FLAT FILES

Submissions to Flat Files are accepted on a biannual basis. The Curatorial Department at the Contemporary will review all submissions during the months of September and January and select portfolios for inclusion. Accepted work will be granted an “exhibition” period of one year.

If your portfolio is selected for Flat Files, notification will be sent via email, including instructions for submitting actual work.

All work in the Flat Files may be marked for sale by the artist. Any interest in sales will be at the discretion of the viewer. Please include contact information for sales if desired. The Contemporary will not engage in the direct selling of work, nor will we receive profit from sales.

Eligibility

Artists must reside in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota.* Undergraduate work will not be accepted.

*The Midwestern States as definated by the US Cenuss Bureau

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• A CD with up to six images of work. Each image file must be in JPEG format and no larger than 8 x 10 inches or 300 dpi and should be RGB. Please also label the exterior of the CD with your name and the date.
• Only works on paper will be considered. Actual works must be no larger than 18 x 24 inches, with a depth not to exceed ¼ inch. The Contemporary will create portfolios for work that is accepted.
• A one page resume and a one page artist statement (hard copies please). Please include your name and contact information (address, phone number, and email address) at the top of each document.
• A comprehensive checklist that includes title, date, media, dimensions, and selling price of each work submitted (hard copies please). Please ensure that all jpegs are identified by title.
• Please include contact information for sales.

MATERIALS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL MATERIALS UNLESS REQUESTED BY THE CURATORIAL DEPARTMENT.

MAIL TO:
Flat Files
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
3750 Washington Blvd  
St. Louis, MO 63108

For more information, please email flatfiles@contemporarystl.org.

Please note that every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of all works, as cotton gloves are required of all visitors, who are monitored at all times when at the Flat Files. Nevertheless, the Contemporary is not responsible for any damage that may occur. Artists may submit their works in individual clear plastic protective sleeves if desired.