apature 2008 submission FAQ

Is there an age limit?

No. In the past, submissions used to be limited to emerging artists ages 18-35. This year we are excited to have absolutely no age limit, so artists of all ages can submit.

What is meant by the term Asian/Pacific Islander?

KSW takes a broad approach to the API identity. We take it to mean everyone with origins in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle and Near East, Central Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands (from Phillipines to Guam).

What is meant by "emerging" artist?

We're taking a looser approach to this as well. While we want to primarily showcase artists who may not be accustomed to formally presenting their work to wide audiences, we are interested in the many gradations of "emerging" there are. Even if you have shown in the gallery world, you may be considered "emerging" in some communities. Also, as artists, we are constantly evolving and emerging, so that's another way to look at it (particularly for artists who cross genres).

Can I submit more than one work?
Can I submit in more than one discipline?

Artists may submit as many units in as many disciplines as he/she wishes. Due to space constraints, artists with multiple acceptances may only be offered one slot regardless of merit. A separate submission form and $10 submission fee is required for each unit of work submitted.

What constitutes one submission?
In what format should I submit my artwork?

VISUAL: A single gallery piece or a series of related works (e.g. a photo series featuring one subject). Visual submitters MUST include their artwork’s dimensions as the piece would be displayed, including frames, etc. Physically large works may be impossible to accept due to space constraints.
PERFORMANCE: A single piece or excerpt of a longer piece no longer than 15 minutes. Videotaped performances preferable, otherwise attach a detailed description.
MUSIC: A musical presentation or performance no longer than 15 minutes (submit enough tracks to give an reasonable impression of your work).
FILM/VIDEO: A single short film or video no longer than 15 minutes submitted for consideration in VHS or DVD format. Accepted films must be put on MiniDV by the filmmaker two weeks prior to APAture.
LITERARY (READINGS): One reading no longer than 10 minutes. Submit an audiotape along with your manuscript, if possible.
LITERARY (SPOKEN WORD): One performance no longer than 10 minutes. Submit a videotape, audiotape, or manuscript. If you email your manuscript, indicate that on your form.
TABLES/PRINTED MATERIALS (ZINES/COMICS): Work to sell at a table. Submit enough materials to show a range of your work.

When will I find out if my submission has been accepted?

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status via email the week of August 18, 2008.

How are artists selected?

APAture is planned and curated by a committee of volunteer organizers. The group first meets in February, and over the next six months plans every aspect of the APAture program. This planning committee breaks up into five curatorial committees, one for each of the categories to which artists may submit, that evaluate the submissions and decide which work is accepted.

How do you define "San Francisco Bay Area"?

To submit, you must live or work in one of the following counties: San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Santa Cruz.

Can I sell artwork at APAture?

Accepted artists may also sell their work at APAture. Consult the Guidelines page for more information.

I haven't finished my artwork. Can I still submit?

Yes, you may submit works-in-progress. You must submit a specific, thoroughly written proposal, along with documentation of the work in its state at the time of proposal.

I am a filmmaker. Can I submit online?

Yes, you may submit your application and documentation online, but you should send a copy of your film/video on VHS or DVD separately to the KSW office.

When and where will APAture be held?

It takes place September 18-29 in various venues throughout the Mission District of San Francisco, including KSW's headquarters on 17th and Capp.

What are the benefits of my submitting?

For one thing, KSW is a prime exemplar of how the arts can contribute to community building, thus leading to a variety of coalitions with diverse communities. In other words, lots of people will see your work! APAture is here to show you all that the sky's the limit and anything is possible as far as our art and our voices go. We want to showcase work that is provocative, that makes a difference, and that will get the community talking. The festival will be supplemented by a series of workshops and panels as well, which will further contribute to drawing a variety of audiences.

Are there any themes to the festival?

Nope--but we do want artwork that is bold, makes a statement (and not necessarily just political), and will get folks thinking. And we want to showcase a diversity of works to show everyone that talent comes in many stripes.FYI, the piece need not be an "identity" piece that specifically refers to being an API person. However, it does help if your piece makes a strong statement--culturally, politically, spiritually, socially, and otherwise.

When will I hear back on whether I made it or not?

KSW will be contacting the accepted artists by mid-August. Feel free to call us if you haven't heard from us by then.