Submissions

Material Acts invites contributions to the material library. Designers, artists, and other makers are encouraged to submit experimental material samples from their practices for possible inclusion in the exhibition’s material library. Whether experimentations in chemical reactions, design with scoby, environment-reactive metals, bio-calcified foam, woven earth fibers, or other mobilizations of matters, we are seeking to gather materials that represent advancements in contemporary design practices—as well as the material accidents that happen along the way.

For the material library, we invite individuals and collaborators of various levels of expertise to submit samples of materials that they have created through their practices, trials, or research. We welcome the outcomes of diverse sites of crafting and fabrication, from the laboratory bench to the backyard. Underrepresented practices, as well as practices outside well-funded circuits of academic research, are encouraged to apply. 

SUBMIT

We review all submissions. To submit, please fill out the provided form. The form will ask you to:

  • Briefly describe your material, its makeup, process of production, and possible uses.

  • Provide material dimensions (Please see below for size and weight guidelines)

  • Submit photographs that show both the materiality of the sample and its scale. 

  • Confirm whether your sample is safe to be touched by audience members.

  • Provide any additional comments or questions.

Acceptance

Acceptance of your material sample(s) into the library will be determined by the team to ensure all samples support the library thematics and fit the submission guidelines. Samples will be displayed in the state and format in which we receive them. Please package your sample as it will be displayed. All samples must be safely handled by our team and the public. 

Size guidelines and shipping

  • Maximum size requirement: 11 ¼” (L) x 8 ¾” (W) x 6” (H), in order to fit within a standard flat rate medium box.

  • Weight limit: 15 lb. 

  • All material samples should adhere to USPS regulations on hazardous, restricted, and perishable mail. Non-hazardous liquids and powders can be mailed if they are properly packaged and sealed in a waterproof or sift-proof container. The outer of packages containing liquids should be marked to indicate the nature of the contents, and include orientation arrows. Please review USPS regulations for full details. 

  • Further shipping instructions and timeline will be provided upon acceptance of submission. 

Conditions

Accepted submissions are considered donations to the Material Library, and returns of samples will not be available. 

Timeline

  • Rolling submissions

  • Late Spring (May) and Winter (December) review of submission forms

  • Notice of acceptance (June/January)

  • Coordination of donation and shipment 

Please contact us at materialacts@gmail.com with any questions.

Guidelines