- Group Exhibitions: In order to serve as many artists as possible, cWOW presents group shows and can only consider solo exhibitions under very exceptional circumstances. We prefer at least 6 artists per show. The average is approximately 12, but it is not unusual for us to have 20 or more.
- Contemporary, Emerging Artists: cWOW is dedicated to innovative new art by new and emerging artists. Older artworks and established artists are presented only if relevant and necessary to a contemporary exhibition theme, or if their presentation is deemed substantially beneficial to the prestige of the gallery and its membership. We define “Emerging” as those artists not represented by for-profit galleries.
- Member Participation: Proposals are favored which include at least 1/3 member artists. All curators are required to examine the member slide file to identify any works which may be appropriate to the exhibition’s theme. Curators are completely free to choose or not choose any member artists, but we do, of course, give special attention to proposals that include members.
- Thematic Shows: A strong priority is given to exhibition proposals with themes which examine an original idea, rather than presentations of unrelated or superficially-related works. (One exception is our annual, juried, “New Members” show which is, by necessity, non-thematic).
- Exhibitions Originating at cWOW: Whenever possible, we present exhibitions that are appearing for the first time anywhere. We often assist in traveling these shows to other venues thereafter.
- cWOW-Generated Shows: cWOW generally does not host exhibitions for other organizations. Exceptions would include exchange exhibitions or other shows which involve our member artists, and for which we provide jurors or curators.
- Curated Shows: To maintain high standards, the work in cWOW exhibitions must be selected by a Curator (please see Item 8 below, and the previous page, regarding first-time curators, artist-curators and “Invitational” shows).
- Guest Curators: We prefer not to use curators or jurors from cWOW staff and/or Board.
- Innovation: cWOW strongly prefers proposals which include works of innovative ideas, styles, subjects and media. We show challenging, experimental art in any format, from straight-forward realism to the most avant-garde conceptualism.
- Diversity: When creating our yearly calendar of exhibitions, we actively promote equal consideration for all emerging artists of any ethnicity, gender, etc. We do prioritize thematic proposals addressing under-represented groups. However, we do not favor, for example, non-thematic shows based on gender, race, etc. (see item #4).
- Regional and Statewide Impact: Some of our funding requires that we present exhibitions with themes relevant to, and artists residing in, our city, state and region. Such proposals are therefore given special attention.