ANNOUNCING SUM-AiR 2024

SUM gallery Artist-in-Residency Program

SUM gallery is excited to announce the new SUM-AiR (SUM gallery Artist-in-Residence) program, beginning August 6, 2024! We’re inviting artists and collectives based in the Metro Vancouver area to submit proposals for a 2 – 4 week artist residency in SUM gallery (#425-268 Keefer St., Vancouver). 

About SUM gallery:

SUM gallery is Canada’s premiere 2SLGBTQIA+/queer-mandated gallery space, and one of only a handful of queer-mandated art spaces in the world. Situated on the fourth floor of the Sun Wah Building in Vancouver’s historic Downtown Eastside, SUM gallery presents up to five exhibitions per year, a music performance series, plus numerous workshops and public engagement initiatives. The gallery also acts as a key venue for the Queer Arts Festival, our annual interdisciplinary arts festival held each June.

SUM-AiR program:

We are accepting proposals for artist residencies of 2 – 4 weeks duration at SUM gallery, taking place between August 6 and September 13, 2024. The residency is ideal for artists needing short-term space for larger-scale projects, group or collaborative work, development of new work, and/or informal public presentations. 

Selected SUM artist(s)-in-residence will be provided access to:

  • SUM gallery, 7 days a week, from 7am to 11pm;
  • SUM gallery staff support
  • Gallery lighting
  • 32″-55” monitors
  • Projectors with 4K Enhancement
  • Digital camera
  • Internet and WIFI
  • Sound system with speakers, subwoofer, wireless and wired mics
  • Grand piano Petrof 6.3 (no intrusive techniques without prior approval)
  • Chairs x40
  • Tables x4
  • 22×28 standing signs x2
  • Communal kitchen outside the suite (sink, fridge, microwave, dishwasher)
  • Parking 
  • B&W and colour printing

Please click HERE for gallery dimensions and fact sheet.

While we welcome proposals from artists of any discipline, SUM-AiR is ideal for a range of practices including (but not limited to) writing, sound art, film, video, digital art, textiles, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and DIY printmaking.

SUM gallery cannot provide:

  • Artist fees, honorariums, or per diems;
  • Housing or accommodation;
  • Subsidy for travel costs;
  • Laptops or computers;
  • Materials beyond what has been listed above.

Please note: SUM gallery is not well-suited for practices that require machinery, welding, kilns, access to an industrial sink, or practices involving sustained loud noises or strong smells that infringe on the work of other artists working in adjoining spaces. Dance and movement-based artists should note that SUM gallery does not have a sprung floor.

Eligibility:

  • Emerging, mid-career, and established artists and collectives of any artistic discipline are invited to apply;
  • There is no age restriction;
  • Artists and collectives must be based in Metro Vancouver area — we do not provide overnight accommodation;
  • Priority will be given to artists who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, or who demonstrate strong connection to queer communities;
  • Proposed residencies must take place between two and four weeks, between August 6 and September 13, 2024.

To Apply:

Interested artists of any discipline are asked to submit the following:

A one-page proposal that includes:

  • Name(s), contact information, website address and/or social media handles;
  • A brief description of your residency proposal/project outline;
  • Preferred residency dates (2 – 4 weeks duration, between August 6 and September 13, 2024);
  • Links to support material: images, audio/video clips, writing samples, etc.
  • Optional: statement outlining possibilities for public engagement (workshops, in-person or online performance, pop-up exhibition, etc.)

Cost: 

There is no cost to apply to, or to participate in, the SUM-AiR program.

Deadline:

All proposals should be sent as a single email to submission@queerartsfestival.com by July 2, 2024. Please include “SUM-AIR proposal” in the subject heading.

Selected artists will be announced within two weeks of the July 2 deadline.

Questions and Further Info:

Please email submission@queerartsfestival.com