The term social contract started when philosophers from France to England started to think about the nature of humanity and the tensions that exist between the people who enact power and the people who do not. What are the agreed upon boundaries that exist within our social, family and political structures? How do these boundaries create or negate cognitive distance with what actually happens in any social theater? In the final year of the Co-Lab sponsored project, Invisible Architectures, we are seeking artistic proposals from regional artists to consider for inclusion in an interdisciplinary art festival in the Spring of 2024. 

As we approach another election year in the United States, agreements about what is included in an American social contract continue to be up for debate. Artistic interventions have the potential to offer us much needed insights and possibilities for our collective future.  We welcome proposals that engage not only the past that has gotten us to this point but also the present and future directions our social contracts may take. 

Submissions will be rated based on the following criteria: 

• artistic quality
• artistic innovation as it relates to the theme
• proposal feasibility

All art media will be considered including but not limited to: 2d (paintings, drawings), 3d (sculptures and installation), performance, and video.

We are particularly seeking submissions from students, faculty and staff at Towson University and other University of Maryland schools. However, all applications will be considered.

To apply, please fill out the form.

Venues 

StartUp at the Armory Gallery in Towson, MD

Current Space, Baltimore, MD

Maryland Art Place, Baltimore, MD

Public Sites to be determined

Important Dates

Please submit all proposals by 1/22/24 at midnight

All applicants will be notified about final decisions on 2/15/24

Exhibitions will take place over April and May of 2024 with public programs TBD.

LINK TO APPLICATION

If you have problems accessing the form, please email apinkston@towson.edu

This festival is being produced with the generous support of The Grit Fund. Administered by the Andy Warhol Foundation.