Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts invites artists working in traditional and digital print media to participate in our 12th international print program. The program is greatly anticipated, and shared widely via printmaking organisations, artist participants’ networks and online. Compact Prints 2024 is a celebration of current print practices, embracing both traditional and contemporary methods. The program provides artists a forum to exchange artwork and ideas. It also provides an opportunity to exhibit in a contemporary art space while supporting Umbrella through its fundraising auction. Read the full details and apply through our website: www.umbrella.org.au/cp-apply.
Participation
Artists can register by paying the $25 AU administration fee and submit artwork details by 5pm Friday 31 May 2024. Artists must then post / deliver 3 identical prints (from the 1 edition) to Umbrella by the deadline below. 1 print is exhibited (and kept by Umbrella for archiving and potential touring); 1 is auctioned as a fundraiser for Umbrella and to assist with event costs; and 1 print is posted as an artwork exchange with another participant, through a random selection process. The exhibition, artworks and details will also be documented and presented digitally for international and Australian audiences to explore.
Artwork restrictions and recommendations
Participating artists need to provide 3 prints from 1 artwork edition. The paper size of each print must measure 12 x 12cm however the print may be any size on that paper (including full-page bleeds). Prints that are oversized may be omitted or cropped. Prints can include other materials / methods (e.g. chine-collé, stitching) provided that a form of printing is the primary method, and that each of the 3 prints is identical. Umbrella encourages artists to print on high-quality acid-free paper. Digital prints cannot just be photographs – they must be manipulated. There is no set theme however Umbrella reserves the right to monitor or refuse work that may cause offence to the general public. The prints must be newly created (after 1 January 2023).
Artworks must be received by Umbrella by 5pm (AEST) Friday 7 June 2024.
If you are sending your artwork by post, please ensure you send it well in advance of this due date. Umbrella strongly encourages entrants to use Express Post if possible, and recommends international artists to send works with at least 6 weeks’ lead time and Australian artists to send with at least 2 weeks’ lead time prior to 7 June 2024. Artworks received after the due date will not be exhibited. If delivering your work in person, please deliver during Umbrella’s regular opening hours (9am-5pm Tues-Fri / 9am-1pm Sat-Sun) to 408 Flinders St, Townsville QLD. Send your artworks by post to Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, PO Box 2394, Townsville, Qld, 4810 Australia.
Exhibition details
The exhibition opening will commence 6pm Friday 21 June 2024. The exhibition will be on display 21 June – 21 July 2024.
Auction details
Umbrella will hold a live auction event at the gallery on the night of Saturday 20 July 2024 (the last weekend of the exhibition). Full details to be announced soon.
Exchange details
After the exhibition closes, Umbrella will select pairings for artwork exchanges using an automated, randomised process. Each participant will receive a letter detailing the print they are receiving and which artist received their exchange print.
Image: Barbara Pierce, Group (detail), 2022, Inkjet on Hahnemuele, 12 x 12cm, edition of 4.
