Introduction
EFA Project Space is thrilled to announce the Open Call for Exhibitions Proposals for 2024-2025. We invite you to submit your applications for this exciting opportunity.
Theme: “Folklore”
For the 2024-2025 Open Call, we are intrigued by the theme of “Folklore” in its myriad forms and facets. We seek exhibitions, community engagements, and public programming that celebrate personal narratives, traditions, memories, and ceremonies. We are interested in stories and experiences that reinvigorate roots and origins, unfiltered by a globalized lens, and embrace raw materiality.
Mission Context
EFA Project Space is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary arts venue that champions the direct connection between artists, their work, and the communities they inspire. Our mission centers on fostering partnerships, expanding ideas, and engaging with communities through art. We cater to emerging, mid-career, and established curators and artists, emphasizing community engagement and public programming.
Guidelines
- Propose community-based exhibitions.
- Exhibition spans six weeks in March-April 2024 at EFA Project Space, with additional dates in 2025.
- Up to ten artists/participants may be included.
- Align with Project Space’s mission, considering its NYC location and the potential to engage relevant communities.
- Encourage community organizers, activists, curators, artists, and professionals to apply.
- Note: Proposals for exhibitions or projects may be submitted, but only one will be accepted.
Timeline
- Inquiries due by September 29, 2023.
- Submissions reviewed by Advisory Committee, staff, and guest jurors.
- Selected applicants invited to submit full proposals.
- Acceptance notifications announced in December 2023.
- Selected exhibitions presented over six weeks in March-April 2024 and in 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be 21 or older.
- Must have legal authorization to work in the USA.
- Commitment to being in NYC during exhibition dates and active involvement in exhibition and public programming.
- Demonstrated experience with or in conversation with the proposed community.
- Public programming required, including at least three programs per exhibition.
- Proposed exhibitions must be new proposals.
- Solo or two-person artist exhibitions not supported.
Program Offerings
- 2200 sq. ft. gallery space in NYC.
- EFA Project Space staffing during project hours.
- Exhibition budget up to $12,000, covering curator/facilitator honorarium, artist/participant honorariums, art handling, installation, public programming, documentation, catalog production, and accessibility support.
- Promotion through EFA Project Space’s social media, website, and newsletter.
- EFA Project Space follows W.A.G.E. certification standards and pays honoraria to all artists and participants.


