Thank you for your interest in Eastern State Penitentiary's art proposal process!
The application window for our 2021 season closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. More information about the application cycle for 2022 will be shared soon. Check this page or sign up for updates below and we'll send you an email when details are available.
Click here to download the proposal guidelines.
Art Orientations
We strongly recommend that artists begin the proposal process by attending an artist orientation. These informal tours/conversations give the artists a chance to learn about the space, discuss what makes a successful proposal, and ask questions.
Due to ongoing public health concerns related to the novel coronavirus, all in-person art orientations have been cancelled. Instead, we are offering two virtual art orientations via the video platform Zoom.
There’s no need to RSVP for either of these virtual orientations. You can just show up to each by clicking the Zoom link.
Virtual Art Orientations:
All of our 2020 orientations have passed. Check back soon or sign up for email updates below for more on next year's application cycle.
If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]
You do not need to have a Zoom account to join either orientation, but you will have to download Zoom onto your computer or tablet before joining the meeting. Zoom has a one-minute video about how to join a meeting here. Due to our limited staff capacity, Eastern State cannot provide technical assistance with Zoom.
Proposal Deadline (for all funding and approvals):
The application window for our 2021 season closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. More information about the application cycle for 2022 will be shared soon.
If it is difficult or impossible to access the Internet or submit a proposal online, please write, call, or email us at the address below. Exceptions are possible, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
Artist Proposals – 2020 Season
2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-236-3300
[email protected]
Additional Resources:
Sample Proposals
- Linda Brenner’s proposal for The Ghost Cats, 2004.
- Dayton Castleman’s proposal for The End of the Tunnel, 2005.
- Ruth Scott Blackson's proposal for No Trace Without Resistance, 2015.
- Emily Waters' proposal for America's Ten Worst Prisons: The Plate Collection, 2015.
- Jesse Krimes' proposal for Apokaluptein16389067:II, 2015
Past Installations
Virtual Art Orientation
