2nd July – 10th August 2026
Juror – Toni Hartill. (https://tonihartillart.blogspot.com/)
Juror’s Choice for Most Engaging Work Prize: $500.00nz
Juror’s Choice for Highly Commended Prize: $250.00nz
People’s Choice Prize awarded at the close of the exhibition valued at $250.00nz.
There is no theme for this exhibition.
This call is open to makers both in Aotearoa New Zealand and Overseas.
This exhibition is to explore the free interpretation of the book format through Artists’ Books. The focus is on artistic exploration and innovation.
When considering submitting for this exhibition here are a few indicators from the Juror – Toni Hartill – about what she will be looking for in the entries.
An artist’s book may be considered as “a medium of artistic expression inspired by the form OR function of a “book” to express ideas, concepts or a narrative.”
The FORM of a book includes the attributes that make a book a book in a conventional sense:
It may have a cover, a title, pages, chapters, verses, a blurb, characters, a story…
The FUNCTION of a book includes its PURPOSE or INTENT:
To tell a story, record or document, collate, collect, describe, express ideas or concepts, educate, inform…
Therefore an artist’s book may or may not look like a book in a conventional sense.
We invite you to push the boundaries of what an artist’s book could possibly be. We would like to see makers ‘blow the idea of a ‘book’ apart. This is not an exhibition focused on bookbinding. The content is the important element.
Consider:
- The relationship between the form or structure of your artwork and your concept or intent.
- The importance of scale and materials in your piece.
- The way your artwork may be “read” or interacted with in order to reveal or express your intent.
- Your artist’s book must have contents and not be an empty vessel, no matter how beautiful, unless that is the intent of your piece.
Include a brief written statement to express the intent of your artist’s book. Up to 150 words. This should convey why you have made the work, what are some of your thoughts behind your making, what is the work speaking about to the audience. This is not just a description of materials used in the work.
Each entry must be accompanied by 3 jpgs of at least 1.0MB each. Each image must be clearly labelled with the name of the work and of the artist. Number them 1,2,3 for each item. These images will be used for selection to the exhibition and also for publicity about the exhibition. Please ensure they are of a high standard.
There is no limit to the format of your artist’s book. It must be ready to hang or to display on a plinth/ table/ shelf.
Entries must have been made within the last 2 years from date of submission. i.e. between April 2024 – April 2026
Entries may have been exhibited before BUT the entry can’t have won any awards or prizes previously.
If your work needs a special support or a custom stand to display it please add a note to this effect with your entry and this will need to be discussed and arranged with the gallery if your work is selected.
Please include return shipping postage sticker with the works when shipping to the gallery.
Entries will be made through this link:https://zealous.co/fromoutofthebluestudiogallery/opportunity/boundless-a-juried-selection-of-artist-s-books-1/
Each artist may submit up to 2 works.
There is a $20.00NZ entry fee per submission.
The Juror will select the winner of the Most Engaging Work Prize and the Highly Commended Prize from the actual pieces in the gallery space. There will also be a People’s Choice Prize.
Timeline for Entries.
Now: Entries are open to artists.
April 30th 2026: Close of digital Submissions
May 8th 2026: Confirmation of acceptance of works from digital entries
June 10th 2026: Shipping deadline. Works must arrive at ‘from out of the blue studio gallery’ 18 Halse Place, Ōpunakē, 4616. New Zealand.
Thursday 25th June 2026: Jurying
Friday 26th June 2026: Winners will be notified
Tuesday 30th June, Wednesday 1st July, 2026: Installation of works
Thursday 2nd July 2026: Exhibition will be open to public
Sunday afternoon 5th July from 2pm: Opening Event with Juror’s Speech
Monday 10th August 2026: Final day of Boundless. People’s Choice Award will be announced at 5pm. Exhibition will be deinstalled after 5pm.
Tuesday 11th August 2026: Artist Payouts will be made. Unsold works will be prepared for return shipping.