Beyond the Binary: An Intimate Love Letter

Umbra Arts Grand Opening Photography Application Brief

Event: Grand Opening of Umbra Arts Fine Art Collective
Exhibition Dates: November & December 2024
Location: Umbra Arts, 710 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Overview: Umbra Arts is thrilled to announce a call for submissions for our inaugural photography exhibition, coinciding with the grand opening of our new fine art collective. We are seeking intimate and provocative portraits that celebrate the passion and beauty of the transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit communities.

Theme: The theme for this exhibition is the "Beyond the Binary: An Intimate Love Letter." We are looking for artistic, natural (nude), and provocative photographs of individuals who identify as trans, non-binary, or Two-Spirit. Images can feature individuals or couples, unclothed, in either black & white or color. This exhibit is a celebration of these communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, highlighting their raw sex appeal, inherent beauty, and the wonder of their journeys. The goal is to claim their right to be seen proudly, emphasizing body positivity across all genders, colors, and shapes.

Important Note: Submissions that directly show genitals will not be considered. We want to ensure the exhibition is a respectful and empowering space, rather than one that risks objectifying the trans body. The focus is on the other sexual aspects of intimacy within these communities. We acknowledge and celebrate all intimate partnerings in the transgender and non-binary communities. Only one individual in the submitted photo must be trans or non-binary, recognizing that there are all types of relational configurations between people of various genders.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Eligibility: Open to photographers of all levels, from emerging talents to established professionals.
  • Medium: Digital and film photography.
  • Submission Limit: Up to 5 images per photographer (no more than 3 images per photographer will be chosen).
  • File Format: High-resolution JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
  • Image Size: Maximum 20MB.
  • File Naming: LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg (e.g., Doe_John_Passion.jpg).
  • Fee: $20 per artist submission.

How to Apply:

  • Complete the application form below.
  • Pay the submission fee below

Important Dates:

    • Submission Deadline: Midnight, October 26th, 2024
    • Notification of Acceptance: October 31st, 2024
    • Artwork Delivery Date: No later than October 28th, 2024
      • If artwork is delivered digitally only, or not framed there will be an additional fee of $50 or $75 for printing and/or framing.
      • A metal print of selecting artwork for the show can be made for $45
    • Exhibition: November & December 2024
  • Grand Opening for Umbra Arts: tentative November 5th
  • Selection Process: Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of esteemed judges, including curators, professional photographers, and art critics. Selection will be based on artistic merit, originality, and adherence to the theme.

    Exhibition Details: Artists will collect 85% of any sales related to artwork selected for this curated event. Selected works will be displayed during our grand opening event and through December 2024. Artists will have the opportunity to sell their exhibited works, with Umbra Arts retaining a 15% collective commission on any artworks sold. Artists can choose to accept or decline the option to have their work merchandised on our website or in our gallery, with the same 15% commission applying to any merchandised artwork. 

    Contact: For any questions or further information, please contact Josh Kelly at:

    josh@umbra-arts.com

    or

    (612) 219-2211.

    We look forward to seeing your interpretations of the "Beyond the Binary: An Intimate Love Letter" and celebrating the grand opening of Umbra Arts with a showcase of exceptional photographic art.