MFA Thesis Exhibition Rental Application
2025 SIU MFA Thesis Exhibition Rentals are available for two 1-week sessions on March 26-28 and April 2-4. Exhibitions can be scheduled in our Main Gallery space or The Neil and Mary Ellen Dillard Media and Performance Gallery. Two person exhibitions for the main gallery space are recommended.
TYPE OF EXHIBITION
MFA Thesis Exhibitions function as a space rental. A refundable security deposit and rental fee are required 30 days prior to installing the exhibition.
An exhibition proposal is required so the gallery can determine if we can meet your exhibition requests and requirements. Any changes to the proposal after initial approval must be submitted in writing to the gallery manager to make sure it is within our gallery installation guidelines.
1-week time slots are available in our main gallery for one or two-person exhibitions and for video or performance-based work in our Media Gallery. Friday night receptions will be joint if there are exhibitions in both spaces.
QUESTIONS
Please schedule a walkthrough of the gallery for any specific questions about what our gallery space provides during an exhibition rental. Contact Kari Woolsey at 618-457-5100 or email exhibits@artspace304.org to schedule an appointment, request agreement outline or ask any questions.
ABOUT OUR GALLERIES
Artspace 304 is located at 304 W Walnut Street, Carbondale, IL. It is a 5000 square foot multi-functioning community art space with room for exhibits, performances, and educational programming. The gallery is a large L- shaped room, the space can be divided to preferred arrangement with two, four foot wide by eight foot tall modular gallery walls. The Main Gallery includes approximately 130 running feet of available wall space and is equipped with adjustable LED track lighting throughout the space. A selection of pedestals are available for three dimensional work. Exhibiting artists are able to offer their works for sale, subject to a standard commission of 40%.
Rental Pricing : MFA Thesis Exhibition
Main Gallery Rental, Wednesday – Friday, 3 Day Exhibition
MFA Thesis Exhibition Rental Fee $175
Refundable security deposit $50
● An exhibition proposal is required so the gallery can determine if we can meet your exhibition requests and requirements. Any changes to the proposal after initial approval must be submitted in writing to the gallery manager to make sure it is within our gallery installation guidelines.
● Install will take place on Monday and Tuesday and deinstall will take place on Saturday. Renter may have two assistants in the space over the course of the rental week.
● The exhibition will be on view starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Friday. Closing Reception will take place on Friday from 5-7pm. Cash bar and Kitchen details are listed below.
● Renter must let Artspace 304 staff know of any private meetings and/or critiques scheduled during the week by the first day of the exhibition, as Artspace 304 will conduct regular business during open and administration hours.
● Renter has full use of the gallery space including artwork installation tools and hardware, pedestals, and to adjust lighting. Renter will provide any specialized hardware or lighting fixtures/ bulbs. Renter is responsible for exhibition material, such as wall vinyl, exhibition text, and title cards.
● If works are for sale, they will be sold at 60/40 commission rate, 60% to the artist and a price list must be provided. Commission will be paid out 2-4 weeks from the end date of the exhibition.
● Renter will take care not to damage walls, windows, and ceilings of the Artspace 304 building. No objects may be installed by hanging from the ceiling. No tape or adhesive of any kind can be used on the floor or windows of the gallery space. At the end of the installation time, the Gallery Manager will do a safety walkthrough of the exhibition space with the renter present. Any violation of installation guidelines, adhesives on the floor or damage to Artspace 304 equipment will result in no return of the security deposit.
● Renter will return Artspace 304 gallery to the same condition upon rental possession, including responsibility for patching any wall holes and painting walls if disturbed. Resetting of the gallery must take place between 9am-5pm on Saturday of the rental.
● Renter will provide promotional images in .jpeg format, as well as, printed show cards or posters if desired, to be used to promote the exhibition at the gallery and on social media, at least 2 weeks prior to the exhibition. A brief exhibition description and/or artist bio will be used in our promotion of the exhibition. All external promotional material must be approved by Artspace 304 prior to printing and distribution and include our logos and necessary sponsor logos.
● Cash Bar Alcohol must be served by an Artspace 304 staff member with valid BASSET License.
● Kitchen $25 Only approved registered caterers or volunteers with food handling certificates are allowed to handle food or be in the kitchen area. Only food from registered catering companies or grocery store-catered pre-made trays can be served. A food handling fee will be applied for an Artspace 304 staff member to handle food.
The Mary Ellen Dillard Media and Performance Gallery is located at 304 W Walnut Street, Carbondale, IL. It is a multifunctional gallery space designed specifically for theatrical, musical, lecture, media, performance, projections, and film screenings. The media gallery is approximately 33 feet in length by 18 feet wide, with cork flooring. The space is equipped with audio and visual equipment - an Epson ProL series laser projector and a wireless sound system. Exhibiting artists are able to offer their works for sale, subject to a standard commission of 40%.
Media Gallery (30 max standing and/or seated)
Capacity is 30 people maximum for standing or seated events. Includes the use of projector and sound system. Also includes lobby and restrooms, however this rental does not include use of main gallery space for any reason.
MFA Thesis Exhibition Rental Fee $150
Refundable Security Deposit $50
● An exhibition proposal is required so the gallery can determine if we can meet your exhibition requests and requirements. Any changes to the proposal after initial approval must be submitted in writing to the gallery manager to make sure it is within our gallery installation guidelines.
● Install will take place on a Monday and Tuesday and deinstall will take place on a Saturday. Renter may have two assistants in the space over the course of the rental week.
● No artwork is able to be installed on the walls in the Media Gallery. This gallery space is solely for artworks utilizing our projector and sound system.
● The exhibition will be on view starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Friday. Closing Reception will take place on Friday from 5-7pm. Cash bar and Kitchen details are listed below.
● Renter must let Artspace 304 staff know of any private meetings and/or critiques scheduled during the week by the first day of the exhibition, as Artspace 304 will conduct regular business during open and administration hours.
● Renter will take care not to damage walls, windows, and ceilings of the Artspace 304 building. No objects may be installed by hanging from the ceiling. No tape or adhesive of any kind can be used on the floor or windows of the gallery space. At the end of the installation time, the Gallery Manager will do a safety walkthrough of the exhibition space with the renter present. Any violation of installation guidelines, adhesives on the floor or damage to Artspace 304 equipment will result in no return of the security deposit.
● If works are for sale, they will be sold at 60/40 commission rate, 60% to the artist and a price list must be provided. Commission will be paid out 2-4 weeks from the end date of the exhibition.
● Renter will return Artspace 304 gallery to the same condition upon rental possession. Resetting of the gallery must take place between 9am-5pm on Saturday of the rental.
● Renter will provide promotional images in .jpeg format, as well as, printed show cards or posters if desired, to be used to promote the exhibition at the gallery and on social media, at least 2 weeks prior to the exhibition. A brief exhibition description and/or artist bio will be used in our promotion of the exhibition. All external promotional material must be approved by Artspace 304 prior to printing and distribution and include our logos and necessary sponsor logos.
● Cash Bar Alcohol must be served by an Artspace 304 staff member with valid BASSET License.
● Kitchen $25 Only approved registered caterers or volunteers with food handling certificates are allowed to handle food or be in the kitchen area. Only food from registered catering companies or grocery store-catered pre-made trays can be served. A food handling fee will be applied for an Artspace 304 stff member to handle food.
Applications are reviewed by the President of Artspace 304 Board, Executive Director, and Program Manager.
QUESTIONS
Please contact Kari Woolsey at 618-457-5100 or email exhibits@artspace304.org
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