call for art faq
1. How are you defining AAPI?
At AAWAA, we recognize AAPI as inclusive of anyone of East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Polynesian or Hawaiian descent and view “descent” as an expansive term that can describe the experiences of mixed, transnational, adopted and other forms of lineage and diaspora.
2. How are you defining women?
We welcome folx who identify as cisgender, transgender and nonbinary individuals, whose histories and experiences intersect in the struggles against racism, patriarchy, sexism and misogyny. We acknowledge that the ways in which these identities are defined and perceived can also be limited to our current understanding of gender and geopolitical borders that have been built through means of colonization, exploitation and imperialism across generations. The way we identify ourselves via race, gender, ethnicity and nationality is always in process.
3. How are you defining motherhood? Does it need to be biological?
Our definition of motherhood is intentionally expansive. We do not define motherhood by biology, but as a role that one chooses (or sometimes doesn’t choose) to take on. This includes the decision to have children, the decision not to, pregnancy loss, and every stage in between and after. You don’t have to currently be raising a child to be in scope, but rather, within these three stages.
4. How are you defining each chapter?
We are defining each chapter to be: The “choice” to mother or not, pregnancy, and the first year of motherhood.
5. I am a proud mother of 3 cats. Does this count?
Sadly, no. This exhibition is for mothers of human children and their lived experiences.
6. What if I’m not a mother or parent? Can I still submit my work?
Although we will prioritize first-hand AAPI experiences, you may submit your art if you have worked directly with mothers or the content of your pieces fits within the three chapters as defined in this prospectus. In our call for submissions, you will have the opportunity to further explain
7. What do you mean by “choice”?
We understand some may choose not to be a mother while for others, choice may not be optional (like infertility, death of a child, etc). If you feel your art piece fits into one of the three chapters, we encourage you to apply. In our call for submissions, you will have the opportunity to further explain.
8. How are the pieces selected?
All selections are at the curator’s discretion. The curator will be selecting up to 15 artists, looking for a variety of pieces that speak sincerely to diverse experiences of motherhood in all three stages. Examples that speak to contemporary experiences of motherhood while expanding and challenging a traditional narrative are of specific interest.
9. As an artist, can I submit more than one piece?
Yes, you can submit up to two pieces total.
10. How recent does the piece need to be?
Not recent at all! We welcome intergenerational discussions and reflections. The piece can be an older piece. As long as it represents one of the three chapters, the piece will be eligible for consideration.
11. Can I submit a piece that has already been shown at another exhibition or has been previously published?
Yes.
12. What mediums are you accepting? How should we submit?
Art forms eligible for consideration include:
2D (e.g. paintings, printmaking, illustrations, photography, collage, mixed media, etc)
3D (e.g. sculpture, assemblage, fiber arts, ceramics, pottery, crafts, site-specific installations, etc), and digital art (e.g. film/video, sound, digital illustrations, animation, AR/VR/interactive/spatial, etc.) will be considered.
Literary works (e.g. poetry, essays, book arts, etc.). In your application, please include a description of how the literary work will be displayed.
Artists may submit up to two (2) works for consideration.
All images should be uploaded directly into the application form. We accept JPEG, PNG, PDF or link. For all videos, we accept mp4 or link (password included as needed). Any sound works can be submitted as a mp3 file.
13. For visual pieces, what are the size limitations?
Proposed artwork should be no more than 6’ wide and 30’ tall. For pieces over 6’ tall, you will be asked to provide elevation sketches and a detailed installation plan.
14. Will you consider in-progress pieces?
No, we are not accepting in-progress artwork for this exhibition. We ask that all artwork be completed by the submission deadline.
15. Will I get feedback on my application?
No, we cannot give feedback on applications.
16. Can I sell my artwork?
You are not required to sell your artwork. However, if you choose to sell your artwork, 70% of the sale will go to you as the artist and 30% of the sale will go to AAWAA. Items sold must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show. Payment will be sent via check 4-6 weeks after the exhibition is deinstalled.