Current Open Calls

[PUH] + [TAY] + [TOH]

August – October 2024

• Entry Period Opens: February 1, 2024
• Entry Deadline: June 1, 2024 (midnight MST)
• Art delivered to SUB on/by: August 9, 2024
• Installation: Thursday, August 15, 2024
• Exhibition Dates: Sunday, August 18 – Sunday, October 6, 2024
• Deinstallation: Monday, October 7, 2024

About

The Student Union Building Fine Arts Program is actively seeking artists eager to amplify their voices and illuminate the vibrant tapestry of the Asian American experience in Idaho. The contributions of Asian American Idahoans have undeniably shaped our state’s history, and this is a space to celebrate and showcase these significant influences.

We invite you to submit your artwork and become a part of this historical narrative. Your creative expression will contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of the Idaho Asian American experience. Let your voice and experiences be heard through your art, as we strive to create a compelling showcase that reflects the diversity and impact of this community.

We are looking for artists who can engage diverse audiences and who fuel civic discourse. We embrace all subject matter and encourage the exploration of cultural, identity, and social issues. All genres and media are welcome, including but not limited to sculpture, photography, painting, fiber art, metalwork, installation and ephemeral works; all styles are welcome, from the traditional to the conceptual.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, you and your artwork must be available to meet all the exhibition deadlines listed above. Submitted entries should be original work, reflect the overall theme, and be exhibition ready. Artists who have applied before but have never exhibited are encouraged to continue with new submissions. There is no limit on the number of pieces of work accepted; however, be mindful that the gallery space is approximately 900 square feet. All artwork must fit through the building and gallery doors and be able to be handled by a maximum of two persons.

Requirements

Entries will need to include:

• Artist Statement and/or Bio (up to 500 words)
  Title of artwork(s)
• Itemized Information List of artwork(s) including: Year of creation, medium, dimensions, display method, and insurance value (the cost of replacing or remaking the work if damaged).
• 3 – 5 Digital Images of submitted artwork. Each 2/3D work is to be represented by a single, 300 dpi .jpeg image. Audio-visual/digital artworks may be entered with a
  single mp4 file. Written works may be submitted through a PDF/Word file.

Submissions will be accepted via the [PUH] + [TAY] + [TOH] Artist Call Submission Form

Liability

The Boise State University will only insure works selected for the exhibition for the value stated by the artist on a provided entry card upon acceptance. Insurance covers work while on display in the gallery and is subject to a deductible. All possible professional care will be given to entries. Beyond these stated conditions, neither Boise State University nor its agents will assume further responsibility for loss or damage. Please note that the gallery is open daily from 7 am – 12 am and is not under surveillance. Complicated installation works may need to be installed by the artist.

Notifications

Notifications will be extended no later than June 15, 2024. Should you have any questions please see our “What to expect when you exhibit at the SUB” page, or please contact Luan Teed at luanteed@boisestate.edu.

Download Printable [Puh] + [Tay] + [Toh] Artist Call (PDF)

SUB Exhibition Application 2024-25

We are currently accepting proposals for exhibitions in the Student Union Fine Art Gallery, at the top of the main stairs, and the Trueblood Pop Up Gallery, at the intersection of the SUB expansion. We are looking to feature a variety of artists and artworks that engage with diverse audiences, expand cultural boundaries, and provoke thoughts and new ideas. The SUB Galleries are free-speech areas and encourage the exploration of social issues, identity, and culture. We are looking for energized and established artists to show individually or with a group. All media and styles are welcome, including but not limited to sculpture, photography, painting, fiber art, metalwork, installation new media and ephemeral works.

The Student Union Fine Arts and Trueblood Pop Up Galleries are student and community galleries, open during Student Union Hours from 7am-midnight. Whether you are an emerging or established artist, we would like to help you present a show at the SUB. If you have a body of work that you would like to show, or you would like to organize a group show, please apply through this Google Form: SUB Exhibition Application 2024-25. We hope to make this an exciting and collaborative process from application to exhibition.

Creative Routes: Call for Visual Proposals

PURPOSE

Enliven campus commutes while increasing student involvement, beautifying campus, and strengthening students’ work beyond their majors.

THE PROJECT

The Boise State Department of Public Safety is calling for design entries for Creative Routes, a program that seeks to join sustainable transportation with student art. The final project will see the installation of 2, student-designed bike sharrows on Michigan Avenue. Symbols will be displayed on this road for up to 10 years.  Final stencils will each be a 48” x 132” (4’x11’) rectangle. Each will be printed in thermoplastic by DecoMark and installed by the Department of Public Safety in cooperation with the artist.  Entries may be submitted by all current students using their Boise State email address. Visit Previous News Article for reference.

OBJECTIVE

Redesign the standard bike sharrow symbol (as shown on the left). The final design may add, amend, exaggerate, whimsify the original design, but the original intent must remain legible, i.e. cyclists and motorists have equal rights on the roadway. The final design must be the original design of the artist.

To be eligible for consideration, please submit your emailed entry with “Creative Routes Artwork” in the subject line to fondaportales@boisestate.edu. Entry should include:

• A statement of your interest in the project, your current relationship to Boise State, and a description of your experience completing projects (even if not in public art) successfully.
• One to three design proposals as image files at least 300dpi/ppi (pixels per inch).
• Proposals can be sketched or digital drawings that include dimensions and colors used. Attached file must be named in the following format: LastName_FirstName_Title.
• Design can use up to 5 colors that are available to the printing company. Please see Appendix. Only solid colors can be printed. Blending techniques and gradient shading cannot be printed.
• Work must adhere to the core values of Boise State University and provide content that can be viewed by all age groups.

Expectations

Awarded Applicants will be expected to:

1. Provide a final vector of completed design in .PDF, .JPG, .TIF, CAD files (.DWG or .DXF), or .AI file types. Assistance may be available if you do not have experience.
2. Adhere to all deadlines of the project.
3. Follow product guidelines and tolerances listed by DecoMark. Please see Appendix.
4. Sign an Artist Release permitting the University to display their redesign with full copyright.

AWARDS

In addition to the artwork being placed on the roadway, artists will each be awarded a $500 scholarship for Spring 2024. Award funds will be available in the form of a scholarship in the student’s financial aid account.

If you have further questions, please contact Gabe Finkelstein, Assistant Director of Transportation, at GabeFinkelstein@boisestate.edu  or Fonda Portales, University Art Curator and Collections Manager, at fondaportales@boisestate.edu. 

• Deadline: March 31, 2024
• Winner Announced: April 5, 2024

Recipients of awards will be selected by a panel made up of representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the office of the University Art Curator, the student body, and Campus Operations Leadership Team. The panel’s decision will be made based on the originality of redesign and its adherence to the shared values of the University.

• Installation of Artwork: May 2024
• Duration of Artwork: 7-10 years. Boise State reserves the right to remove artwork for any reason, at any time.
• Award Disbursed: Spring 2024

APPENDIX

Design may include up to 5 colors. Custom colors are not available in DecoMark. Gradient shading design coloration is not possible in DecoMark preformed thermoplastic material.

DecoMark’s Final Submission Requirements:

Details needed to quote pricing for a custom item:

1. Design: (Emailed drawing file, image, sketch, etc.) The image should be of high resolution and print quality, so that it can be evaluated properly.
2. Vector design files using solid colors are ideal when available. We can accept CAD files (.DWG or .DXF), .PDF, .JPG, .TIF and .AI file types.
3. Description/Notes: (Only if any deviations from image submitted)
4. Dimensions: (Very Important)
5. Colors: (If not clear on the image submitted)

DecoMark’s Caveat of Possible Alterations

Design and Colors

1. When replicating a customer’s marking design, we will make every effort to replicate it as closely as possible; however, modifications may be necessary.
2. Every line, detail or space within the marking should have a minimum stroke width of 1/2” (12.7mm) wide or wider, but must be at least 3/8” (9.5mm) wide in order for us to manufacture, cut and assemble them into a complete DecoMark marking. Note that these tolerances are for narrow areas of larger material pieces that make up a marking.
3. Depending on the marking’s design and complexity, we reserve the right to require wider tolerances where necessary to manufacture certain markings.
4. Unless very large, design elements with sharp points will likely have the tip of the sharp point(s) rounded to prevent breakage during manufacturing and assembly.
5. DecoMark is not a printed media that can simply be printed to a durable “sticker” and applied.

Download Printable Creative Routes Artist Call (PDF)

Garage Art

• Deadline: Sunday, April 21, 2024 (midnight MST)
• Installation: Through May 2024
• Duration of Exhibition: Through Fall 2025

The Boise State Department of Public Safety is calling for entries in Garage Art 2024, an exhibition and landmarking program. Hi-res photographs of selected artworks will be printed on vinyl and installed for at least a calendar year in 14 high-traffic areas of the Brady and Lincoln Garages.

Students, staff, and faculty from ALL departments are eligible, and all genres, styles and media will be considered, including but not limited to 2D and 3D works, documentation of performance and ephemeral works, and stills from VR/AR/multimedia works. Submitted entries should be hi-res images of original work created within the past five years. Entries may be submitted by current students, staff or faculty using their Boise State email address.

Entries include

• Up to 5 works for consideration. Each work is to be represented by a single, hi-res, .jpeg or.png image. Images should be 300dpi to be printed at either a height of 36” or width of 36”. Please name each file as follows: artist last name_title of work_medium_date of completion, e.g. Montano_Untitled_InkOnPaper_2023.
• Work must adhere to the core values of Boise State University and present content that can be viewed by all age groups. Boise State Vaules

Please email entries to the Director of University Art at fondaportales@boisestate.edu  (with “Garage Art Submission” in the subject line). Recipients of the awards will be selected by panel based on the mastery of the artist’s technique, originality of artwork, appeal to a public crowd, and quality of photographic documentation. Applicants will be required to sign an Artist Release permitting the University to display their submission and publish the work online and in print materials. Artist will retain copyright.

PRIZES INCLUDE

1. Campus Parking Passes awarded to the top three winners.
2. Hierarchical placement of your work in floors throughout the Brady and Lincoln Garages.

The mission of the Boise State University Department of Public Safety is to manage, promote, and enhance campus safety and security; encourage sustainable transportation options; facilitate campus access and parking; and provide campus support services to university students, faculty, staff, community partners, and visitors.

UNBRIDLED: 2024

Presidential Suite Call for Creators

Boise State’s Office of the President, in partnership with Advancement, seeks to exhibit innovative makers with original creations that interpret the theme of UNBRIDLED, The Campaign for Boise State. To interpret the theme of UNBRIDLED, consider the Campaign narrative:

Where the world sees a roadblock,​ you see a challenge accepted.​ When others are restrained by inhibition,​ you are empowered by what’s possible.​ When the future isn’t clear,​ you create a blueprint for what’s next. Why? Because you’re a Bronco,​ and your grass isn’t greener: It’s blue.​ Set free from the restraints of what should be, you see what could be – and you run after it. Forever unbridled, Broncos charge into​ a future of our own making.

Broncos run toward the future together. Our relentless belief in a better tomorrow starts with empowering Broncos today.

Work can include, but is not limited to:

• Printmaking
• Photography
• Digital Art and Illustration
• Textiles and Soft Sculpture
• Documentation of Performance Works
• Painting and Mixed Media Works, Metal Works

Submitted entries may be previously-created works, but must be the original work of the individual/group applying. Work demonstrating mastery of technique, adherence to the principles of design, and a clear connection to the theme will be prioritized. This call is open to all current students and all majors. $400.00 awards will be given to all selected and installed makers; team entries will split award/s among listed team members.

• ENTRY PERIOD OPENS: February 22, 2024
• DEADLINE: March 31, 2024 (midnight MST)
• INSTALLATION: April 22, 2024
• DURATION OF EXHIBITION: Through April 2025

Exhibition wall measures 15’ of linear space. There are also surface areas up to 2’x2’ where 3D works can be displayed. 1-4 works will be selected depending on submitted sizes and available space.

All work must be presentation ready and weigh no more than 50 lbs. General hardware will be used for installation. All accepted works must be physically presented; print documentation is only acceptable for temporal/ performance works. Exhibition in the suite requires that the work be on loan and on display for 12 months, at which time your work will be returned to you.

Submissions will be accepted via email at fondaportales@boisestate.edu.

1. Please write Unbridled 2024 in the subject line.
2. Please submit a hi-res image of your work with label information. Include your name, major, title of work, year of creation, size, media, display method, and insurance value (the cost of replacing or remaking the work if damaged).
3. Please submit a 150-200 word statement about how your piece fits the theme of UNBRIDLED. This statement will be displayed with your work and may be revised if necessary to fit space.

Notifications of accepted works will be extended no later than April 15, 2024 and selected by a panel of representatives from the office of the President, the Director of University Art, Advancement, and COAS, with input from the UACC Committee members.

General Expectations

Am I eligible?

All currently enrolled Boise State University undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members may apply to exhibit their work as a complete show in the Student Union galleries. Traveling and collaborative shows are also eligible under a shared application with a lead contact acting as the organizer for your group. Selected exhibitors must agree to display their work for an approximate 2-month exhibition period (8 weeks).

How will my application be evaluated?

The Student Union Arts Advisory Board will support the Student Union in evaluating your exhibition application as follows:

• We carefully review each application on its own merit and look for originality, quality, cohesiveness, and a distinct and passionate artistic point of view. We select applications for exhibition that are challenging, interesting, and inspiring of dialog and interaction from students, faculty, and community members who visit the Student Union.
• We give first preference to quality applications from current undergraduate and graduate students, followed by members of the Boise State (alumni, faculty and staff), then external community applicants.
• We consider additional factors including show size and scope, relevance to with current events on campus and in the community, as well as the availability of the applicant(s) to exhibit. We will always consider applications that are submitted according to the priority deadline. Late submissions will be contacted only if there is a vacant space within the gallery.

The Student Union exhibition series includes between 10 to 12 full exhibitions per academic year, with additional pop-up exhibitions around campus.

What is expected of me as an artist exhibiting in the Student Union Galleries?

• Abide by university policies and guidelines
• Communicate and consult regularly and professionally with curatorial staff. Groups exhibiting will appoint one point of contact
• Provide artwork that is ready to hang and which is available for display during the entire exhibition duration, as well as any specialty installation components, including but not limited to projectors, screens, etc…
• Provide a description of the show, an itemized list of selected artwork, up to 5 digital images for promotional purposes, and artist(s) bio(s)
• Arrange and pay for any/all delivery and transport of the artwork to and from the exhibition space
• Return 40% of revenue from sales of any exhibition artwork during the exhibition period

What can I expect of the galleries while I am exhibiting?

• Communicate and consult regularly and professionally with the artist/exhibitor
• Develop, design, and execute a promotions plan for the exhibition within budget specifications
• Installation (with standard hardware and interpretive signage) and deinstall exhibition
• Provide university insurance coverage for exhibited artwork not to exceed $500,000 per the University’s requirements.
• Coordinate a free and public exhibition reception, with budget and arrangements for catering from Aramark

What standards are in place for health, safety, and public display?

• Student Union staff will curate and install the exhibition, with consultation and support from the exhibitor.
• Student Union staff will light the exhibition, with consultation from the exhibitor.
• Selected artwork may not stain, damage, prohibit ingress and egress, or cause excessive audio disruption to the facility, equipment, or surrounding meeting rooms.
• Student Union staff will review installation methods of securing, hanging, and attaching any and all artwork. This may include an assessment of size, weight, and any specialty hardware intended for use during the exhibition process.
• Student Union staff may review and screen, prior to opening, any exhibition or part thereof that may be considered unsafe, inappropriate for public display, and/or in direct conflict with Boise State University’s shared values. Please note that the gallery is designated a free speech space as per University policy.
• Student Union will observe all ADA requirements for arrangement and museum display of artworks.

Student Union Fine Arts Gallery Layout and Equipment

Selected exhibitors will display their work as a solo or group-organized show in the Student Union Fine Arts Gallery on the second floor of the Student Union Building.

Remember, you have a whole gallery to work with!

The gallery footprint is provided to serve as a reference when you are planning your application. Feel free to visit the gallery space in person to envision how your work may appear within the space. Other spaces may be available for a “pop-up” style exhibition as available and identified by Student Union staff. For this gallery, a collection of movable walls provide for a wide variety of configurations in the gallery space (subject to availability and condition). Plinths and vitrines are also available for protecting your three dimensional works (subject to availability and condition). Applicants selected for exhibition will be able to meet with the curatorial staff to determine optimal configuration and exhibition needs. Each exhibition will feature a marketing postcard for takeaway and an exhibition title, to be designed, placed, and installed by university staff within the gallery space.

Download Printable Fine Arts Gallery Layout and Measurements (PDF)

Fine Arts Gallery Footprint Description

• Ceiling height is 118 inches throughout the open gallery space
• There two main sections of wall available exhibition works. One is 311 inches the other is 103 inches
• There are two columns 18 inches per side
• The gallery is also equipped with 16 moveable MILA walls, each measuring 39.37 inches by 98.42 inches

Trueblood Pop Up Gallery Layout and Equipment

Selected exhibitors will display their work as a solo or group-organized show in the Trueblood Pop Up Gallery on the second floor of the Student Union Building.

This is the perfect space for more intimate shows presenting smaller bodies of work.

The gallery footprint is included here to serve as a reference when you are planning your application. Feel free to visit the gallery space in person to envision how your work may appear within the space. Other spaces may be available for a “pop-up” style exhibition as available and identified by Student Union staff. For this gallery, plinths and vitrines are available for protecting your three dimensional works (subject to availability and condition). Applicants selected for exhibition will be able to meet with the curatorial staff to determine optimal configuration and to exhibition needs. Each exhibition will feature a marketing postcard for takeaway and an exhibition title, to be designed, placed, and installed by university staff within the gallery space.

Trueblood Gallery Footprint Description

• Ceiling height is 118 inches throughout
• The open gallery space is located at the center of three hallways
• Available wall space includes sections with 89 inches, 142 inches, 31 inches, 63 inches, 119 inches, 49 inches, 113 inches, 106 inches, and 90 inches.

Sustainability Center Gallery Layout and Equipment

Exhibitors will be selected from an annual call for artists celebrating  Earth Day.  This gallery is in the Student Union near the atrium on the first floor of the Building.

The Sustainability Pop Up Gallery rotates artworks each Earth Day in collaboration with the Sustainability Center and its ASBSU Sustainability Committee. The exhibition space is special for several reasons: its non-traditional layout challenges the white cube model of traditional gallery spaces; its focus lies in supporting the economic development of professional makers (it pays students for their artwork); and it marks an important intersection of the Student Union Building. Thousands of students and visitors to the Student Union pass through this exhibition space on a daily basis, making this a highly visible spot for makers to showcase and sell their work. The walls allow for both large and small works to be displayed, and the open floor plan invites the artist to use plinths and their accompanying vitrines to create a dynamic traffic pattern through the space.

Potential Exhibition Walls (measure 5’ and 15’ of available wall space, respectively): Artworks installed on wall surfaces must be ready to install, i.e. framed if necessary, and weigh no more than 50 lbs. General hardware will be used for installation. If your work requires special installation methods or hardware, please include such requirements in your proposal. Sculptural works may be placed on plinths (stands) with vitrines (acrylic cases); plinths vary from 12” to 16” and vitrines stand approximately 14” tall.

Potential Exhibition Glass Wall (measures 5’ of available glass surface): Any materials used on glass surface wall must be easily installed and deinstalled without damage to surface of the glass or permanent residue and without damage to the surrounding area, i.e. carpet, tiles, supporting metal posts and lintels.