HOW TO APPLY
Artists can apply to a BIG INK call-for-entry by submitting an online application.
ARTISTS INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO A CALL SHOULD:
Requirements for consideration are the application form and a digital image. No prior printmaking experience is necessary and artists of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. You'll learn the woodblock printmaking process through a combination of online and in-person instruction. All applications will be promptly acknowledged and considered. Please do not send application forms by mail, fax or e-mail. We urge artists to send the highest quality image of their work.
Please review the open calls and FAQ's prior to starting an application.
2021 OPEN CALLS
3S Artspace
Portsmouth, NH
Event – August 28th & 29th
Deadline – June 21st
Notification – June 23rd
Max Woodblock Size – 40 by 96 inches
ARTSPACE at Untitled
Oklahoma City, OK
Event – October 2nd & 3rd
Deadline – July 26th
Notification – July 28th
Max Woodblock Size – 40 by 72 inches
Pyramid Atlantic
Hyattsville, MD
Event – October 9th & 10th
Deadline – August 2nd
Notification – August 4th
Max Woodblock Size – 40 by 96 inches
Color | Ink Studio
Hazel Park, MI
Event – October 16th & 17th
Deadline – August 9th
Notification – August 11th
Max Woodblock Size – 40 by 96 inches
Hatch Show Print
Nashville, TN
Event – October 23rd & 24th
Deadline – August 16th
Notification – August 18th
Max Woodblock Size – 40 by 96 inches
Atlantic Center for the Arts
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Event – November 6th & 7th
Deadline – August 30th
Notification – September 1st
Max Woodblock Size – 40 by 96 inches
FAQS
1. Participants will be required to wear a face mask at all times.
2. Participants will be the only ones allowed to attend. We’ll shoot video segments featuring the work of each artist and post them on Instagram.
3. Participants will be broken up into morning (9am-1pm) and afternoon (2pm-5pm) sessions. No more than 10 people will be in attendance at any given time.
4. Participants who don’t feel comfortable being in a room with other people can drop their woodblock off for printing during the scheduled time.
It is free to submit; accepted applicants pay $300.
The following items are required with your application.
1. Full Name and Collaborator's Full Name - Tell us your full name and how you wished to be addressed in public. Include the pseudo or business name you work under, e.g. John Smith aka "SmithWorks". List any additional project collaborators following the same format.
2. Email and Telephone - Tell us how to reach you. IMPORTANT! Add contact (at) bigink (dot) org and lyellcastonguay (at) gmail (dot) com to your email client's approved sender list.
3. Mailing Address - Tell us where we should send Speedball Art Products printmaking samples if your application is accepted.
4. Website - Tell us where we can find more of your work. We recommend creating an public Instagram account and posting images if you don't have a website.
5. Facebook & Instagram Username - We use this information to tag you on social media posts leading up to the event.
6. Referral - How did you hear about us? Please be specific as possible.
7. Project Statement - Describe your expectations and what you hope to achieve. Mention the challenges and rewards you envision along the way. One paragraph max.
8. Influences - Tell us anything that informs your art practice, i.e. your favorite art media and artists. One paragraph max.
9. Anticipated Dimensions - Tell us how big you plan on working. IMPORTANT! The woodblock must be at least 24 by 36 inches but no larger than 40 by 96 inches in dimension. We sometimes work with venues that have an oversized press on-site. Please confirm the maximum allowable size under the OPEN CALLS section on this page.
10. Image Upload - Show us what you intend to carve by uploading a drawing, digital graphic, painting, photograph, or print. Either a previously created image or a new concept is acceptable. Each image must be formatted as a JPG with the following format for the file name: YourFirstName_YourLastName.jpg, e.g. John_Smith.jpg. The digital image must be sent as JPG (.jpg). Files with a .docx, .pdf, or (.jpeg) extension will not work in the system. Do not include identifying information on the image itself.