The Alice Austen House is currently accepting photography and multimedia submissions for Staten Island’s 2nd Triennial of Photography, to be exhibited September-December 2019. The exhibition, Deliberate Acts, inspired by the writing of Audre Lorde, former Staten Island resident and celebrated Black, Lesbian Feminist, Writer and Activist will attempt to uncover the state of contemporary photography on Staten Island and showcase work that is often under- represented citywide. Featuring photography by Staten Island residents and outsiders looking at the borough, this juried exhibition will aim to find contemporary themes and narratives that photographers are currently exploring in their work through traditional, digital, and innovative uses of the medium.

What winners receive

The shortlist will be honored on our social media and the winners will be exhibited in the final exhibition, opening in September in the contemporary galleries of the Alice Austen House museum.

About Alice Austen House

The Alice Austen House fosters creative expression, explores personal identity, and educates and inspires the public through the interpretation of the photographs, life and historic home of pioneering American photographer, Alice Austen (1866-1952).

Opened in May, 2019, the exhibition "New Eyes on Alice Austen" represents a multi-year project to update the presentation of Austen's core story. Incorporating current scholarship, the re-envisioned permanent installation comprehensively demonstrates Austen's contributions to photographic, immigration, women's, and LGBTQ history. The installation fully and truthfully interprets Austen's life and work for visitors, students and scholars to understand and access. Significantly, the new permanent exhibition places her long and loving relationship with Gertrude Tate in its proper context, highlighting the 2017 designation of the house as a national site of LGBTQ significance.

How to Enter (if special requirements)

Digital submissions are preferred. Paper submission forms are also available at the museum. Please contact the museum if you plan to submit a paper submission form or printed work in lieu of the digital submission process. Prints will only be returned if photographer provides a self-addressed stamped envelope with proper postage.

Judging Criteria

An expert panel of judges will review and select entries for inclusion in the exhibition to be curated by the staff of the Alice Austen House. Entries should be taken by photographers who are from or reside in Staten Island, or if taken by photographers outside of Staten Island, should be about Staten Island. Entries should aim to explore contemporary themes and narratives in their work through traditional, digital, and innovative uses of the medium.

When do submissions close?

Submissions close on Sunday August 11th, 2019 at 5:00pm.

What are the restrictions on format and sizes?

Picter allows uploads of all image and video files. Images should be 3000px on the longest side, and saved as a JPEG at 72DPI.

What if I plan to submit a paper application or physical work?

Please contact the museum to schedule a time to drop-off these materials. If arranged before the submission deadline (08/11 at 5:00pm), there will be a grace period for accepting materials.

I have more than one body of work. How do I submit this?

Each person is limited 20 images per submission but can submit multiple applications. Please be sure to address each body of work in your artist statement.

How many images can I submit?

You can submit ten to twenty images in each project. These may be single images or a series.

Do I have to be a Staten Islander to qualify? Does the work have to be taken on Staten Island?

No, we are looking for work made about Staten Island if you are not a resident. This is a pretty loose interpretation. Any themes relating to contemporary happenings on the Island will qualify.

I live or work on Staten Island -- can I submit work on *anything?

Yes, you are looking at the world through the lens of a Staten Islander. This means your work qualifies. 

How many images should I submit?

You should submit what you consider to be your best work. 20 max (for each project).

What is an artist statement?

An artist statement addresses the work that you are submitting. It should address the "how," "what," and "why" of your work.  Use clear, concise and simple language.

What is an artist's biography?

An artist biography tells about us you as a photographer. Please be sure to list any formal or informal training, degrees, awards, and exhibition history.

How do I contact you?

Contact the museum at triennial@aliceausten.org or at 718-816-4506 if you have any questions about the application process.

If there are technical issues during the submission process, please notify us by phone or email in advance of the deadline. We will work with you to resolve all outstanding concerns in advance of the juror review process.

Deliberate Acts: The Alice Austen Triennial of Photography is supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.