Essential for Shift artists is the balance between consistent quality, experimentation and change. We value diverse work that is rigorous yet approachable, and each month reflects a new permutation—a shift.

2021 CALL FOR NEW ARTIST MEMBERS

Application Deadline: September 20th, 2020

Shift Gallery is looking for new members for 2021. We are looking for innovative, dynamic, active artists and curators who can contribute to maintaining Shift as a vibrant and relevant Seattle art space.

We seek to attract membership from a diverse group of artists. Our new Scholarship and Mentorship Program offers a combination of financial support up to $500 towards your membership, and the help and guidance from our members on growing your art practice. Please let us know in your application, if you would like to be considered for this program.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS

During these uncertain times, we understand that it is hard to make plans for the future.We encourage you to apply to become a member, and as things unfold we will continue to update our website on how we’re adapting our Shift Gallery model. While we hope to return to a normal gallery year in 2021 it is always possible that we will have a largely virtual presence.

LOCATION

Shift is located in Seattle’s art district in Pioneer Square in the Tashiro-Kaplan arts complex at 312 S. Washington.  

PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Shift was established as an artist-run space with the primary goal of supporting practicing Northwest area artists. At Shift, artists can make decisions about how their work is shown and promoted. Shift has created an atmosphere that is welcoming to the public to see the art and meet the artists who create it

Shift Gallery does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or military status, or in any other way, in any of its activities or operations.

The artist members of Shift Gallery strive to cultivate a roster that reflects the diversity of the community we live and work in. We encourage applications from candidates of color and other underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.

To read our recent statements in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and our acknowledgment of operating on Indigenous ancestral land, please visit our website click here. 

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Shift membership provides the opportunity to show your own work and/or curate an exhibition during a one-month period each year. Full-share Members have the entire gallery for their show and Half-share Members split the exhibit space with another Half-share Member. You have the freedom to stage an installation, show challenging or controversial work, stage a performance, or create other collaborative events. You may also participate in group exhibition opportunities and sales events that arise, for example, pop-up shows. Membership provides an opportunity to be involved in a community of artists who are dedicated to supporting each other and bringing new and engaging art to the community.

Art sales are currently transacted directly by the artist (no commissions are collected by Shift). All members are responsible for their own taxes and accounting.

 COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS / COSTS

New members agree to a one-year contract commitment. If you are not able to commit for a year, please do not apply. Full-share members pay is approximately $170/month, and Half-share members pay approximately $85/month. Monthly payments cover the rent and other operating expenses equitably among all members. Shift has no employees—all money goes into rent, organizational and material costs to run the gallery. All members take on defined responsibilities for various aspects of gallery operation. Members are responsible for paying dues for the entire calendar year even if they elect to drop their membership before the year is out. Members may incur other expenses if providing beverages or food for openings, as well as covering the cost of publicity, exhibition cards, etc. Each member covers sitting Fridays and Saturdays for their own show month.

At Shift, each member has a variety of responsibilities within a democratic, non-hierarchical structure. New members are encouraged to provide new ideas, energy, and a commitment to growing and developing the group.  

Artists with additional skills in the following areas are desired: social media and online communications, familiarity with online marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, WordPress), writing, graphic design, curatorial experience, web design and maintenance, grant writing, networking, and community outreach. If you have any of these skills, or other related skills that you think may be valuable, please include support material in your application.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit applications by e-mail only and include the following: (please label your files using these conventions)

Last name – first name – 01 – title – media – size – year

          Ten jpg images of work at 72 dpi. Images must not exceed 900 pixels in any dimension.

Last name – first name – image list

          Corresponding inventory list: number, title, medium and date.

Last name – first name – resume

          Current resume.

Last name – first name – statement

          Brief artist statement.

Last name – first name – letter of intent

Send all materials to info@shiftgallery.org with “Shift New Member Application 2021 – your name” on the subject line.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE

September 3rd, 2020

Please note that the final decision on new members will not be made until the fall.

If you have questions, please contact us at info@shiftgallery.org.