Jackal Leg: Degree Show Proposal....

Part of being a working artist is coming to grips with writing proposals for galleries and spaces that you wish to show your work in. This can be a daunting task as a proposal must clearly state your intentions for the work, outlining your concepts and content as well as the physicality’s for how you intend to utilise the space. A consideration when writing a proposal is how best to represent yourself as a committed and professional artist, but above all your ideas should entice and excite those whom you wish to secure the space from.

It's easier said than done! When you first begin writing space/show proposals you literally feel like you are stabbing in the dark, trying to find the right words to communicate your ideas in a refreshing and exhilarating enough manner for your proposal to be successful. The long and short of it is that it just takes practise....lots of practise.

Just for those artists (and generally curious folk!) out there who have never had the opportunity to see an artists proposal, here are examples of the sketches I created as part of the application for my degree show space in the Edinburgh College of Art (plus images of the model). Its important to keep in mind that although a proposal is required in most circumstances, it is also a given that the work and the layout is subject to change. It is completely down to the individual and the space organisers as to whether the initial plans are strictly adhered to, or whether there is room for experimentation and development of work throughout the creation process. In the case of the Edinburgh Degree Show we are actively encouraged to continue experimenting in our practises and with the layout right up until the last minute.

1^st Choice, Room E11, Far back wall.

Measurements: 22ft in length up to doorway. 14ft in height, up to border.

Example 1