Gray Area’s UNSEEN Series began in February 2016 as an ongoing performance opportunity specifically for Bay Area artists who work in overlapping areas of art and technology. The goal of the series is to showcase innovative and experimental creative practice in the Bay Area. In its first year UNSEEN facilitated presentations of time-and performance-based artworks by noted and emerging artists working in sound, experimental music, interactive media, expanded cinema, performance, and immersive art.

In 2017, we invite artists working in the greater San Francisco Bay Area to propose artworks for inclusion in the series. These can be either existing or new works.

Eligibility

This series is open to new, emerging and established artists working in the greater Bay Area. Submissions may be feature either existing or proposed works.

Format

Artworks will be presented in the auditorium of the Grand Theater (2665 Mission Street, San Francisco) and should be time-based experiences with a duration of 20-40 minutes. Our setup time is limited—artworks will be installed/prepared and deinstalled in the same day. We have access to house A/V equipment, including octophonic surround audio array, house projection equipment, and 36’ screen. Within these limitations we invite artists to propose solo or collaborative works of any genre and kind, including but not limited to: immersive sound, music or projection based work; movement or performance artworks; expanded and live cinema; creative code and interactive installation; social engagement artworks and interventions.

For proposed works wishing to utilize our octophonic surround audio system, we will assume some familiarity with preparing output channels for spatialized arrays, but do not discourage artists unfamiliar with multichannel audio from including it in proposals.

The UNSEEN series is curated by Oakland artist Matt Fisher, and presented in 8 channel surround sound with audio engineering and equipment by Recombinant Media Labs.

Deadlines

Are rolling, and we accept proposals at any time. All submissions will be considered for all upcoming performances in the year. The deadline for our March performance is Feb 1st, 2017. Selected artists will be notified on Feb 2nd. Artists not selected for the March performance will be considered for the following performance and do not need to reapply, but may do so with modified proposals if desired.

Payment

The UNSEEN series offers a combination of profit share and artist fee. Half of profits for each UNSEEN performance are paid to artists. Artworks are assigned equal share of profits, along with a small guaranteed stipend of $200 that is split evenly. Total payment depends on number of participating artists and door receipts.

Submission

To submit, fill out our online form here by Feb 1: http://grayarea.wpengine.com/initiative/unseen-series/