Nothing is Fixed

Submission Link
Featured Image: Jeremy Dennis, Indian Guide 2021

Nothing is Fixed

OPEN CALL FOR BIPOC ARTISTS

Exhibition at the Old Stone House & Washington Park

Exhibition Curator: Jeremy Dennis

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 1, 2025

EXHIBITION DATES: August 9, 2025 – October 13, 2025

Submission Link

“Nothing is fixed, forever, and forever, and forever. It is not fixed. The earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. What you have, you hold. What you don’t have, you can’t hold.”

—James Baldwin, Nothing Personal (1964)

SUMMARY:

Nothing is Fixed reflects the tumultuous Trump presidency and the destabilization of societal norms, echoing James Baldwin’s words:

“Nothing is fixed, forever, and forever, and forever. It is not fixed. The earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. What you have, you hold. What you don’t have, you can’t hold.” (Nothing Personal, 1964)

Just as the natural world constantly shifts, so too can our political and social systems evolve—sometimes for the worse, but also for the better. This exhibition examines the tension between a moment of deep division and uncertainty, and with an underlying optimism that change is inevitable and can lead to growth, healing, and progress. By confronting the instability of our current moment, the work suggests that while nothing is static, the direction of change remains in our collective hands.

ABOUT THE OLD STONE HOUSE

As with all our exhibitions, we encourage projects that engage with the Old Stone House’s unique revolutionary and Indigenous history and include the narratives of traditionally marginalized communities.

The Old Stone House (OSH) is a reconstructed Dutch colonial farmhouse located in Park Slope’s Washington Park/J.J. Byrne Playground. While the playground and house restoration were first developed by Robert Moses in the 1930s, the land surrounding the house made history long before then—as the site of the 1776 Revolutionary War Battle of Brooklyn and as a 19th-century Brooklyn Dodgers practice field.

OSH sits at the crossroads of ancient Lenape roads, adjacent to the historic town of Marechkawick, and we acknowledge this land’s original inhabitants.

Today, OSH hosts history and environmental education programs, as well as cultural and family events. Visit www.theoldstonehouse.org to learn more.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Projects in all media are welcome. Artists may submit existing work or proposals for new work and may submit more than one artwork/project for consideration. Please see the Exhibit Specifications section below for details on the unique requirements of exhibiting in the OSH space.

We are also interested in commissioning public art for the surrounding Washington Park and artwork created with the participation of local community groups or schools. Please contact OSH in advance if you’d like us to help match you with a community partner organization.

We are open to temporary indoor or outdoor event proposals that engage with this theme, from both artists and community organizations. Artists are especially encouraged to propose community workshops that complement artwork on view in the gallery (rather than stand-alone events).

Due to OSH’s busy event calendar, public programs will be arranged at mutually convenient times based on availability.

To submit your work for consideration, please fill out the Google Form and include:

  • Up to ten images of your artwork
  • An image script with captions for your artwork
  • A brief artist statement describing how the artwork relates to the theme of Nothing is Fixed
  • Artist CV or resume
  • Artist bio

Deadline: May 1, 2025

OSH is dedicated to offering a minimum $150–$250 honorarium for all participating artists, depending on the number of artists selected.

Artists are highly encouraged to view the OSH floor plan and visit http://theoldstonehouse.org/exhibitions/ to see past exhibition images.

For inquiries or to schedule a visit, contact:

EXHIBIT SPECIFICATIONS

Works will primarily be displayed in OSH’s 2nd Floor Great Room gallery, though there may be potential for site-specific work in the park, gardens, stairwell, or lobby.

  • The Great Room is a multi-purpose space, used for both public and private events during the exhibition. Artwork must be securely hung on walls using:
    • Masonry screws
    • Heavy-duty tape (depending on weight)
    • Picture rail
  • Small three-dimensional installations may be possible on:
    • Window sills
    • Small shelves
    • The fireplace
    • The stairway landing
    • Small pedestals or furniture

Video & Digital Work

  • Three small and one large monitor are available for video work
  • A Wi-Fi-enabled iPad can be used for web-based displays
  • Artists are generally responsible for providing their own AV equipment
  • Due to the multi-purpose nature of our space, only a minimal amount of video work can be included
  • Projection-based video is typically not feasible, but exceptions may be discussed with the curator

Outdoor Work

Outdoor installations will be within 100 feet of the Old Stone House and must comply with Parks Department specifications for public art. These projects should be discussed in advance with Kim Maier, OSH Executive Director.

Please note:

  • Outdoor projects will be exposed to weather conditions
  • The park cannot provide 24-hour security, so work is vulnerable to theft or vandalism

DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2025