Friends of Fem Open Call
About the Fem Assembly
The Fem Assembly is a feminist art collective, which consists of a core group of seven women and non-binary individuals, based in Calgary, Alberta. Our collective focuses on exploring intersectional feminism and gender experiences. We aim to provide women, trans women, non-binary, and Two-spirit people a safe space for artistic growth and community.
Overview of the Project
The Fem Assembly is looking to collaborate with Calgary-based artists for a project that includes the creation of a zine and group exhibition exploring intersectional feminist experiences. Up to five artists will be selected to participate in the Friends of Fem initiative. In addition to the publication and exhibition opportunity, this project will be focused on creating a network to support each other throughout the development of the artwork, zine and exhibition.
This project requires a commitment of eight months (December 2022 to July 2023). During this time, the selected Friends of Fem and the core group will meet once a month for critique sessions. The aim of these critique sessions is to share, provide feedback and support each other during the creation of artwork. The exhibition, and presentation of the zine, will be held in June 2023.
For the exhibition, artists will have to answer one or some of these questions through their artwork: What does intersectional feminism mean to you and how has it impacted your identity? How does your artwork defy, subvert and/or resist historical contexts of oppression? How is the fight for equity reflected in your work?
These thought-provoking questions aim to encourage the artists to explore their own identities and art practices through the intersectional feminist lens. Compelling us to re-evaluate ourselves and our work, learn about and amplify the voices of the artists, question our own privileges, and become supportive allies to our justice-seeking peers.
This project includes artists fees for both the exhibition ($400) and zine ($200), as well as materials ($200).
Selected artists will be notified mid-late November.
Who can Apply
This call is open to artists residing in Calgary who identify as women, trans women, non-binary, and Two-spirit people. The Fem Assembly encourages applications of people from typically underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ identifying individuals, Deaf persons, and persons with disabilities. We welcome artists at various stages of their careers to apply.
We welcome all artistic mediums, including visual arts, installation, performance, dance, digital arts, etc.
How to Apply
Please send the following information in one document to femassembly@gmail.com with the subject line: Friends of Fem Application.
Deadline is October 31st, 2022, 11:59 pm (MT).
Formats accepted: PDF, DOC or DOCX.
To include:
- Bio & artist statement (300 words max).
- Letter of interest describing your approach to the main questions of the project and how your artistic practice, or your proposed work, fits with The Fem Assembly’s vision (400 words max).
- CV (2 pages max).
- Portfolio (Max of 10 images, or 3 videos JPG, PNG, MOV format). You can attach the images or video files to the body of the email or send a link to your portfolio. If you are sending a link, please make sure that the Fem Assembly committee has access to it.
* If you plan to create work for the exhibition that is distinct from your regular art practice, please submit up to 5 images from your practice and a plan for the work you are planning.
Accessibility
The Fem Assembly is committed to supporting artists who may require accommodations to fairly access this application process. We accept audio or video presentations of proposals that include all the information outlined above. You can submit these through email at femassembly@gmail.com.
For further information or any questions, please contact us at femassembly@gmail.com
This project is possible due to the support of Calgary Arts Development.
