Shift Gallery is looking for new members for 2023. We are seeking innovative, dynamic, active, Pacific Northwest artists and curators who can contribute to maintaining Shift as a vibrant and relevant Seattle art space.

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 artists in the Pacific Northwest. 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 against individuals 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 at https://shiftgallery.org/about-2/

To further diversity, we offer an Opportunity Grant for our Shift Window Gallery to a BIPOC artist, see the application eligibility and application process here https://shiftgallery.org/2023-diversity-grant/

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. As a Half-share Members you would split the exhibition 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 and the Seattle Art Fair.

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.

Members are expected to attend monthly membership meetings (currently held virtually), and be available physically during different times during the year to help support the operations of the gallery.

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. Half-share members pay approximately $90/month. Monthly payments cover the rent and other operating expenses equitably among all members. Shift has a simple model where there are no employees—all money goes into rent, organizational and material costs to run the gallery.

New members should to be ready to exhibit work as early as Jan 2023, and to be prepared to submit information regarding the title and description of their show for marketing shortly after acceptances are made.

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. Each member is obligated to cover the gallery sitting on Fridays and Saturdays for their own monthly.

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 with a cooperative spirit.

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, good organizational skills, networking, and community outreach.

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

• Contact information, address, phone, email, IG and website.
• A short description of your additional skills as pertains to Shift Gallery
  (e.g., social media, writing, graphic design, etc., as mentioned above).
• A brief statement about why you would like to join Shift.
• Curators are welcome to submit ideas for solo/group exhibitions. Please send the above materials, and in the statement describe concepts and include supporting materials from previously curated exhibitions.

Send all materials to info@shiftgallery.org with “Shift New Member Application 2023 – your name” on the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EXTENDED to September 15, 2022

Please note that the final decision on new members will not be made until the Fall. If you are accepted, as a new member you will likely have your first show in either January/ February /March or December 2023.

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