| APPLIED | Makers Offerings
AAS Member Call for Submissions
Applied Arts Scotland invites Professional and Associate Members to submit work for an Open Exhibition at Custom Lane, Leith, Edinburgh, Sat 27 May – Sat 10 June 2023.
In this landmark exhibition for Applied Arts Scotland we want to celebrate the creative heart and soul of professional making practice in Scotland today, showcasing the diverse approaches to contemporary applied art, design and craft from within the AAS membership base through the presentation of existing or new work – makers offerings.
We would like to best represent all traditional and contemporary skill sets whilst also supporting and encouraging experimentation and play, offering a platform to showcase your skill set. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your practice and submit works that challenge the viewer’s perceptions of what your art form can be. Submit examples of your work that you consider best showcase your skills and practice.
The curation of these works will also challenge the boundaries of how craft practice is understood and valued, and we aim to present the work in ways they may not normally be displayed. If there are any specific technical requirements that may affect this approach to displaying your work, please indicate this in your submission.
You may also wish to consider whether aspects of your work can be digital , site specific or performance-based, and/or can be presented at the opening event or at other specified times throughout the exhibition run (subject to discussion with the organising team).
The physical exhibition will be accompanied by an online digital presentation of the works that can be visited by anyone, anywhere, at any time. The exhibition at Custom Lane will be open daily and permanently invigilated.
Who can apply?
Entry to the exhibition is free to all Members of Applied Arts Scotland.
Professional Members are invited to submit up to 3 pieces of work for exhibition, with the guarantee that at least one work will be exhibited.
Associate Members are invited to submit 1-3 pieces of work for exhibition, which will be selected from.
We are not applying any size limits for work, but please do bear in mind that this is a group exhibition and that space is limited. If you submit only one work that is too large to accommodate alongside other submissions, we reserve the right to exhibit this online-only. If you think this may apply, you may wish to consider submitting more than one work.
This is a mixed selling and showcasing event. Sales and commissions will be managed by AAS and subject to a commission of 20%, with delivery/collection of any sold work to be arranged separately between exhibitor and purchaser. Sold work must remain in the exhibition for the duration of the exhibition.
We have a limited amount of sockets available at the exhibition venue – please advise if one is required when you make your submission. All electrical submissions must hold a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) at the point of drop-off that is valid for the duration of the exhibition.
All works must be covered by valid public liability insurance. You will be required to confirm this is in place when you submit your work. If you require public liability insurance, members of the Scottish Artist Union are automatically covered for up to £5m as part of the membership fee. Find out more about the benefits of SAU membership here.
We will also be running a Scotland-wide programme of events to raise awareness of the exhibition and of professional making practices, a paid opportunity delivered by exhibiting Members. The brief for exhibiting makers will be sent on acceptance.
(1) For events taking place during the exhibition run, the deadline is 24th May, 18.00, with successful applicants being notified by 26 May 2023.
(2) For events taking place after the exhibition, the deadline is 8 June, 18.00, with successful applicants notified by 10 June 2023.
How to apply
Exhibition submissions can be made online through the Members area of the AAS website. To access this please login to the website and go to the Member Opportunities page where there is a link to the submission form. If you have forgotten your password to login you can request a new one.
In your application, you will be asked to provide a title for the work, the year it was made, materials, size, a few sentences about what inspired the work, any technical considerations for installation of the work; and, if for sale, the selling price (including commission) and contact details to share with the purchaser to arrange delivery/collection. You will also be asked to upload images of the work that will be used in the online digital showcase of work.
You will also be asked to confirm that you can meet the requirements regarding PAT testing (if required) and drop-off and collection dates and times.
Your submissions will be linked to your listing in the AAS Member Directory, and you may wish to ensure this is up-to-date in advance of your submission.
Photography workshop
In support of this and future online applications, we have recorded an online photography session with Paul T Cowan focusing on how to best document your work solely using your mobile device camera. There are lots of basic tips on capturing reflective surfaces, texture and lighting techniques. This is now available as a resource accessible via the Member Opportunities page when logged into the AAS website.
Key dates
Online submissions open: Tuesday 2 May 2023
Deadline for submissions: Monday 8 May 2023, 18.00
Notification of selection (where required): Mon 15 May 2023
Call for workshops: after selection
Drop off work to Custom Lane [in person or by courier]: Wednesday 24 May 2023 between 10.00 and 16.00. For in person drop off, we request you unpack your work and remove packaging as we have very limited storage space available.
Exhibition open: Sat 27 May – Sat 10 June 2023
Opening event: Saturday 27 May 2023 14.00-16.00 – SAVE THE DATE
Collection of work [in person or by courier]: Sunday 11 June 2023 between the hours of 12.00 and 16.00.
