Proposal Deadline: December 20, 2019.
Please find the full call at https://visualaids.org/blog/open-call-comics.
Visual AIDS invites artists to submit proposals for new comics to be included in our Summer 2020 exhibition.
Visual AIDS utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy, because AIDS is not over.
Proposal Deadline: December 20, 2019
Visual AIDS will present a new exhibition in Summer 2020 curated by UK-based artist Paul Sammut. The exhibition will take place in New York City and explore the rich history of comics as a mirror for contemporary culture, and as relatable and accessible educational tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In many styles and forms—from mainstream titles such as The Incredible Hulk and X-Men, to underground activist publications and GMHC’s Safer Sex Comix—artists and writers have used comics to demystify AIDS, disseminate information about HIV prevention and harm reduction, and as spaces for shared testimonies and histories.
As part of the exhibition we are looking to commission 2-3 new, short narrative comic works that explore contemporary issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. Commissioned comics will be included in the exhibition and catalog.
We are interested in proposals that:
- align with Visual AIDS’ sustained work to engage in activism, advocacy, and education in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and to support individuals living with HIV
- tell a story with sequential elements/include a narrative
- use the democratic form of comics as a tool for testimony, education and activism
Artists need not have worked in comics before.
We are not looking for works that already exist, or are already in progress, but proposals may include, sketches, plots and diagrams alongside examples of existing work.
Please consider that the final works will be published in a printed format and also exhibited in our upcoming summer exhibition.
Visual AIDS and curator Paul Sammut will work with selected artists to develop their proposals into finished works. Selected artists are expected to supply their finished works by April 1, 2020. The final works will be exhibited as part of the exhibition, included in the catalog, and may be distributed by Visual AIDS or utilized for additional promotion of the exhibition.
How to Apply
To apply, please provide the following materials:
- 1-2 page proposal of maximum 500 words, including notes/images/sketches
- Examples of relevant work
- Your C.V.
Email proposals to proposals@visualAIDS.org with email subject line “Comics Proposal 2019: [Name of Applicant(s)]”. Please note that as the guest curator is based outside of the US we can only accept digital applications.
The deadline for applications is December 20, 2019.
If you have any questions about the application process, email proposals@visualaids.org.
I do so appreciate the opportunity to continue my way of activism, through art direction, graphics and writing. I look forward to discussing if my proposal wins of course. But, wait! I’d look forward to discussing my concepts with y’all if I lose. Thank you for continuing to bring the intention of VisualAIDS through this project.