solo exhibition and a curatorial project?
Yes. You may submit one application for a solo exhibition and one application for a curatorial project, provided that the curator’s own artwork is not included in the proposal. However, you may not submit multiple applications to the same open call (for example, two applications for a solo exhibition).


EXHIBITION PROPOSAL

What is the purpose of the exhibition proposal?
The proposal should be seen as a starting point to describe your practice, work, and ideas. Awardees should understand that their exhibition proposals may change as they begin planning, learn more about the space, and develop a dialogue with CUE and the exhibition mentor. The strongest proposals are those that are flexible and have room for growth. Additionally, the proposal should demonstrate that you can plan and execute an exhibition with a clear and cohesive concept, rather than presenting disparate works or a monographic/retrospective show. See below for advice on crafting a strong exhibition proposal.

How do I write a strong, compelling proposal? 

  • Use accessible language, avoiding jargon and buzzwords. If you are referencing art historical or academic ideas, do so in a way that is clear and straightforward.

  • Be specific when writing about your work and what you hope you exhibit. Use the artist statement to describe your practice more generally, and the exhibition proposal to write about the exhibition concept and specific artworks.

  • Clearly describe the exhibition concept and plan. How will viewers experience the work? Consider the scale and layout of the gallery space. We recommend visiting the space if you’re able to, or reviewing photos and videos before submitting your application.

  • Submit the highest-quality images or video of your work you can. Images and video should be bright, clear, and as detailed as possible.

Can I propose an exhibition of work that has been shown before?
You are welcome to include work that has already been exhibited in your proposal. However, an exhibition proposal that is a repeat of a show that has been presented elsewhere will not be considered. If existing work is included, your proposal should seek to build upon it conceptually or take the work in a new direction.

Can I propose a site-specific piece or work that has not yet been completed?
Yes. If you are proposing new work, please include samples of past or completed work that provides context for your proposal. If applicable, include renderings, plans, or concept sketches of your proposed work.

What is an impact statement?
The impact statement should address the potential impact of this opportunity on the artist. What would it mean to you to present a solo exhibition at CUE at this point in your career?


THE SPACE

Can I propose painting the gallery walls?
Yes. You may include this in your proposal, but please note that it will be contingent upon reviewing the budget in collaboration with CUE.

Are there any limitations on what can be presented in the gallery?
While CUE supports experimental and non-conventional work, there are limitations to CUE’s logistical and physical capacity. Here are a few things that would unduly impact daily operations or go beyond the scope of our resources:

  • The use of animals, bugs, insects

  • Inclusion of potentially harmful materials (fumes, gasses, particles, spores)

  • Elements that require complicated upkeep and maintenance

  • Excessively loud sound

  • Work that requires extensive time for installation and deinstallation

  • Major alterations to the existing architecture of the space

  • Nailing or drilling into the floorboards

Will the exhibition make use of the entire gallery space?
Yes. If you look at the floorplan of the space, there is an entry area where we typically display introductory text. Work can also be installed here, as well as along the hallway leading up to the main gallery space.

Can I see photos or video of the gallery?
Yes. Please see videos from past shows here and a selection of photos here. You can also see images from past shows in our exhibitions archive.

How high are the ceilings in the gallery?
The ceiling in the entry space and the main gallery is 15 feet high. There are pipes and beams in various places at around 14 feet, and the track lighting system is approximately 12 feet from the floor. The ceiling height in the mezzanine area (hallway from the entry space to the main gallery) is 7 feet high.

Can I hang work from the ceiling?
Yes, depending on the level of complexity. CUE’s ceilings are made of concrete. To facilitate more complicated installations, there is also hanging infrastructure on the ceiling that can be drilled into at approximately 14.5 feet from the floor. This infrastructure is in specific locations, so hanging plans may need to be adjusted to accommodate. CUE will seek to support you in efforts to hang work when possible. Feel free to include this in your proposal and we will discuss the options with awardees.


THE APPLICATION

What kind of work samples should I submit?
You can submit images, video, sound, or any other media that helps to convey your work and proposal. See below and in Submittable for guidelines.

How many work samples should I submit?
The application will let you submit up to 10 image files and up to 4 links to time-based work (video/audio). Please do not include files that contain collages, multiple images, or compilations of work. They will not be reviewed.

IMAGES:

  • Upload up to 10 images total. 

    • Images must be submitted as JPEG, PNG, or PDFs, with filenames formatted as: ARTISTLASTNAME_1.jpeg. 

    • Images should be optimized for web/screen preview and no larger than 2MB each. 

    • We recommend images that are 72 dpi and around 2000 px on the longest side.

  • Please include a detailed work sample list formatted as follows:

    • Filename (eg. ARTISTLASTNAME_1.jpg)

    • Artist name, artwork title, year, medium, dimensions

    • Any additional descriptions that help reviewers to understand the work

TIME-BASED WORK (VIDEO/AUDIO):

  • If applicable, you can provide up to 4 links to video and time-based work. 

    • Vimeo is preferred for video. Soundcloud is preferred for audio. 

    • Please note that video and audio samples exceeding 3 minutes may not be viewed in their entirety. 

    • Please provide a password if necessary. 

    • For longer works, we recommend creating an excerpt or providing a cue point in the notes. 

  • Please include the following information along with your time-based work samples:

    • URL

    • Password (if applicable)

    • Artist name, artwork title, year, duration

    • Any additional descriptions that help reviewers to understand the work

Do I need to submit a budget with my application?
No, you are not required to include a budget with your application materials. For selected proposals, we will review the exhibition proposal with awardees to ensure that it is feasible and can be accomplished within CUE’s budget limitations, and we may suggest shifts to the plan in certain cases.

Is there a fee waiver available for my application?
The $10 application fee helps to support CUE’s programs and operating expenses. We do not want this fee to be a barrier or burden to applicants. Please contact opencall@cueartfoundation.org to request a fee waiver if needed.

Can I submit my application by mail or email?
No. Applications will only be accepted online through Submittable.

I made a mistake with my application, but I already submitted it. Can I edit the proposal?
No. All applications are final. Please carefully review your proposal before submitting. Incomplete or duplicate applications will be disqualified. If you had a technical issue while submitting, please contact us.

The online system isn't working (or is slow, buggy, etc).
We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues due to the volume of applications. If you’re experiencing issues with Submittable, you can contact their customer support at (855) 467-8264.


ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, Email opencall@cueartfoundation.org. Due to the high volume of requests, we ask that you send all inquiries via email. Please do not contact us by phone.