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The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) announces the California Jewish Open, an open call for artworks to be exhibited in The CJM’s primary 6,500-square-foot Koshland Gallery in the summer/fall of 2024.

The California Jewish Open will present contemporary artworks highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of work by Jewish-identifying artists throughout California, uniting them around a central question: How are artists looking to the many aspects of Jewish culture, identity, and community to foster, reimagine, hold, or discover connection? Seeking connection is one the most distinctive qualities of being human. In a moment where some of our most natural responses—such as grief, hope, fear, and resilience—are being politicized to isolate and divide us, connection is essential to upholding our shared humanity.

This exhibition aims to present a wide range of ideas from artists of diverse identities and generations active in Jewish cultural and creative production in California. Artists are encouraged to think expansively about their connection to Jewish culture and identity though concepts such as humor, ritual practice, study, social justice, community, text, dialogue, heritage, songs, rites of passage, language, tradition, diaspora, and beyond. Exploring the notion of connection as both creative and community practice, we hope the artworks in this exhibition will contextualize and expand on these concepts through a variety of creative expressions and artistic mediums.

Central to this exhibition—and to The CJM as an institution—is a commitment to nurture and uplift the vibrant and varied voices of Jewish artists in our creative communities. This exhibition offers an opportunity to hold space for expressions of creativity that represent thriving California Jewish life in the past, present, and future.

The CJM invites all Jewish-identifying artists residing in California, including emerging, mid-career, and established Jewish artists, to apply. Artists working in a variety of media—including but not exclusive to painting, drawing, photography, digital media, multimedia, sound, writing/poetry, installation, sculpture, ceramics, textile, and social practice—are all encouraged to apply.

qUALIFYING aRTISTS

Jewish-identifying artists currently residing in California who are eighteen years of age or older. 

sUBMISSION gUIDELINES
  • Proposed artwork must engage in some way with the central thematic question of connection.
  • The CJM will not consider works of art that include antisemitic, Islamophobic, or xenophobic tropes, sentiments, or undertones, as determined by The Museum.
  • Proposed artwork must be an existing original work by the artist. No modifications to the submitted work may be made at a later date.
  • Proposed artwork must be finished, ready to be installed, and in good condition.
  • Proposed artwork must be available during the loan period (approximately May–November 2024).
  • Artworks containing materials that might pose a risk to The CJM, its staff, and/or the public—including, but not limited to, organic material that may harbor or attract pests or flammable, toxic, volatile, and/or explosive materials—will be subject to further review and may not be permitted.
aPPLICATION pROCESS

Submissions will be considered only through The CJM’s online application form hosted by artcall.org, which will require the upload of digital images for review. The application form is now open through December 31, 2023, or until the submission cap of 800 is reached.

Artists will be asked to submit digitally:

  • Artist bio and statement (each 300 words maximum) and link to website, if applicable.
  • Up to three artworks for consideration. Each entry must include:
    • Artwork details: title, date, medium, dimensions, and/or running time for time-based works.
    • Short description of the artwork and how it specifically engages with the exhibition theme (200 words maximum).
    • Up to five images illustrating the artwork (minimum 1,920 pixels wide)
    • For time-based artworks (video, sound, etc.) artists may submit a file or a link to an online hosting platform such as Vimeo or Soundcloud.

Portfolios or any physical materials mailed or delivered in person to The Museum will not be considered or returned. Links to the artist’s website should not be submitted without also including the specific details described above for the works being submitted for consideration. 

As part of the submission process, artists must agree to all terms and conditions set forth by The Museum. 

Apply
sELECTION pROCESS

All submissions will be reviewed by CJM staff. The exhibition will be guest curated.

The total number of artists and artworks selected will depend on submission dimensions and volume. Please note that submissions will be capped at 800; we encourage all artists to apply early to ensure their work will be included in the review process.

Artists will be notified in February 2024 if their artworks have been accepted or declined for inclusion in the exhibition. All decisions will be final.

Artists selected for the exhibition will receive an artist participation fee. The CJM is unable to offer any additional funds to commission new works for this exhibition.