orchid gallery

Orchid Gallery is a new exhibition space showcasing artworks by early-career artists of color who call the Greater New Haven Area home. Orchid Gallery, a division of ConnCORP, was established in 2024 in partnership with the bldg fund to meet the following community needs: to invest in artists as visionary yet economically marginalized creative entrepreneurs; to build accessible, culturally-specific space in Greater New Haven; and to mobilize the power of Black art in cultivating an engaged local arts community.  Orchid Gallery is powered by a spirit of innovation and experimentation and celebrates artists who boldly question and envision creative solutions to the socio-economic issues that disproportionately impact our communities. Orchid Gallery sits on the ground-level of ConnCORP’s Hamden campus located at 496 Newhall Street, and is accessible during operating hours and special events. It shares a floor with Recess Café and Orchid Hall, a large event rental space. 

2024 open call

Overview

2024 Open Call Application Opens: January 1, 2024

Deadline to Apply: February 29, 2024

Each year, Orchid Gallery holds an Open Call for Submissions, from which artists are selected for a series of solo shows, thematic group exhibitions, site-specific installations, and programming opportunities. Artists of color who live and/or work in the Greater New Haven Area, and are not commercially represented, are invited to apply. Exhibitions run for 8-12 weeks, and are accessible to the general public, ConnCORP staff, and those participating in special events at Orchid Hall. 

Each exhibition launches with an Opening Reception that is free and open to the public. At the end of each calendar year, all artists who participated in past and current exhibition seasons will be invited to attend a Makers’ Meetup, a large informal gathering held in Orchid Hall that celebrates the unique creativity in our region. The event is designed to foster connection and collaboration amongst local creatives working across disciplines. 

Before applying to the 2024 Open Call, please see the Eligibility & Terms below:

Eligibility & Terms

  • Visual artists of all ages, who self-identify as an early-career artist and a person of color and are not represented by a commercial art gallery, are invited to apply

  • Artists must submit an Artist Statement describing what they make and why (500 Words Max)

    • To learn how to write an Artist Statement, click here

  • Artists must submit a CV, detailing their exhibition history and any relevant projects and experiences. A degree in art is not needed to apply! 

    • To learn how to create an Artist Resume or CV, click here

  • Artists must submit documentation for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 artworks. This should also include:

    • caption information: title, year, dimensions, materials, edition, and price if applicable

    • an artwork description wherever possible/applicable

  • Artists are also invited to submit an optional proposal for a site-specific installation that builds upon ConnCORP’s mission, vision and values, and suits the specificity of the space. This should include:

    • a materials list, installation requirements and a proposed layout with dimensions using the Gallery blueprint which can be made available upon request

    • caption information: artwork title, year, dimensions, materials, edition, and price if applicable

  • Artists are responsible for the hand-delivery of install-ready artwork, however, accommodations will be made for those without access to transportation or for whom the physical transfer of artworks may pose  a barrier to participation

  • Orchid Gallery cannot accept any single work valued at more than $10,000

  • Applications must be submitted by February 29, 2024 at 11:59pm and artists will be notified by March 31, 2024 of selection for the 2024 exhibition season

  • If an artist is interested in contracting the bldg fund to support the promotion and sale of their work–including special tours for collectors and related programming–please indicate this on your application. Otherwise, each artist is responsible for directly managing inquiries and sales