Entwined: Visual and Textual Narratives > Register & Apply

Call to Artists

Entwined: Visual and Textual Narratives

Dates: May 17–June 21, 2024

The Mosesian Center for the Arts invites artists to submit work inspired by literature, the written word, folk tales, and tales of all kinds from fairy tales to narratives that are autobiographical or speak of the human condition. Visual arts have been inspired by the written word since antiquity. There are strong connections between literature and visual arts. Words paint pictures and artists interpret and / or are influenced by stories. The influence goes both ways, as stories are influenced by images as well. Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit artwork that combines text and image or interprets stories ranging from well-known literary pieces to personal writings.

Poetry, novels, songs are often enhanced by images. Children books are made more vivid when accompanied by pictures. Album covers and music videos come to life when combined with visuals. Art works such as painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, comic books, video, film, and sculpture that emphasize storytelling, or are influenced by the written word would be considered. Artwork, whether depicting a well know work of literature, mythology, or more conceptual interpretation of the connections between words and images are also encouraged.

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: April 1
Announcing Selected Artists: April 8
Drop off Dates: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / Tuesday, May 7, 10:30 AM–3:00 PM
*Shipped work must be received no later than May 10
Exhibition Opens: May 17
Reception: Thursday, June 6, 5:30–7:30 PM
Exhibition Closes: June 21
Artwork Pick Up: Sunday, June 23, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM and Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 AM– 3:00 PM
*Please note that the Mosesian Center for the Arts reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the exhibition timeline.

About Mosesian Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary arts venue in Watertown, Massachusetts. The 30,000 square foot center, located within a former U.S. Army arsenal, houses a 339-seat main stage theater, a 100-seat black box theater, exhibition galleries, classrooms, and rehearsal studios. Mosesian Arts is located six miles from downtown Boston, borders the Charles River and Brighton, and is easily accessible from surrounding suburbs and Metro West. Programs include professional theater and musical performances, gallery exhibitions, literary and art discussions, and performing and visual arts classes and workshops for all ages.

Eligibility:

All artists regardless of location are welcome to apply, including international artists. Local artists may drop their work off on Saturday, May 4, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and Tuesday, May 7, 10:30 AM-3:00 PM. Non-local artists work must be received at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 c/o exhibitions by May 10, 2024. Non-local artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from the MCA and are responsible for insuring their work while in transit. If shipping work, each artist must provide a pre-paid, UPS or FedEx return shipping label including insurance. Please pack your work in sturdy reusable packaging. The Mosesian Center for the Arts carries appropriate insurance to cover all artwork in the show for the duration of the exhibition, including the time frame of drop-off, installation, de-installation, and pick-up.

Additional guidelines: 

  • Any work accepted for exhibition may not be removed or exchanged during the duration of the exhibition.
  • Work must be framed and ready to hang with wires and screws. Saw tooth hangers and sandwich frames may not be used.
  • Works on paper and smearable mediums such as charcoal and pastels must be protected under glass or acrylic.
  • For framed artwork larger than 24” on the longest side, glass may not be used. Instead, artists must use Plexiglas or comparable acrylic glass.
  • If used, mats must be white, off white, gray, or other neutral tones. Frames should be neutral colors (white, black, silver, gold, wood).
  • Unframed stretched canvases must have the sides painted or otherwise finished to be integral to the work and must be dry.

Submission Fee:
$10 per submission. Limit 5 submissions per artist. Artwork must be submitted online here at: https://mca-visualandtextual.a... To submit work, click the register or login buttons at the top of this page. There's an Application Process Tutorial if you'd like more info on the submission process.

Commission Structure:
Artists receive 60% commission, and the Mosesian Center for the Arts receives 40% for art sold during the exhibition. The Artist reserves all copyrights and reproduction rights on the artwork in the exhibition. Mosesian Center for the Arts may duplicate and reproduce images of work for purposes of public relations and exhibition announcements directly related to the exhibition.

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Featured image:
Dawn Evans Scaltreto