“The Rotunda Gallery”
A display of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and political heritage
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Artists & Collectors
The Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is inviting submissions for “The Diamond Jubilee: A Parliamentary Story” in commemoration of the 60th Independence Day in Trinidad and Tobago. The exhibition will be held from 22nd August – 16th September, 2022.
The Vision
Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from Great Britain on 31st August, 1962. At midnight on 30th August, 1962, at the Flag Raising Ceremony, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time and took place in the Abercromby Street Forecourt of the Red House. Bells tolled and sirens rang out to herald the birth of the newly-independent nation.
Throughout the 60 years of independence, the Parliament played a key role in the lives of citizens. The Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago consists of the President, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The official role of Parliament is to represent the people, make laws and oversee the executive. In the execution of their role, Parliamentarians have brought a Trinbagonian flavour, which created unique stories over the years. These stories contributed to the rich history and heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.
In commemoration of this day, the Rotunda Gallery at the Red House is inviting submissions from artists who are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago to submit works based on the sixty (60) years of Parliament through the eyes of an artist. Artists should depict Parliamentary elements within their work, reflect Parliamentary pride and highlight the last sixty years of significant points in our local parliamentary history.
Inspirational Tags
Trinidad and Tobago; Independence Day; History of Independence; 1962; Parliament; Parliament History; Red House; Speaker of the House; President of the Senate; Prime Minister; Members of Parliament; Senators; House of Representatives; Senate; Parliamentary Privilege; Debates; Laws; Constitution; Bills; Hansard; Famous Female Parliamentarians; Clerks; Standing Orders; Order Paper; Maces; Marshal; Weddings; Eternal Flame; Fountain; Public Gallery; Woodford Square, the Peoples’ Parliament; First Peoples; Red House Tours; Coup; 18:18; 1990; Dissolution; Democracy; Opposition; Independent; Government.
Important Notes
- All visual art genres are acceptable (painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, prints, fabric art, collage, installation art, digital art).
- Submissions for this call are open only to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago.
- There is no submission fee, but artists and collectors will be responsible for framing, transport, and insurance of their artwork.
- No sexual content, violence, hatred, or propaganda.
- The final decision on whether your artwork will be exhibited is at the sole discretion of the Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee.
- Artists and Collectors may be invited to exhibit by the Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee or solicited through a call to artists.
- The Office of the Parliament will, at the Artist’s request, make contact information available to persons interested in purchasing the artwork.
- All sales and related negotiations are the sole responsibility of the Artist.
- You are required to submit the title, medium, year, size, and price of artwork.
Important Dates
Call for Submissions – Wednesday 22nd June 2022
Email Submission deadline of artwork and other supporting documents to
rotundagallery@ttparliament.org – Sunday 14th August, 2022
Selection Notification via email – Tuesday 16th August, 2022
Submission of artwork at the Rotunda Gallery, Red House – Saturday 20th August, 2022
Deadline for collection of artworks from the Rotunda Gallery, Red House – Thursday 22nd September, 2022
Submission Guidelines and Requirements
- Proof of Trinidad and Tobago citizenship (National ID or Passport).
- Contact information (name, phone number, email address).
- A brief Artist Statement (not exceeding 300 words).
- An explanation of each piece submitted (not exceeding 150 words per piece).
- Images (at least 300 dpi) of up to three (3) pieces of work.
- Documents must be submitted electronically to rotundagallery@ttparliament.org in Word format and images of work must be in .JPEG format. See title examples below:
- John Doe_National ID
- John Doe_The Diamond Jubilee_2022_24x44inches
- John Doe_Artist Statement_2022
- Collectors must submit proof of ownership of the artwork.
- You are required to submit the title, medium, year, size, and price of artwork.
The Selection Process
Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee will judge the selection process for “The Diamond Jubilee: A Parliamentary Story” Exhibition.
Frequently Asked Questions for Exhibitions at the Rotunda Gallery
1. WHO CAN SUBMIT WORKS? Any citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.
2. WHAT CAN I SUBMIT? Artists and collectors can submit up to three (3) pieces of work in any medium or genre of visual arts which includes, painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, prints, fabric art, collage, installation art, digital art or other. No sexual content, violence, hatred, or propaganda. Unsuitable works will not be accepted.
3. I CANNOT COMPLETE ARTWORK BY THE DEADLINE, ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES? Yes, the Rotunda Gallery will be a permanent exhibition space to display Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and political heritage. Follow the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and Rotunda Gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future Calls for Submissions.
4. HOW MANY WORKS CAN I SUBMIT? Artists may submit up to THREE (3) pieces of artwork unless specific permission has been granted to submit a collection.
5. WHAT IS THE SIZE LIMITATION? The maximum size is 60 inches in height and 72 inches in width.
6. WILL THE ARTWORK BE INSURED? It is the responsibility of the artist or the collector to arrange all insurance. While every effort will be made to ensure that artworks submitted are handled carefully and well protected, all artworks should be insured door to door by the participating artist or collector.
7. HOW WILL I KNOW WHETHER MY WORK HAS BEEN SELECTED? You will receive an email informing you of the status of your submission.
8. DO I HAVE TO FRAME MY ARTWORK? For the initial electronic submission, the artwork can be unframed. Once you receive the email advising of the selection of your piece(s), you may proceed to the framing phase to prepare your work for submission day (unless your work will be exhibited virtually). All selected works must be professionally/tastefully mounted and ready for hanging or installation in the Rotunda Gallery.
9. WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON FINAL SUBMISSION DAY? Artists are required to bring in their work(s), ready to hang or display. The labels and submission form will be provided in the notification email. Both documents should be completed in advance and submitted with artwork.
10. WHAT ARE THE GALLERY HOURS? The exhibition and tours will be online and virtual at Rotunda Gallery TT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by appointment only for in-person viewing. To book an appointment, call 701-6133.
11. I CANNOT COLLECT MY ARTWORK IN THE WINDOW PROVIDED CAN I AUTHORISE SOMEONE TO COLLECT ON MY BEHALF? Yes. We DO NOT have a facility to store unclaimed works. Please arrange to collect your works within the window provided. If you are designating someone to collect your artwork you must send us an email with the person’s name, and they must provide photo ID on arrival.
¹”Independence Day”. Nalis.Gov.Tt, 2022, https://www.nalis.gov.tt/Resources/Subject-Guide/Independence-Day.