galleryDK : Submissions
galleryDK presents work that refers to all experiences of urban life. Photographic or photo-based art examining, but not limited to, issues of social and urban pertinence such as transportation, consumerism, poverty, built environments and the urban space shall be considered for exhibition.
Call for Submissions - Become a member of galleryDK!
galleryDK is now accepting submissions for new gallery members. The deadline for submission is June 15th, 2010.
galleryDK is a photography gallery on Queen Street West in Parkdale, and has been in operation since 2008. Now in its third year, the gallery is evolving and is becoming a membership-based gallery. galleryDK is looking for photographic artists that are ultimately interested in joining a small collective/community of other photographers to grow their own skills and profile, and help the others do the same.
As such, galleryDK is now accepting applications for membership from photographers, at any stage in their artistic career. Ten artists will be offered membership with a minimum one year commitment of $140 per month.
Members will receive one 2-person exhibition each year, to be chosen by a combination of lottery and "first come, first served". Members will be responsible for the mounting of their own show. This includes the hanging and striking of artwork, gallery clean-up, opening reception, and promotion. Members will be able to take advantage of the gallery's developed resources to assist them, and the guidance and assistance from the other members will also be encouraged.
Many costs (for postcards, Akimbo listing, show lettering, opening reception) are covered by the membership fees. All members should work together to assist the exhibiting artists, if need be, to help coordinate these tasks. The exhibiting artists are invited to sit the gallery as much as possible during their show. The normal gallery schedule will apply the remainder of the time.
Membership exhibitions will take place in every month of the year except for May (Contact Photography Festival - participation in which is included in membership fees), August (vacation), and November/December (galleryDK's annual PhotoLab exhibition). There is a degree of flexibility in this schedule that can accomodate membership requests.
Members will be required to sit the gallery once a month during normal operating hours. There may also be the need for a few extra hours here and there for gallery maintenance and meetings.
Artists who are accepted for membership will be required to make a one-year commitment to the gallery. The gallery is viewed as a platform for artists' professional development but it is understood that members might pursue other avenues as well, such as public, artist-run, or commercial galleries. Membership in the gallery is non-exclusive.
Interested artists should prepare a package that contains the following:
* A letter of intent stating why you wish to join and how you hope to participate in the gallery.
* An artist's statement that discusses the direction of your current body of work or the ideas behind your art practice in general.
* An artist's CV that outlines exhibitions, publications, reviews and related experience.
* A CD containing 10 to 20 jpgs (800-1000 pixels wide maximum) which demonstrate your artistic practice or define the direction your artwork is currently following. Please do not submit other formats such as a website.
* A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) if you would like your package returned to you.
Please be sure to include all of the above. Incomplete application will not be reviewed.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 15, 2010
Submissions must be post marked no later than the deadline date. Artists will be notified of their status by August 1st, 2010. Membership begins July 1st, 2010, and the first member exhibition will be August, 2010. galleryDK has a prior exhibition commitment for September, 2010 and April, 2011 during which members will not be expected to sit the gallery. Membership fees are due upon acceptance of membership, and post-dated cheques for the remainder of the 1 year commitment are also required upon acceptance.
Please address all submission packages to:
galleryDK
1332 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M6K 1L4
Questions can be sent to the gallery at info@gallerydk.com
Gallery Hours: Thursday to Sunday: 12pm-5pm, otherwise by appointment.
WHY JOIN GALLERYDK?
You Always Have a Place to Show:
Once you are a galleryDK member, as long as you pay your membership fees and fulfill your volunteer commitments, you are entitled to have one two-person exhibition every year. There are also group show opportunities such as Contact and Nuit Blanche.
Non-Exclusivity:
Your membership in galleryDK is non-exclusive; you can exhibit at any other galleries as you choose.
Promotion Is Included:
Unlike most other galleries and collectives, many promotional materials are included with your membership fees. Postcards, Akimbo, show lettering, openings, etc. Rarely do we ask for extra costs (but extra costs would be born by yourself and your co-exhibitor).
Very Low Time Commitment:
The gallery members will have scheduled days to sit the gallery, generally one per month. Thus, members monitor the gallery during all the open hours. Members are asked, though, to sit their own shows as much as possible.
Commission is Very Low:
The gallery retains only 10% of sales. Try and find a lower commission rate anywhere in the city!
Use of the Gallery Credit Card Services:
Sales you make outside of the gallery at outdoor shows can be processed through the gallery for the same low commission.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the Monthly Membership Fee?
The monthly membership fee for the upcoming schedule is expected to be no more than $140 per month.
What does the Membership Fee get me?
This fee will enable you to a two-person exhibition every year, and the following promotional materials associated with your exhibition: window lettering, Akimbo mailing, some postcards (and maybe some other things, depending on cost). It also gives you access to the basement storage area for some of your artwork and supplies, networking opportunities with other artist photographers, and a guaranteed place to exhibit on Queen West every year! Plus, all gallery artists are invited to exhibit in the space in a group Contact Photography Festival exhibition (splitting costs equally).
What Are the Additional Fees Associated with My Show?
Of course, all costs to prepare your exhibition (printing/mounting/framing) are the responsibility of the artist (we have good contacts to help keep these costs down). Some costs associated with your opening reception will likely require extra costs (food, alcohol, and a special occasion permit), but they should be fairly minimal. If there ARE extra costs associated with your exhibition, you and your co-exhibitor will cover those costs.
What Marketing Materials Am I Responsible For?
You will have to design your own postcards, plus arrange for their pickup or delivery (the gallery has contacts for the actual printing, should you wish to take advantage of them). You should also arrange for the window lettering. Both are paid for by the gallery, but you are responsible for the design and delivery. Special occasion permits and food is also the responsibility of the artists. Assistance with all of these can be provided as needed.
Are Out of Town Artists Eligible?
Members of galleryDK do not have to be from Toronto; we may even accept international artists. However, all artists, regardless of where they live, are required to sit the gallery once a month during regular operating hours. If you don't think you can manage that due to distance or scheduling, this gallery might not be a good fit. There are opportunities to sit the gallery on weekdays and weekends.
Will I have to Sit the Gallery?
You'll have to sit the gallery once a month, as part of the normal schedule. You are also asked to try to sit your own shows as often as you can.
Does this make me a member of the DK Photo Group?
While galleryDK was started by the members of the DKPG, the group is happy with its current makeup. While we are always flattered by requests to join the DKPG, there are no openings at this time.
Click here for gallery layout.
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galleryDK is booked for the CONTACT Toronto Photography Festival 2010. The
owners will be mounting a show of their own work. We thank you for your interest.
galleryDK is currently seeking new members at this time.