SPUR invites submissions of exhibition concepts for SPUR's gallery spaces in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland on a rolling basis.

 

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY:

Each year, SPUR presents a series of exhibitions that examine a broad spectrum of issues encompassing city planning, urban design, public policy and the built environment. These exhibitions address pressing challenges and propose new points of view, contributing to SPUR’s mission of a rich public discourse about cities, planning and policy (see spur.org/exhibitions for past projects).

 

SPUR is seeking exhibition proposals that propose new points of view on urban issues, experiences and opportunities. Exhibitions may draw from a range of fields, including design and planning, documentary or cultural landscape research, fine art and public policy.

 

Proposals will be judged on the basis of overall quality, innovation in content and presentation, the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to produce and install the exhibition, and its relevance to SPUR’s mission and program areas. Applicants should familiarize themselves with SPUR’s program areas and objectives and propose projects that would further the educational mission of the organization.

 

You may submit a proposal to present an exhibition previously produced and exhibited elsewhere, provided it is identified as such and you own or have permission to re-use the content.

 

Funding:

  Please outline an approximate budget and funding sources in your proposal. Limited funding may be available through SPUR but should not be the basis of your funding proposal. SPUR will work with selected applicants to pursue additional funding if needed from external sources.

 

Location:

  Exhibitions may be displayed either at the SPUR Urban Center Gallery (654 Mission Street, San Francisco), SPUR San Jose office (76 1st Street, San Jose) or SPUR Oakland office (1544 Broadway, Oakland). All of these spaces are open to the public.

 

SUBMISSION CONTENTS:

I. Exhibition Proposal

  1. Exhibition Title
  2. Exhibition Concept and Overview (350 words max)
  3. Visual Approach, Media and Interactive Elements (350 words max)
  4. Applicant’s Capacity to Produce the Exhibition (200 words max)
  5. Target Audience and Educational Objectives (200 words max)
  6. How Exhibition Aligns With SPUR’s Programs and Objectives (200 words max)
  7. Imagery Illustrating Proposed Content and Approach

 

Format:

  • digital submissions only, as a single PDF
  • 8.5 x 11” page size
  • 5MB maximum file size
  • 5 pages maximum length

 

II. Portfolio

  1. Three to ten images showing samples of your previous work and demonstrating your capacity to produce the proposed exhibition
  2. Inventory of images, including appropriate description and attribution of works shown
  3. 1-page (max) bio of applicant and any other key personnel

 

Format:

  • Digital submissions only, as a single PDF or PowerPoint file.
  • Image size should be no larger than 2MB or 8 inches in one dimension.
  • Image resolution should be 150dpi.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES:

  • Eligibility: Both SPUR members and non-members are encouraged to apply.
  • Email submissions to: [email protected]  

  Subject line: Open Call for Exhibition Entries

  • Please include the following information in the body of the email accompanying your proposal:

  - Full Name

  - Title of Your Proposed Exhibition

  - Address

  - Phone Number

  • No mailed submissions or hard copies will be accepted.

SELECTION:

Submissions will be reviewed by a jury composed of SPUR programs staff and local design and planning professionals. Finalists will be notified and may be invited to interview with the selection jury.

 

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of overall quality, innovation in content and presentation, the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to produce and install the exhibition, and its relevance to SPUR’s mission and program areas. Depending on the jury’s assessment, several proposals or no proposals may be carried forward.

 

SPUR Gallery Floor Plan.pdf