Open Call - If Not Now, When?
If Not Now, When?
Online exhibition March 8th - April 4th 2021
A year on from the first lockdown’s being imposed around the world, we are facing the reality that “unless we act now, the pandemic could set women’s rights back by decades” (United Nations 2020). This past year has seen systems of oppression rise to the surface once more, and has uncovered inequalities which can no longer be overlooked. It has made the invisible or ignored, visible for all to see. It is clear that we cannot return to what was, and we do not yet have a clear path forward. So where do we go from here?
If not now, when? will go live on March 8th to coincide with International Women’s Day 2021 whose campaign theme is #Choosetochallenge
“A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge.”
Artists have long been at the forefront of social change and feminist artists in particular are renowned for their ability to challenge structures of inequality. If not now, when? is an opportunity for mother artists to draw attention to the overlooked aspects of their lives, to challenge inequalities, to celebrate achievements, and to create a vision for a post-pandemic future that works for us all.
Submission Policy
Submission is open to all members of Spilt Milk. Our artist membership network is open to all self identifying women or non-binary artists who are mothers/lifelong carers based anywhere in the world. If you are not yet a member, or need to renew your membership you can sign up here or via the link below. We particularly welcome applications from BIPOC artists, LGBTQ+ artists and artists who identify as having a disability.
submission guidelines
Download and complete the application form via the button below.
Prepare jpeg images of up to 3 works for submission. Files should be saved with your full name and title of work. Please ensure files are less than 2mb in size.
If you are submitting a video piece, please enter the url into the application form. Please ensure that the url is not password protected, is hosted on Vimeo or Youtube and is of the full video work.
Email your application form and images to ifnotnowexhibition@gmail.com by February 22nd Midnight.
If you have any queries about the application process please contact us.