The Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery & Artist Resource Center Gallery
1 Page Ave. Suite 143A & 144 Asheville, NC 28801
GUIDELINES FOR EXHIBITIONS
These guidelines are for artist curators and exhibiting visual artists applying to EXHIBIT at the Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery.
The AAAC Gallery Point of View Program, is our Curatorial approach to exhibitions. Exhibitions are developed by a collection of creative professionals representing various disciplines acting as curators. We ask Buncombe County artists to submit proposals for shows that incorporate multiple area artists in various mediums including: installation, sculpture, photography, printmaking, painting, mixed media, craft, and all other visual formats. Their selections should be based on artistic merit and pursuant to the AAAC’s intent to illuminate the breadth and depth of Asheville/Buncombe’s creative sector.
The Staff and Board of Directors of the Asheville Area Arts Council, as well as Point of View Curators, strive to show work which is well crafted, shows an unusual perspective, utilizes unique methods, is powerfully expressive, interesting, challenging, and engaging. We are inspired to show work regardless of its commercial value, though we hope that work in our gallery will attract patrons who are interested in something new and exploratory. We see our exhibition space as a showcase for the talent of our area of service, Buncombe County.
Point of View proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and are evaluated by the AAAC Exhibitions Committee based on the following annual timeline:
Submissions accepted through November 30st
Submission review completed by December 20th
Point of View Curators are announced by January 1st
Annual calendar of Exhibitions announced February 1st
The exhibitions calendar runs on a fiscal year cycle starting July 1st through June 30th. Most exhibitions run for 6 weeks.
The Artist Resource Center Gallery space is also available for smaller exhibitions. In order to apply for shows in this space, please submit your information through our website.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Asheville Area Arts Council gallery is a multi-purpose exhibition and event facility serving as headquarters for the Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC). Located in Downtown Asheville’s Grove Arcade, The AAAC gallery is available for fine art and craft exhibitions, workshops, lectures, receptions, meetings, rehearsals, small-scale performances and other approved functions. Our policies help assure proper maintenance, use, and enjoyment of our facilities. We request your cooperation in adhering to our usage policies to ensure the preservation of this unique space. The AAAC gallery will never be open without staff or a trained volunteer to monitor the space. By completing an online Proposal Form you understand that the multi-purpose nature of The AAAC gallery creates a dynamic environment, including a minimized risk, and agree not to hold the Asheville Area Arts Council, its staff or affiliates liable for damages of any kind.
DETAILS FOR EXHIBITS
Exhibits are typically 6 week in duration, with exact dates to be determined by AAAC staff.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXHIBITS
The AAAC gallery is open to artists and artist teams of all disciplines who are 18 years or older. All curators must be current residents of Buncombe County. Extra consideration will be given to programs and exhibitions that serve disadvantaged or under-served populations. All exhibiting artists must have current AAAC memberships.
ARTIST/CURATORIAL STATEMENT
Each Point of View Exhibition should include an artist/curatorial statement succinctly describing the concept behind the selection of works in the exhibition. See artist and curator contract for details.
ARTWORK INSTALLATION
Curators, exhibiting artists, and artist groups must install and de-install artwork and leave the space rehabilitated (nails removed, walls patched, etc.) after their exhibit. The AAAC gallery has several pedestals for the display of 3D art. The artist or artist group must provide all hanging materials and tools including nails, hooks, hammers, levels, and other necessary equipment. The AAAC gallery has one ladder available for use during installation and de-installation upon request. The AAAC Exhibitions Manager will assist with logistics the days of the installation and de-installation of the display. The curator and artists are responsible for a timely and efficient installation and de-installation process during business hours, Monday through Saturday, 10am- 6pm as scheduled with AAAC staff.
MARKETING
It is primarily the responsibility of the curator to create promotional materials. AAAC will cross-promote exhibits & opening receptions via e-newsletter, print, and social media promotions. All other promotions are the responsibility of the exhibiting party or parties. Promotional materials for your exhibit/workshop/program must include the AAAC logo and other pertinent information.
SALES & COMMISSION:
The AAAC will retain a 35% commission on works of art that are sold. The sale price listed by the artist MUST include the commission. Artists will be paid by 30 days after the close of the exhibit, less commission.
A/V EQUIPMENT
The AAAC gallery is equipped with several electrical outlets and track lighting. Some A/V equipment is available for rental use with a small additional rental fee, including a PA system with a 4-channel mixer, a digital projector and screen. The AAAC gallery features a stereo system, featuring an iPod dock that may be used by the artist. AAAC staff will assist in setting up and maintaining the stereo system. If you need the projector & screen for the duration of an exhibit, please discuss this with AAAC staff.
RECEPTIONS
Each exhibit must have at least one reception, to be scheduled with AAAC staff. Typically the reception is held during the first Friday of the month during the exhibit to coincide with the Downtown Asheville First Friday Art Walk. Any additional receptions and events may be scheduled with the approval of AAAC staff. Receptions must be free & open to the public.
LOGISTICS
Ticket sales, staffing, supplemental equipment, décor and refreshments are at the discretion of the curator. The AAAC has basic tables and chairs to accommodate most needs. Point of View exhibitions ONLY-AAAC will provide wine at the reception.
SET UP AND CLEAN UP
Access: A staff person will be available to open the facility. Loading and unloading can be done from various loading zones located around the Grove Arcade. Only metered street parking is available, free parking after 6:00 and public garage is located on Wall Street (first hour is free).
Equipment and Supplies: Our staff is not sufficient to provide support services and/or equipment for events held here. Each group must assume full responsibility for providing support services, decorating, set up and clean up. Immediately following the function, clean up must include removing from the premises all items brought to the property. No items may be left at the property for pick up at a later time without the express consent of AAAC staff. The premises should be cleared within 1 ½ hours of the end of the event. Additional time on the premises will incur an additional fee based on the break-down rates mentioned below. Items in the offices, in the bathroom, on shelves or on display elsewhere in the AAAC gallery may not be used by the artist or the caterer under any circumstances.
All rental equipment must be delivered and picked up on the same day as your function. If you have extenuating circumstances and require an exception, you must have approval prior to the day of your function from AAAC staff. All rental vendors must be approved in advance by AAAC staff.
Clean Up: Clean up must include wiping down surfaces used during the function, removing all decorations and equipment brought to the property, and all trash. You must leave the AAAC gallery as you found it. Please notify a staff person prior to departing so they may do a walk through. All trash resulting from your function must be removed from the property on the day of your function - none may be left at the AAAC gallery. All food waste must be removed from the property at the end of the function. The artist and/or caterer are responsible for providing trash cans & bags.
VENDORS
Caterers: Caterers must have a valid caterer’s license. Caterers and/or artists are responsible for providing all tables, preparation tools, china, crystal, eating utensils, etc. Upon completion of your event, all items will be removed and trash removed from the premises. Any utensils, dishes, etc. in the cabinets, or on shelves in the AAAC gallery may not be used.
MUSIC
The Grove Arcade is a residential facility. No noise, music, or otherwise may go past 8:00pm.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Smoking is NOT allowed in AAAC gallery.
Candles are NOT allowed in AAAC gallery. Decorative electric candles (that run off batteries and have no flame) are permitted.
ALCOHOL POLICY
Alcoholic beverages are permitted but may NOT be for sale without proper ABC permits and the express consent of AAAC staff. Any and all liabilities arising from consumption on the premises are the responsibility of the curator/artist.