Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is inviting local creatives, working, or studying in the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions to submit original artwork that responds to the theme of Remnants, memories & objects for the annual group exhibition SAM Open.

This opportunity is available to creatives aged 26 years and over, at all experience levels or career stages. This year’s exhibition theme of remnants, memories and objects invites artists to create artworks that explore items or moments that make up their story. From poetry to painting, photography to sculpture, artists can use their creative practice to immortalise, reinterpret or create an entirely new keepsake or memento, or imagine what might remain of them in the future.

Artists are welcome to submit an artwork created in any medium that addresses the theme. Artists may create new work, or submit existing work created in the past two years that fits within the theme.

Caroline Esbenshade, SAM Curator – Community, says of the opportunity:

“SAM Open is always met with such enthusiasm by our creative community, and we expect this year to be no exception. The exhibition theme of ‘remnants, memories & objects’ can be interpreted as literally or as abstractly as the artist chooses. It presents an opportunity for creatives to share formative memories, treasured objects, and personal narratives through whatever medium they choose. I look forward to learning more about the artists in our community through their art and I anticipate that audiences will resonate deeply with the personal nature of these works.”

Applications for SAM Open 2024 are now open and will close on 17 June 2024. SAM Open 2024 will be on display in the Hugh D.T Williamson Community Gallery at SAM from 17 August to 17 November 2024.

Applications to SAM Open can be made online – information on the full process, guidelines and artwork specifications can be found on the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/whats-on/upcoming/sam-open-2024-remnants-memories-and-objects/

Image: SAM Open 2023: Home, installation view, Shepparton Art Museum, 2023. Photo: Shepparton Art Museum

SAM Open 2024 Details:

• Open to creatives aged 26 years and over
• Applicants must be living, working or studying in the Goulburn Valley or Hume Regions.
• Artwork submissions must respond to the theme of Remnants, memories & objects.
• Application guidelines on the SAM Website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAM-Open-2024_Guidelines.pdf

Key Dates:

Applications open:    15 April 2024

Applications close:    17 June 2024

Exhibition dates:        17 August – 17 November 2024

About SAM:

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

As a leading Australian regional art museum, SAM showcases its exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space for all visitors.

Recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection and nationally significant collection of Indigenous art, SAM’s programming is designed to be locally relevant and engages with global contemporary ideas. Through its exhibitions, collection, programs and events, SAM creates a place where art helps us to better understand the ancient culture of this country and contemporary multicultural Australia.

Media enquiries, please contact: Mikela Guseli, Marketing Officer, SAM

p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au