All theatre artists are encouraged to submit proposals for random acts of theatre that they would like to stage around [Austin] as a part of the World Theatre Day SPECT[ACTOR] event. Why not dance on the blurry line between reality and performance and give the gift of theatre to someone who doesn’t expect it? The Exchange Artists and The Greater Austin Creative Alliance are not obtaining legal rights or protection for performances in public places, so thoughtful and respectful planning is required. Proposals are due by email to exchangeartists by January 11th, 2010.

Proposals should include:

- Name of organizer

- Name of theatre company or group (if relevant)

- Number of organized participants

- Location of random act of theatre

- Description of proposed random act of theatre

- Time of day requirements

- Contact information

more informaiont about the event can be found here and on Facebook.

Central Gallery (on the campus of San Jacinto College Central Campus) is currently soliciting Houston area artists to submit proposals for exhibitions in their new space. email Mark Myers if you are interested in submitting a proposal.

Rocco Landesman, the new chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, is setting off on a tour of arts organizations around the nation. In this article he also discusses the important role art has to play in an economic recovery, “they have a real economic impact in America…creating jobs and bringing in money…I can go to Congress and the administration and say, ‘The arts should be part of domestic policy, should be part of coming out of this recession, should be a part of the revitalization of our communities and neighborhoods…We need to move [arts] into the West Wing…in the place where they’re making decisions about economic initiatives…We need to be at the table with the grown-ups, and that means the West Wing.”

via NPR

“Michelle Obama has presented a Coming Up Taller award (which recognizes and supports outstanding after-school arts and humanities programs) from the President’s Committee on Arts and the Humanities to a Texas A&M student and an education curator for the University of Houston’s Blaffer Gallery in a White House ceremony.”

via The Houston Chronicle

2010 Exhibition Call for Artist and Curator Proposals

Box13 Artspace is currently accepting proposals for the 2010 calendar year (January, May, July, September, November 2010) for exhibitions in its two downstairs galleries (~1000 sf each), the window box gallery, and an upstairs gallery. Media artists interested in the Green BOX should contact Michael Henderson at michael@box13artspace.com. Artists and curators are invited to submit recent (or proposed) experimental works not previously shown in Houston.

Exhibition and performance proposals will be reviewed and selections made by a committee of artist resident members of BOX 13 and potentially guest curator(s) for exhibitions/performances.

BOX 13 will accept proposals twice per year to discuss and make programming decisions for the BOX for no more than 18 months into the future from the meeting date. The next upcoming submission deadline for review is October 16, 2009. This is a postmark date.

BOX exhibition/performance space floor plans can be viewed and downloaded as pdf.

All proposals must be submitted in digital format on CDs and DVDs only. Additionally all requested material may be posted to a single page on a website and the link may be submitted. No paper materials will be reviewed. The BOX is committed to the reducing our environmental impact when possible and streamlining the application and review process.

For more information, to make an appointment to view the galleries or to inquire about proposal drop off please email Elaine Bradford , our exhibition coordinator.

Submission Criteria

1. Letter of intent or exhibition proposal in a Word document or PDF file. In 500 words or less. Please be sure to include:
a. Contact information
b. Title and description, concept and physical details
c. Requested gallery space and any requests for equipment or special installation requirements*
d. Any budgetary concerns*
*BOX 13 does not have a budget for assisting artists with expenses at this time..
2. Resumé(s) or CV(s) for all proposed participating artists each in its own Word document or PDF file.
3. Images. NO MORE THAN 15 digital images in jpg format. Numbers should be used in the file names beginning with 01.jpg. Each image must be 1MB or SMALLER. Any files not meeting these requirements may not be viewed when considering your proposal.
4. Video. Video samples may be submitted on DVD or CD. Videos must be ready to play on a computer using Windows Media Player or Quick Time.
5. Corresponding numbered list of submitted images and/or videos in a Word document or PDF file.

Submissions may be mailed to:
BOX 13 ArtSpace
Attn. Exhibition Proposal
6700 Harrisburg Blvd
Houston, TX 77011

BOX 13 Artspace
Address: 6700 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77009
Website: http://box13artspace.com/
Gallery Hours: Saturdays, 1-5pm, and by appointment

Here is a grant opportunity that Texas artists might like to know about:

Calling All Artists - Deadline October 30, 2009

The Idea Fund provides cash awards to Texas-based, artist-generated or artist-centered projects that exemplify the unconventional, interventionist, conceptual, entrepreneurial, participatory, or guerrilla artistic practices that occur outside of the traditional frameworks of support. The Idea Fund will accept proposals from artists/curators focusing on the visual arts, performance, film, video, new media, social practice, and interdisciplinary projects. Grants are awarded for up to $4000. The 2010 deadline is October 30, 2009. For guidelines/applications and more information, visit www.theideafund.org.

(many thanks to Aura Picture Show for sharing this information!)

A friend of mine passed this on to me and I think it translates well to anyone working in the arts. It’s a short, but powerful clip of Ira Glass discussing the importance of perseverance.
Here’s what he has to say.

Keep at it,
Agent Smith

Frenetic Theater is hosting a series of monthly Dance/movement Workshops and Film Nights, free and open to the public.

July 5, 2009
Contemporary Dance taught by Lindsey McGill
Hope Stone Dance company member
Time: 1pm - 3:45pm at Frenetic Theater
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Ages: 18 and up

Space is limited–RSVP required–email rebecca@freneticore.net

or call (832) 426-4624 to reserve your spot!
Address: 5102 Navigation Blvd. Houston TX 77011

Free Film Night
July 10, 2009
Free Film Night
Guest Curator Sean Morrissey Carroll

8pm @ Frenetic Theater
5102 Navigation Blvd.

More details on the website soon!

http://www.freneticore.net/frenetic_theater_events

“Tech Needed for upcoming production of Clara’s Play by John Olive.

Will work with Director Amelia Rico of Ricornel Productions.

Interview by appointment. Please call 713.253.2192 or e-mail Suzette Holley at suzette.holley@att.net

Tech Rehearsals Dates and Time: July 25th at 1:00pm and beginning July 27th 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Performance Dates: Fridays, July 31st, August 7th, August 14th; Saturday, August 1st, 8th, and 15th

This is a great opportunity to be apart of a heartfelt production and an up-close and personal experience.

Earnest Holley Memorial Theater
713.253.2192

www.earnestholleymemorialtheater.com

via Forum - Tech/Crew Call - Tech Needed : TheatrePort.

Beth Secor’s new article on Glasstire offers advice for anyone new to Art Openings.

“For those of you who are just starting out as artists, the opening night reception of your exhibition can be a bit daunting. What do you wear? How do you price your work? Who should you invite? These are just some of the questions you might have.

To help you succeed, I have consulted with a team of experienced artists from around the world on this very subject, and have come up with ten tips to ensure you will have an opening night to remember.”

Many thanks to Secor for such an informative article.
Full article at: Glasstire: Texas visual art online - The Ten List: The Ins and Outs of Openings.