The Office of the Governor of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, are pleased to announce a call for female Iowa artists to submit their artwork for the Iowa Women’s Art exhibitions. The Iowa Women’s Art exhibition celebrates female Iowa artists and their contributions to the cultural vitality and quality of life in Iowa. The program includes two exhibits each year that rotate semi-annually. The exhibits will be on display in the formal office of the Governor on the first floor of the Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319.
Timeline
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m., April 1, 2020 for exhibitions in fiscal year 2021, July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.
Selection Notification
Applicants will be notified of selection decisions within 8 weeks of the submission deadline.
Exhibition Dates
Artwork will rotate on a semi-annual basis with the following exhibition dates. Selected artwork must be available for the duration of the exhibition and may not be claimed until the exhibit has concluded.
- Fall Exhibit: July – December 2020
- Spring Exhibit: January – June 2021
Meet and Greet Event
Selected artists will have the opportunity to attend a Meet and Greet with the Governor of Iowa during their exhibit dates to discuss selected artwork and their careers as Iowa artists. The Meet and Greet will be scheduled during the exhibition timeline after artwork is installed with specific dates determined pending Governor availability.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Current Iowa resident
- Female
- 21 years of age or older
- Not enrolled in a degree granting program
Artwork
This call for submissions is open to female Iowa residents working in 2D or 3D media. Film, video, or installation work will not be accepted. All artwork must be original and completed within the past 5 years. Selected artworks must be ready for display including frames, fastening and installation material. Selected artwork must be stand alone and must not require set up by the artist. Selected work must be available for the duration of the exhibition and may not be claimed until the conclusion of the exhibition. Artists understand that the hosts will not insure accepted work while in transit or delivery to and from exhibit. Due diligence and care will be taken with all artwork, but no guarantees are made. Artwork that does not adhere to stated requirements will be rejected.
All artwork will be installed by the Iowa Arts Council and displayed on bifold easels and pedestals to minimize disturbance to the historic venue. Please see below for images of the installation view. Artwork that cannot be displayed on easels or a pedestal will not be accommodated.