Flat Files
“an oversized filing cabinet housing art from the Midwest”

In celebration and support of the growing arts communities in the Midwest, the Contemporary is pleased to announce the expansion of its famed Flat Files program. While the Contemporary continues to promote the work of local artists, the Flat Files now plays host not only to St. Louis talent, but also those artists living and working in twelve states in the Midwest. As regional art communities continue to grow stronger and more autonomous—with new museums, artist-run spaces, and local support in their cities—a tremendous network of artists has also come to thrive outside the art world’s major centers. To celebrate the exceptional emerging talent of the “Heartland,” the Flat Files strive to offer a glimpse of the breadth and variety of contemporary art produced in St. Louis and other communities like it.

Inspired by the legendary program instituted by Pierogi Gallery in Brooklyn in the mid-nineties, Flat Files bring the work of more artists to a wider public than is possible through the Contemporary’s exhibitions program alone, providing an ever-evolving and interactive way for visitors to encounter art. The Flat Files are available at the museum and serve as a free resource to artists, curators, collectors, critics, dealers, and to the general public. Using gloves provided by the museum, visitors are encouraged to open the files and peruse the works of these regional artists at their own pace, lingering over those works that interest them. Artist biographies and contact information are provided so that visitors can follow up directly with artists and even purchase their work!

Ultimately, it is the artists who give this program its pulse. The Contemporary invites artists who make their permanent residence in the Midwest to submit images of small works on paper for consideration including prints, photography, drawings, and collage.

For eligibility and submission guidelines, please visit our Artist Opportunities page.