The Night Gallery: Open Call 2020 'Wonderland'- DEADLINE EXTENDED - Aug 3rd

In order to provide more time for submissions & proposals, the submission deadline has been extended to Monday, August 3. The exhibition schedule will be updated accordingly. 

Chicago: Bridgeport, North Lawndale, Hyde Park
August-October 2020

“Curiouser and curiouser,” exclaims Alice, as she arrives in Lewis Carroll’s surreal world of the nonsensical, the absurd, and the beautiful. This year, in 2020, from August-October, The Night Gallery will screen three works in three locations in Chicago’s south and west sides: North Lawndale, Hyde Park, and Bridgeport. We are seeking film, video, animation and other works to be exhibited on the topic of Wonderland. Wonderland seeks works which re-imagine existing cultural, sociological, or personal environments through the lens of wonder—foregrounding the mystical, the weird, and the divine. Projects may, for example, reframe systemically racist narratives of “urban blight” in favor of the complex ecologies of city dreams. In a world where oppressive systems seek to produce a single hegemonic reality which foreclose on alternate futures, Wonderland features works by architects, designers, filmmakers, and other creatives which use cinematic techniques to elude monolithic understandings of the world we live in. 

The Night Gallery will present the 2020 exhibitions in partnership with Principle Barbers (North Lawndale) and The Silver Room (Hyde Park), two businesses which also serve as creative event spaces by night. This expansion of The Night Gallery beyond Bridgeport builds on a network of city-wide BIPOC-owned businesses which support community programming.  

For selected works, participants are compensated with a $500 honorarium and invited to discuss their work via video call or in person. Event openings in storefronts across Chicago’s south and west sides will be organized to maintain social distancing through scheduled ticketing, designated viewing spots, and digital engagement strategies.

Submissions are due by August, 3rd. Please send a brief project description with a Vimeo (or link) to [email protected]. Well-developed project proposals with sample clips are encouraged for consideration. Each project and in situ installation will be developed in collaboration with the participants. Explore past seasons of The Night Gallery for inspiration.

About The Night Gallery
Founded in 2017, The Night Gallery is a nocturnal exhibition space in Chicago. Open from sunset to sunrise, The Night Gallery features film and video works by architects, designers, filmmakers, and artists. Situated in storefront windows, The Night Gallery engages the public sidewalk, transforming the street into a viewing and exhibition space as well as connecting pedestrians and passerby. Curatorially, The Night Gallery acts as a platform for experimentation into “live drawings”—film, video, animation, and other moving images—an increasingly urgent medium in architecture and design in the context of contemporary conditions of accelerated media and matter. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, The Night Gallery exhibited works that explored these themes of time and change while also creating discourse and engagement with design in the public space of the sidewalk at night.

About Principle Barbers 
A place for straight razorshaves, haircuts for men, a place for shop talks and creative events, lovers of art and music, performances with live bands, DJs and a platform and meeting place for the community. It's a shop that is built on principles of professionalism, proper quality service, client relationships, freedom and creativity.

About The Silver Room
Founded in 1997 by Eric Williams, The Silver Room has been supporting local designers, hosting events, and building community for over 20 years. Currently located in the heart of Hyde Park, our store is an eclectic mix of locally- and internationally-sourced handmade jewelry, accessories, clothing, artwork, home goods and a curated selection of music. We have a little something for everybody. Most importantly, you’ll find a dedicated and knowledgeable staff ready to help you pick out the perfect gift or design a custom order.