TRIBUTARIES FAQS
Does all my work have to be entirely made of metal?
Not necessarily. Artwork should be primarily metal and demonstrate a technical mastery of the material. Mixed media and non-metal works may be included if they are essential to a body of work that is primarily metal.
What are the maximum dimensions and weights?
Pieces cannot exceed 42”x 120” x 102” and can be a maximum total of 85 lbs per square foot.
Is there an application fee?
No, the Museum does not charge an application fee to apply for Tributaries.
Can I submit more than one application?
The Museum will only review one application per artist. If you submit a new application, the most recent application will replace any previous applications on file.
When will I hear if I’ve been selected for a Tributaries exhibition?
The Museum reviews applications and fills in the exhibition schedule on a rolling basis. We keep applications on file for up to three years, so it is possible that you could be selected for a Tributaries show at any point from the time you submit an application to five years after the submission date.
Will you let me know if I am not selected for a Tributaries exhibition?
The Museum will only notify artists that have been selected, because applications stay on file for three years and artists could be selected at a later time. Rest assured, you would be contacted with two or more years' notice to get ready for the exhibition and would know well ahead of time if you were selected.
If I’m selected for a show, how do I get my artwork to the Museum?
If selected to be a Tributaries artist, the Metal Museum will work with you to coordinate shipping or delivery of your artwork. The Museum covers the cost of shipping, as well as insurance during transit and while at the Museum. Most often, artwork is shipped via FedEx, but other shipping options are available.
I want to include work that I’ve sold. What should I do?
The Museum can negotiate loans from collectors for your show. We would require that you provide a list of potential lenders, contact information for those lenders, and which pieces you would like to request for the show. The Museum would then contact the potential lenders and if they are willing to loan, handle all contracts, shipping, insurance and other needs for the securement of the loan. Please be advised that the Museum cannot guarantee that loans can be secured from third parties but will make a reasonable effort to obtain the requested loans.
Can my work be for sale during the exhibition?
No. In order to adhere to Museum ethics, your work may not be advertised as for sale for the duration of the exhibition. While the object(s) may be sold privately, the Museum can take no part in the sale, and the loan agreement, which limits objects being pulled from an exhibition early, must be honored. If there are any sales inquiries, the Museum will refer them to you or your gallery directly to handle requests for further information.
Can I pull artwork from the exhibition early if I want to sell it, or include it in a different show?
No, once the object list is finalized in the contract (approximately 3 months before the opening), work cannot be substituted or withdrawn until the close of the exhibition. This ensures we can provide proper exhibition furniture, mounts, labels, gallery guides, and marketing for the duration of your show.
Do I need to come to the Museum to install my work?
No, you do not need to install your work. If you have specific installation instructions or layout requests, please send those in advance of your work arriving at the Museum. We are able to make custom mounts and may build new furniture if necessary.
Do I need to come to the Museum for the opening reception?
Preferably, yes. We try to schedule the exhibition reception with the opening of the show and do require artists to come to the reception and give a gallery talk about their work and process. If there is a scheduling conflict, we do occasionally schedule a closing reception or a reception at some other point during the run of the show. The Museum will cover the cost of your trip, including accommodations, up to $750.
Can I apply for a Tributaries show with a partner or group?
At this time, we are only accepting applications from individual artists.
How will my show be marketed?
The Museum will design and distribute quarterly postcards, which will include information about your exhibition. We will also advertise your show through our website, email newsletter, and social media. Press releases will be distributed to regional and national news outlets and publications.
I’ve already been a Tributaries artist. Can I apply again?
In an effort to provide solo shows to as many artists as possible, previous Tributaries artists are not eligible to reapply. Artists who are offered a Tributaries exhibition are not eligible for another solo exhibition at the Museum for 10 years.
How many pieces can I include in my show?
The number of pieces in the show is very dependent on the size of the work you include. The gallery space is approximately 930 square feet. Typically, Tributaries artists include 14-24 pieces if the work is medium to large and 20-40 pieces if the work is small. The Museum reserves the right to not include every piece if the gallery would be overcrowded.