CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Hummingbird’s Visit
Día de los Muertos 2023

Submit by Monday, June 5th, 11:59 PM PST

Now in its 24th 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’s work, curator Rio Yañez welcomes co-curator Bridgétt Rex to the exhibit.

This year has seen the passing of so many critically brilliant artists and culture bearers such as Harry Belafonte and beloved drag matriarch Heklina. The title of this year’s exhibit, The Hummingbird’s Visit, represents a bridge between the living and the dead where we can connect to those we have lost. We invite artists to create contemporary and traditional altar installations that honor, celebrate, and mourn those whose work, vision, and brilliance have helped to shape our lives.

The title of this year’s exhibit, The Hummingbird’s Visit, is fluttering in symbolism. This year we are exploring the concept of hummingbirds as vessels for the souls of our ancestors. Upon viewing the exhibition, we invite our guests to feel the visceral hum of the ancestors greeting us during this unique time.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL TODAY!


KEY DATES
Monday, June 5, 11:59PM PST: Deadline for submissions
Week of July 10: Artists notified of their application status
Wednesday, July 26, 6–8PM PST: Mandatory, in person artist meeting at SOMArts
Wednesday, September 27–Sunday, October 1: Artist install, by appointment
Friday, October 6, 6–9PM PST: Opening reception
Saturday, October 7–Friday, November 3: Exhibition run
Friday, November 3, 6–9PM PST: Closing Reception
Saturday, November 5: Artist deinstall, by appointment

RECENT DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS EXHIBITIONS
To Love and Be Loved in Return: Día de Los Muertos 2022
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.