Tiger Strikes Asteroid Open Call

Okay, picture this: I'm scrolling through Instagram, half-heartedly liking photos of avocado toast and perfectly posed pets (guilty, I post my cat too). Then, BAM! A post from one of my favorite art collectives. It’s all neon colors and promises of opportunity. "Tiger Strikes Asteroid Open Call!" it screams. My brain, usually operating at the speed of dial-up, suddenly shifts into overdrive. Is this… is this my moment? The moment I finally escape the soul-crushing monotony of my day job and become a *real* artist?

Probably not, let's be honest. But hey, a girl can dream, right?

Seriously though, open calls can be intimidating, even for seasoned artists. But that shouldn't stop you from applying! And that's why I'm writing this – to break down this Tiger Strikes Asteroid (TSA) open call and maybe, just maybe, convince you to throw your hat (or your art) into the ring.

So, what *is* this TSA thing anyway? Glad you asked!

Tiger Strikes Asteroid: A Collective Vibe

Tiger Strikes Asteroid (TSA) is, in essence, a network of artist-run spaces. Think of it as a collective of collectives, spanning across the US. They're all about supporting emerging artists, fostering collaboration, and generally shaking up the art world status quo. Which, let's be real, could use a good shake-up. They're known for their focus on community and inclusivity, which is a refreshing change in a field that can often feel… well, a little exclusive, wouldn’t you agree?

Key Takeaway: TSA isn't a single gallery, but a *network* of galleries, all run by artists.

The Open Call: What's the Deal?

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. This open call is a chance for artists to exhibit their work in one (or more!) of TSA's affiliated spaces. Each TSA location has its own character and focus, so it's worth doing your research and figuring out which location(s) would be the best fit for your art. It's kind of like online dating for artists and galleries… only hopefully less awkward. Though no promises, of course.

Important: Pay close attention to the specific guidelines for each TSA location you're interested in. They might have different themes, deadlines, or submission requirements. Reading the fine print is crucial! Trust me, you don't want to be that person who submits the wrong size images or misses the deadline by five minutes.

Why Should You Even Bother?

I know, I know. Open calls can feel like shouting into the void. You spend hours (or days!) perfecting your application, only to receive a generic rejection email (or worse, no email at all!). But here's the thing: even if you don't get in, the process of applying can be incredibly valuable.

Think of it as a forced exercise in self-reflection. You have to articulate your artistic vision, select your best work, and present yourself in a compelling way. Plus, you might get some amazing exposure if selected, and meeting other artists involved in this community would be a huge plus for your career!

Benefits of Applying:

A chance to exhibit your work in a reputable space.
Exposure to a wider audience.
Networking opportunities with other artists and curators.
The invaluable experience of putting together a professional application.

Even if you don't get accepted this time around, don't give up! Keep making art, keep applying, and keep putting yourself out there. Rejection is part of the process. Just remember that even Picasso probably got rejected from something at some point (okay, maybe not, but you get my point!).

My Final Two Cents

So, should you apply to the Tiger Strikes Asteroid Open Call? My answer is a resounding YES! What do you have to lose? A few hours of your time? A little bit of your ego? It's worth the risk, especially if you're an emerging artist looking for a supportive community and a platform to showcase your work.

And hey, even if you don't get in this time, you'll have a killer application ready for the next one. Good luck, and may the art gods be ever in your favor!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go take some better pictures of my art. Because avocado toast-level photography skills aren't going to cut it here!