News

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is currently developing an exhibition project that seeks to examine, through work by local artists, the vital role women played in the development of early modern Caymanian society from the 1800’s through to the mid-20th century.

Approximately 15 contemporary artists will be selected and commissioned to respond to this theme in a diverse range of mediums, styles and genres, inspired by oral histories, archival material and historical objects relevant to the subject. The exhibition seeks to facilitate a dialogue around the story of the resilience, adaptive ingenuity and technical prowess of the women who remained on land during the heyday of the Cayman Islands' maritime industry.

The exhibition specifically considers the important roles of Caymanian women of diverse racial and economic backgrounds through the following issues: individual and collective health, especially reproductive and children’s health; in the local economy, through the prudent and creative management of local and remitted resources; in relationships, with the men who went out to see for extended periods of time, and with the family, friends and communities on the islands; in faith and beliefs, formal and informal; and as keepers of communal memories.

The artists and projects will be selected from this open call for proposals. All artists, female and male, who have an interest in, or a practice based around, issues relevant to the exhibition are invited to submit a proposal. Artists are encouraged to move beyond purely representational work and to incorporate a research element into their projects. In addition to work of fine art, fine craft, film and literature, projects that include historical objects and archival material will be considered. The main exhibition site will be NGCI’s lower exhibition hall, although interventions into other sites in the Cayman Islands that are relevant to the exhibition will also be considered.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

This exhibition is open to residents in the Cayman Islands or artists of the Caymanian diaspora. Artists are invited to submit photos of work (or work concept drawings/photos), with an accompanying artist’s statement relating the work to the exhibition synopsis. One submission per artist will be considered. To qualify for consideration, submissions must be provided in electronic format and include:

1. Artist biography (200 words) and headshot

2. Project proposal with statement and artwork information (title, date, medium and a description of 300 words max (minimum of 200)

3. Images to support the proposed work (clear sketches, sample works etc will be accepted if the work is still in concept phase)

4. Link to your website if applicable

Artists seeking assistance with the development of their proposal may book an appointment via collections@nationalgallery.org.ky . All submissions will be considered by the National Gallery Exhibition Committee and the Chief Curator. Successful submissions will be notified by email no later than Wednesday, 25 September 2019. Each successful applicant will receive a monetary grant towards the development of their project. Final artwork needs to be delivered to the NGCI site on or before Friday, 10 January 2019. The exhibition is scheduled to run from 16 January until 02 April 2019. For more information email collections@nationalgallery.org.ky .