CALL FOR PROPOSALS
To Love and Be Loved in Return
Día de los Muertos 2022

Deadline Extended: Thursday, June 9, 11:59 PM PST

Now in its 23rd year, SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition is one of the most internationally diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States.

Founded by beloved San Francisco artist and curator René Yañez, Día de Los Muertos at SOMArts merges traditional altars with contemporary installations, continuing to be a multigenerational gathering of remembrance while asserting the role of art as a platform for collective action. Continuing the legacy of René Yañez’ work, curator Rio Yañez welcomes co-curator Anaís Azul to the exhibit.

This year we invite artists to reflect on how those we have lost have taught us to love and be loved in return. As we navigate a world troubled with war and injustice, we are more connected to each other than we ever thought possible. Love is the orchestrator connecting us to our departed and the action grounding our communities in healing. We invite artists to create altar installations that exemplify how the love between us and our dead continue to show how us to navigate the world.

KEY DATES
Tuesday, May 31, 11:59PM PST: Deadline for submissions
Week of August 1: Artist notified of their application status
Wednesday, August 31, 6PM PST: Mandatory artist meeting, virtual
Wednesday, September 28–Sunday, October 2: Artist install by appointment, between 10AM–4PM PST
Friday, October 7, 6–9PM PST: Opening reception
Saturday, October 8–Friday, November 4: Exhibition run
Saturday, November 5: Deinstall by appointment, between 10AM–4PM PST

RECENT DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS EXHIBITIONS
Dreams Emerging, Beyond Resilience: Día de los Muertos 2021
Living Legacies: Día de los Muertos 2020
City of Souls: Día de los Muertos 2019

Selected artists will be expected to install and maintain their installations and artworks unless determined otherwise. Please plan to make regular visits to SOMArts to make sure your installation is well maintained and functioning.

We ask that artists help in ways big and small to assist with outreach and publicity. Please help spread the word about the exhibition.