The de Young Open exhibition (the “Exhibition”) hosted by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (the “Museum”) is open to all artists, 18 years or older, who currently live in one of the nine Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. Each artist (the “Artist”) will be asked to provide a government-issued photo ID upon delivery of their artwork. The artwork must be the Artist’s original work. All two-dimensional artwork must be delivered ready to hang via two secure points of attachment as per the Artist Guidelines.
All requirements and restrictions — as specified at https://deyoungopen2023.artcall.org/pages/submission-guidelines in the Artist Guidelines — must be met. The following media are prohibited, including but not limited to, and will not be included in the Exhibition: Wood or plant material that may harbor or attract pests such as dried branches, dried bamboo, driftwood, large bark pieces, hay bales and logs. Preserved insects, animals, and other organic material such as feathers, fur, hair, wool, quills, skins, nests, cobwebs, and antlers. Soil, wool yarn or fabrics. Food items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dried beans, and rice. Liquids, including but not limited to water, in unsealed containers. Materials that produce vapor, smoke, mists, and/or odors. Glitter and/or confetti. Balloons, flammable, toxic, volatile, and/or explosive materials. Weapons, live animals and/or insects. Electricity or electrical elements such as neon and other lights, holograms, batteries, digital elements, and/or kinetic and/or other mechanical elements. Any and all other media or materials that the Museum determines in its sole discretion may pose a risk to the Museum, its collection, its staff and/or the public. The Museum reserves the right to reject artworks during onsite inspection by Museum staff if staff determines that the artwork contains any such media or materials.
All entries must be conceived by the Artist who has submitted the work. Two-dimensional work may be no more than 36 square feet and cannot protrude more than 4 inches from the wall. Three-dimensional work shall be no more than 27 cubic feet. Final measurements must be inclusive of frame, if applicable. Weight for any artwork may not exceed 150 pounds. Artworks must be ready-to-hang, ready to install: two-dimensional work must be framed with secure hanging devices as specified in the application; three-dimensional work must be seismically stable and able to stand freely without mounts and/or other interventions, and suitably prepared for installation (i.e., works can be displayed only by being placed on a platform). Museum staff may modify frames and amend hanging hardware, which may include drilling into the frames, in order to facilitate smooth installation. If artworks do not include appropriate hanging hardware, or cannot be safely placed on the museum floor, they will not be installed. A label with the Artist’s contact information and artwork information must be attached to all artwork.
Artists are responsible for delivery and pick-up of their artwork to and from the Museum. No artwork will be held at the Museum for any additional time before or after the Exhibition. Artists must hand deliver selected work(s) of art in their assigned delivery slot. Any packing materials must be removed at the time of release and will not be stored by the Museum. The Museum is not responsible for any artwork left on its premises after the specified pick-up date(s). The Museum will release the object only to the Artist, or the Artist’s designated alternate, and only at the agreed upon release date upon presenting valid government issued photo identification. The Museum assumes no responsibility to search for an artist who cannot be reached or does not collect their artwork at the designated time. The Museum’s right to return the artwork shall accrue absolutely at the termination of the loan period. If, after pursuing contact with the Artist based on the Artist’s contact information provided to the Museum, and in accordance with any legal requirements, the Artist cannot be found or the Artist refuses to accept the return of the artwork, the artwork shall be deemed abandoned and become the property of the Museum to dispose of. Video artwork is to be delivered digitally following the instructions provided by museum staff. Video files will be deleted within 30 days of the exhibition closing date.
The Museum has no responsibility to insure the artwork at any time including, but not limited to, the time the artwork is on museum premises or in transit. The Artist hereby releases the Museum, the City and County of San Francisco, the Fine Arts Museums Foundation and the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums, and each of their respective trustees, officers, agents and employees, from any loss, liability, damages, claims, demands, expenses or costs arising directly or indirectly from the loan of the artwork to the Museum under this agreement.
The Artist hereby warrants that Artist has full legal title to the artwork. The Artist will indemnify, defend and hold the Museum, the City and County of San Francisco, the Fine Arts Museums Foundation and the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums, and each of their respective trustees, officers, agents and employees, harmless from any losses, damages and expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising out of claims by individuals, institutions, or other persons arising directly or indirectly out of the Museum’s use of the artwork under this agreement including, but not limited to, all suits or claims for infringement of the copyright or any other proprietary right of any person or persons. The Museum will release the artwork(s) ONLY to the Artist or their authorized designee, as noted on the “Receipt and Release” form.
