About Valerie Gillespie Contemporary
Mission & History
Mission & History
Mission & History
Founded in 2023 by Pencil on Paper Gallery owner, Dr. Valerie Gillespie, Valerie Gillespie Contemporary's mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive arts community in the city of Dallas. Through artist residencies, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, VGC strives to foster creativity, empower artists, and inspire meaningful connections.
Artist Studio
Mission & History
Mission & History
One artist is awarded a residency each year through VGC where the criteria for acceptance is artistic excellence and scholarship. There are no residency fees, and need-based stipends and grants are available and open to the broadest possible community of artists. VGC encourages applications from local DFW artists in the visual arts.
Artist - in - Residence Information
About the Residency
- Application Process: Our non-profit artist residency has an application process that artists must go through to be considered for acceptance for 4-week or 6-week residencies. This involves submitting an application form (available online), a portfolio of work (10 JPEG images no larger than 5MB), an artist statement (500 to 1,500 words), and one letter of recommendation from an arts professional.
- Selection Criteria: Specific criteria for selecting artists include artistic merit, the potential for artistic growth, alignment with the residency's mission, and diversity and inclusion considerations.
- Residency Duration: VGC residencies can vary in length, ranging from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. The specific duration will depend on the artist and program.
- Facilities and Housing: VGC artist residencies do not provide local artists with housing. The residency does provide artists with a studio space during their residency with limited access. (Hours of access will be determined upon acceptance to the program.)
- Financial Support: Financial support is provided to selected artists in the form of stipends, grants, or material allowances. This support can vary and depends heavily on the support of the DFW community.
- Community Engagement: VGC artist residencies require artists to participate in community engagement activities such as artist talks, workshops, open studios, or collaborations with local organizations or schools. These will vary between artists.
- Expectations and Responsibilities: Artists participating in a the VGC residency are expected to commit to their artistic practice, engage with the DFW art community, and respect the policies and guidelines set by the residency program.
- Public Presentation or Exhibition: VGC artist residencies have the potential to culminate in a public presentation of the artist's work, such as an exhibition or open studio event. An exhibition depends heavily on the work created in the residency and its ability to work alongside Pencil on Paper Gallery's programming. The VGC residency program provides opportunities for the artist to showcase their work to the public and engage with the local community. The exhibition is not guaranteed; however, the residency strives to aid in the success of the artist chosen.
Application Components
- Eligibility: VGC accepts applications from artists working in the 2D visual arts: painting, drawing, photography, and collage. VGC welcomes artists ages 25+ and in all stages of their artistic practice to apply. VGC is committed to diversity and inclusion, and a more equitable arts and cultural sector. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a difference, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. There are no medical facilities or medical personnel on site during the VGC residency. Artists with questions or concerns about potential medical needs are encouraged to contact us prior to residency to discuss access needs.
- Application Periods & Deadlines: Artists may submit only one application every 24 months. VGC will only accept applications for the upcoming deadline. Applications open June 15th and close July 31st with notification of acceptance by September 15th. All residencies start on November 2nd with the potential for a culminating exhibition in January. Exhibitions are not always a guarantee. Artists must donate one work of art at the conclusion of the residency.
- Work Samples: All work samples are uploaded and submitted through the online application. (Google Form) Applicants unable to submit new work to review should include a note of explanation via email. 10 jpeg format images should be submitted minimum.
- Reference Letter: VGC understands that the reference letter requirement as part of the application process may pose a barrier to applying. Not all artists have access to referrers. While reference letters serve a purpose in application reviews, it is not always an equitable or fair assessment tool. If you are unable to provide a reference letter, please note this on the reference letter submission section of the online application. (You might need to upload you note via pdf and attach in order to move forward in the google form.)
Evaluation Criteria
- Selection Criteria: The artist-in-residence will be an artist working with a distinct and new voice, with clear mastery of their media of choice. Preference will be given to artists who are in the early or middle stages of their career. VGC is interested in giving opportunity and a platform to underrepresented artists. Artists are selected on the basis of residency program-related criteria including preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity
- Artistic Merit: VGC seeks artists with a strong artistic practice, originality, and creativity in their work. VGC considers the quality of the artist's portfolio, past exhibitions, awards, and recognition received.
- Project Proposal: Artists are required to submit a project proposal outlining their intended artistic project during the residency through the online application. The proposal is evaluated for its clarity, feasibility, and how well it aligns with the goals and themes of the residency.
- Artistic Goals and Intentions: Assessment of how well an artist's goals align with the mission and focus of the residency will be considered.
- CV and Experience: The artist's resume or curriculum vitae will be reviewed to evaluate professional experience, past residencies, exhibitions, education, and any other relevant accomplishments.
- Potential for Growth: VGC aims to support artists at critical points in their careers.
- Engagement and Collaboration: Artists who demonstrate a willingness to engage with other artists, the local community, or collaborate with others may be viewed more favorably.
- Feasibility and Commitment: Residencies can often be intense and require dedication. The artist's ability to commit to the VGC residency's time frame and requirements may also be assessed.