October 26-28th, 2012 at the Geolofts
Friday October 26, Vernissage
Open Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28, 12-6 PM

The MDW Fair invites proposals for its fall showcase at the Geolofts in Bridgeport. Formed in spring 2011 as a collaborative project between the Public Media Institute, document, Roots & Culture and threewalls, the MDW Fair is a showcase for independent art initiatives, spaces, galleries and artist groups, highlighting artist-run activities and experimental culture locally, nationally, and internationally. Featuring more than 75 exhibitors, the MDW Fair is the world’s premier event for grassroots and independent art culture.

The first two fairs, which took place April and October 2011 drew hundreds of people from Chicago and around the country and press from ArtSlant, The Chicago Tribune, Bad at Sports and more as crowds gathered for a special focus on the visual arts in the Midwest. For the expanded third iteration this fall, MDW invites curatorial proposals from not­‐for‐profits, artist‐run spaces, emerging galleries, collectives and independent curators across the United States and around the world. MDW also invites proposals for performances, programming and independent publications. Proposals are due August 15, 2012 and successful applicants will be notified by September 10, 2012.

Proposals for booths:

Groups are required to send 10 images of the curatorial premise they wish to focus on at the fair. Number of artists is not limited, proposals will be judged on quality of the premise and the artists’ work. Deadline is August 15th. Images should be sent as a zip file along with a short mission statement/bio about the presenters and 500-word curatorial statement. Successful applications will be notified by early September with details. All booth spaces are 300 sq feet/$400. Successful applicants will be included in the MDW Catalogue, published by Public Media Insititute and designed by Plural.

Proposals for publications:

We welcome exhibitors that produce and publish artists’ books, art periodicals, artist zines, or independent art-book culture in all forms, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Inerested publishers and booksellers should send a 500 word or less description of their organization or project. Tables cost $50.

Proposals for programming:

Proposals can be for lectures, panels, performances, music, or any other kind of experimental action. Picnics, tours, public interventions, artist-led workshops and discussions as well as creative disturbances in public space are also welcome. Performance artists and event producers of all stripes are welcome. Please send a 500 word or less description of program, time limit, and preferred time slot during open hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Submissions for the MDW Fair can be emailed to: [email protected]

Questions about submissions can be submitted to Aron Gent at [email protected]

Questions by phone can be directed to Abigail Satinsky of the threewalls staff, Tuesday – Saturday from 11am – 5pm.