The Galleries of the McLean Project for the Arts
Exhibition Programming Policy
The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art. Quality of artwork, and the conceptual integrity of exhibition proposals (as well as the particular scope or focus of MPA's exhibit schedule for that year) are the primary deciding factors in determining which artists are selected for exhibition. Submissions should be sent to Director of Exhibitions; McLean Project for the Arts; 1234 Ingleside Avenue; McLean, VA 22101. tel: 703.790.1953 fax: 703.790.1012
The following types of exhibition opportunities are offered by MPA:
1) Shows selected by Jurors:
Strictly Painting (or other biennial juried theme exhibitions)
Strictly Painting and Futur Skulpture are two examples of media-specific exhibitions juried by arts professionals such as museum curators, arts organization curators, art consultants, art critics, independent curators, art historians and accomplished artists. All mid-Atlantic artists are invited to submit their slides to MPA through a Call for Entries procedure. The number of artists selected depends upon the juror's decision. Cash prizes are awarded. Anyone who wishes to receive a prospectus for upcoming juried shows may send his or her address to MPA at the above address or via email: mpaart@aol.com
2) Exhibitions Organized by Curators
See below.
3) Solo and Group exhibitions initiated by MPA's Exhibitions Director
MPA's Exhibitions Director curates several solo or thematic group exhibitions per year. These exhibitions result from introduction to artist's work through slide submissions, studio visits; research in slide registries; visits to other galleries and arts organizations; attending lectures, panels, and special events; visiting university art departments; peer recommendations from other artists and curators; readings and other sources of inspiration.
Slide Submissions by Artists seeking Solo Exhibitions
MPA encourages artists to submit slides and other visual materials of recent work for consideration in solo exhibition programming. Submissions should include one or more sheets of recent slides, an artist resume, artist statement, any catalogs or press coverage, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.) with protective cardboard and sufficient postage to cover slide return.
Reviews of materials are now done throughout the year. MPA's Director of Exhibitions reviews the submissions and will respond to the artist through a letter or telephone call. This may require some waiting period as the annual programming is developed over a year in advance with an agenda for balance, range and inclusivity. Artists are welcome to check in on the decision making progress. Apologies for this lag time are herein offered.
Submitted Proposals of Thematic Group Exhibitions
Curators may submit proposals of thematic group exhibitions that explore an idea in depth. MPA recommends that one individual serve as the project organizer (curator / artist / writer). This individual should not be one of the proposed exhibiting artists. Artistic quality, depth of research, budget feasibility, attention to administrative detail, and overall professionalism of the proposal are deciding factors in selecting exhibitions. Submissions should include: an exhibition goal statement; a list of artists with their resumes and current slides or videos; experience of project organizer (resume), budget, outline of project needs, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with protective cardboard and sufficient postage to cover return of submission.
MPA's Director of Exhibitions will review thematic curatorial submissions and respond through a letter or telephone call. Consideration of submissions is ongoing. Again, applicants should be aware that the exhibition schedule is being developed almost two years in advance.
Traveling or Shared Exhibitions
MPA also presents traveling or shared exhibitions of contemporary art that are organized by other institutions. An example is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Un/Common Ground exhibition of Virginia artists that, in its traveling schedule, was shared by MPA and the Ellipse Gallery. Other collaborations include co-organized exhibitions with other institutions and artist residencies in the schools or community.
