So, this week we are reviewing proposals for our spring semester show line-up. We have some pretty awesome students and proposals this semester. I feel confident that however the SUGs committee and directors vote we will have a great show roster. We have proposals that kids from all over the school's departments submitted and as soon as we have the official results and schedule I will let you know!

And let me tell you it really does show who put time in to their proposals. The proposals this semester were as a whole, very well done. They were clear and concise while presenting the work and ideas. From this gig and other artistic endeavors, I now know that having the know-how to write a successful proposal is just as important as making work and having ideas because if you can't present yourself, your work, your visions with clarity and quality, its really difficult to do or show anything. There are many ways to create a proposal. But remember this: Its good to look good. That doesn't have to mean fancy or extremely elaborate. It means things should have clarity, specificity and their appearance should have an identity, a presence. It should give the impression you want your artwork to give. And I assume you want your work to be though of as awesome!

So my tips for you:

I think it is important to speak with the place you are applying to ask for advice or specific guidelines. Also it is a good idea to ask to see examples of a previously successful proposal. But if there are no specific details or examples as is often the case then you can create your own. A good proposal doesn't necessarily have to be a jam packed folder. The important thing is to give only the info pertaining to the proposed show (showing past work is fine, IF it is relevant to the show you are proposing). Include a curatorial statement; it should concern the big picture or vision that the show should have....what it should mean and how it should make the audience and gallery feel/function. A to scale gallery floorplan/diagram and exhibition description (this should contain only visually tangible information, keep the metaphors and conceptuality in the curatorial and artist statements), is extremely important so that the reviewers can get a sense of how the space will be utilized. Clear images of the work along with an artist statement (that specificly concerns the artwork, not the show) the individual pieces' dimensions, medium and needed installation supplies, equipment, and in-gallery maintence (think turning on/off monitors, etc.).

AND FOR YOU AND ONLY YOU MY SPECIAL READER the SUGs proposal application from our gallery is downloadable at www.sugs.info. I recommend using it just as a guideline and creating your own format, whether that be a binder/book (my favorite), a powerpoint presentation, or whatever.

So remember....

Its good to look good.