The Rupert Museum would like to invite artists and creatives, from any creative industry, platform or profession, to take inspiration from AbstRacT – the hidden synchrony exhibition from the collections of the Huberte Goote Art Foundation and Rupert Art Foundation. Responsive works are to be submitted electronically for possible inclusion in a selling group exhibition to be showcased in the Jan Rupert Art Centre located in Graaff-Reinet from February to September 2025.

This is the Rupert Museum’s third OPEN CALL following the first instalment during 2020. The OPEN CALL’s aim is to inspire and activate engagement with the permanent collections managed by the Rupert Museum as well as presenting upcoming artists and creatives the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work.

To get a sense of the exhibition space you can potentially be part of, open the following link to view the previous open call group exhibition: IN-RESPONSE: Art of the Space Age. 

Not possible for you to visit AbstRact – the hidden synchrony? Not to worry, download the exhibition catalogue here

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The call is open to anyone (living in South Africa and older than 18 years) who would like to create a responsive work using any medium and style of their choice. As this is a responsive call, no work created before April 2024 may be submitted. The amount of works to be selected for exhibition will be determined by the quality as well as the overall size of selected pieces. Due to travel and size restrictions in the exhibition space of the Jan Rupert Art Centre, the work submitted must comply with the following requirements:

Dimensions:

1. Two-dimensional work

Can be created in any medium of choice on any surface, hence it is moveable and stable for travel. Framed size within 150 x 150cm and not exceeding 25cm in depth.

All works on paper, including photography, must be framed for exhibition at the artist’s cost. Works on board or canvas (if left unframed) must be equipped with a sufficient hanging mechanism.

1. Three-dimensional work and/or installations

Can be created in any medium of choice, must be able to stand freely on the floor or a plinth. Size limited to: (h) 250 x (b) 200 x (d) 200 cm.

No suspension from ceilings possible, if suspension is needed the armature to carry the piece must be included.

1. Weight of work

No work either 2D or 3D may exceed 50kg in weight.

1. Multimedia work, video performances or film

Can only be displayed on a 50” Smart TV screen (if own monitor or screen is not provided). The use of earphones is possible (subjected to availability and requirements). 

1. Kinetic work

Any piece with sound, or that is motorised, will have to be equipped with its own devices, electronics and plug(s), power sockets are available in the space.

Cost of packaging and travel of final selected works:

1. Travel will be covered from the following main city centres in South Africa (North-West, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha). It will be the responsibility of the artist, at their cost, to get the work to the allocated drop-off point at these city centres (more details on drop-off points will be disclosed with successful submission confirmation).

1. If the work(s) are not sold, the work(s) will return to the same drop-off locations after the exhibition for the artists’ collection.

1. Packing and crating costs will be carried, hence the discretion of the Rupert Museum, as shared crating will be utilised.

Exhibition possibilities:

1. Chosen works will be exhibited at the Jan Rupert Art Centre located in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape.

1. All works must be available for sale and priced under R65,000.00. Please note that there will be no commission percentage charged. If you are VAT registered your price should include 15% VAT if not this can be excluded. 

1. Sold works will have to remain on exhibition until the exhibition ends and will then be shipped to buyers (all sales and further arrangements will be facilitated by the Jan Rupert Art Centre and Rupert Museum).

1. The online auction to be hosted during the exhibition period will enhance the prospected sales and marketing of these works. To participate will be at the discretion of each artist, the Rupert Museum and appointed auctioneer.

1. Works must remain on show for the full duration of the exhibition. Specific dates TBC (February – September 2025)

1. An electronic exhibition catalogue will be compiled and available for distribution.

Process of submission:

1. Your work must be submitted electronically through mailing the submission form, synopsis (up to 300 words) and high-resolution images or video to opencall@rupertmuseum.org of the completed work before or on the closing date of Friday, 3 January 2025.

1. Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry must be accompanied by its own submission form and synopsis.

1. Selected artists will be informed no later than Friday, 24 January 2025 about their inclusion into the group exhibition. Unsuccessful submissions will also be informed by 31 January 2025.

1. Selected works will have to be delivered to the identified depot or delivery point of choice by Friday, 31 January 2025.

1. Please note that this is NOT a competition or prize and there is no prize money, or awards given.

DOWNLOAD OPEN CALL SUBMISSION FORM

Find out more about AbstRacT – the hidden synchrony here.

Any enquiries can be directed to opencall@rupertmuseum.org / 021 888 3261.