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Application Deadline: | October 12, 2025 |
Artist Notification: | November 14, 2025 |
Shipped and Hand-Delivered Work Deadline: | May 4–14, 2026 |
Exhibition Dates: | June 27–November 29, 2026 |
Opening Reception: | Saturday, June 27, 2026, 3:00–6:00 PM |
Pick up Hand-Delivered Work: | December 7–11, 2026 |
Return Shipped Work: | January 15, 2027 |
Fractured Foundations: 250 Years of American History – Exhibition Overview
The American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) is proud to announce Fractured Foundations: 250 Years of American History. We invite ceramic artists to participate in this exhibition by proposing recently created or new work in response to the exhibition’s prompt.
Artists are invited to propose work that reflects on an event in US History that demonstrates resilience, injustice, triumph, and the impact of federal, state, and local policies. This exhibition aims to challenge traditional historical narratives and offer a more accurate perspective on our country. The exhibition will run from June 27 to November 29, 2026.
Applications for Fractured Foundations are open August 20–October 12, 2025
How to Apply
Artists are invited to propose work that reflects on an event in US History that demonstrates resilience, injustice, triumph, and the impact of federal, state, and local policies. For examples of historical events, view the google spreadsheet here. Artists can choose an event from this list or select their own.
Application Platform
Applications deadline October 12, 2025
Instructions:
- Locate the Application on Slideroom
- You’ll be prompted to create an account
- Upload the requested materials
- Pay the $10 application fee
- Click Submit
If help is needed navigating the Slideroom site, please call (909) 865-3146; AMOCA staff will be happy to assist.
Fee
There is a $10 application fee.
Eligibility and Guidelines
ELIGIBILITY:
- Open to artists aged 18 or older residing in the United States
- Artwork must consist of at least 50% clay
- Artwork must be about a historical event in America’s history; artists may choose an event from the google spreadsheet, or select their own
- Work must be created within the last 3 years or be in progress for the exhibition
GUIDELINES for ACCEPTED ARTISTS:
- For shipped work, box dimensions must not exceed 24” in any direction.
- For hand-delivered work, artwork dimensions must not exceed 48” in any direction.
- Artwork should be exhibition-ready, with the artist responsible for providing any necessary mounting fixtures. AMOCA will provide pedestals.
- AMOCA reserves the right to decline any artwork that arrives damaged or does not match the application submission.
Application Information & Materials
APPLICATION INFORMATION
- Proposals must include an accompanying project statement describing how your proposed piece responds to the exhibition theme
- To propose a completed piece, submit 3-4 images
- To propose a new (not yet completed) work, please submit a sketch and/or detailed written description of the proposed work along with 3-4 images of completed, existing work for reference
REQUESTED MATERIALS
- Project Statement: Please provide 250 words (maximum) describing your proposed project and how it best responds to the exhibition theme.
- Images:
- Completed work: submit 3–4 images
- Proposed new work: submit sketches and/or description + 3 images of past work for reference
Transportation and Shipping
SHIPPING EXPENSES
Selected artists are responsible for shipping/insurance fees to AMOCA.
AMOCA will pay for return shipping costs (up to $100) and insurance (covered up to $1,500). Artists are responsible for informing AMOCA of any changes to the return address provided in the application. Failure to do so may result in the artwork being returned to the wrong address or to AMOCA, in which case, the artist will be responsible for the cost of reshipping the work.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Local artists may drop off and pick up the artwork in person at AMOCA during designated hours. Any work dropped off must be picked up. Any work not picked up by March 1, 2027, will become the property of AMOCA unless otherwise agreed to with the Exhibition Manager.
FAQ
Q: I created a piece about the Tulsa Race Massacre in 2020. Can I send you pictures of that completed clay piece for consideration for Fractured Foundations?
A: No. This call is for recently created or new work only. We’re looking for work created in 2023 or after. If you have an idea for a piece but haven’t yet created it, submit a sketch of your new idea.
Q: I’ve started my piece, but it’s not finished yet. Should I upload a picture of the work in progress?
A: Sure! We’re happy to see images that will give us a better understanding of what you propose. Please upload a picture of your work in progress as one of your attachments.
Q: How will my submission be evaluated?
A: Applications will be reviewed by a Guest Juror (TBD), based on concept and execution of previous work.
Q: When will I hear back?
A: Participants will be notified by November 14, 2025.
Q: How long do I have to create the new work I proposed?
A: Accepted artists will be notified by Friday, November 14, 2025. Artwork needs to be completed and delivered to AMOCA in early May 2026.
Exhibition Acknowledgments
This exhibition is funded, in part, grants from the Dew Foundation, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and by support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
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