Papergirl SF is an annual mail-art and delivery systems art project that collects artwork from all over the world and, in the style of American paperboys, distributes the art freely by bicycle to people in the streets of San Francisco. Sound awesome? We think so, too.
Participate
Or dropped off at:
SUBMISSION GUIDLINES
Anything Can Be Submitted: prints, photos, drawings, paintings, zines, writings, textiles, buttons, stickers, etc. We want anything you make!
There Are No Guidelines as to Medium or Quantity: originals, prints, photos, copies etc. are all acceptable forms of submissions, and we encourage you to send multiples of your work, so it can be put into many art rolls.
It Must Be Flexible: the only requirement is that the art be flexible enough to be rolled up! We won’t be throwing any stretched canvases around.
It Must be Dry and Fixed: we are open to whatever medium you choose to use, but please send us work that is totally dry and fixed. This means all paint, glue, charcoal, pastels, graphite, glitter, confetti, etc. We hate to see your work get smudged from handeling, or torn because it's sticking to itself or other pieces of art. Make sure any excess medium is shaken off and/or fixed on.
Please Sign Your Work: we love the fact that you are sending us your wonderful art, so please, if you would like to receive credit, print your name on the back of your piece and be sure it's legible. There is nothing worse than having to guess your name based on your signature and inevitably spelling it wrong. If you have a website, please include that too, and we'll be sure to link your name to your website. If you wish to remain anonymous, that's ok too.
Nothing Digital Please: we do not accept digital versions of art via e-mail or CD, as we have no means to print the pieces and digital work can't be rolled up and thrown from a bike, sorry!
On Promotional Materials: while you are more than welcome to send us, along with your art, your business cards and promotional postcards to be set out and available to gallery-goers during the duration of the exhibit, we will not be distributing promotional materials in the art rolls. Let your artwork be your calling card!
A Side Note on Content: there really are no rules as to subject matter, but please use your better judgment when sending in your art. We most likely will not display or distribute material that is blatantly racist, sexist, or otherwise overtly offensive and derogatory. Remember, these will find their way into the hands of strangers, and we aren't looking to insult or belittle anyone in the process.
BEYOND THE ART - won't you join us?
The Papergirl SF team is always looking for volunteers to help out and make this wonderful project a reality! We encourage everyone to submit art, but there are other ways people who share our enthusiasm can get involved. Below is a short list of things anyone can help with:
- Helping put up or take down the exhibition
- Helping sort and prepare the art rolls
- Helping with the bicycle distribution
- Hosting workshops and skill shares
- Helping with logistics and planning (this means everything from the bike routes, to the gallery proposals, press materials, and beyond!)
- Helping with website maintenance
- Helping with design (we always need flyers and posters!)
- Street Team! (folks who can spread the flyers and posters far and wide)
- General networking (telling anyone and everyone you know about it! blogging, tweeting, writing, etc.)
We welcome anyone who has some free time and a passion for this project to contact us to get started! All are encouraged to get their hands dirty with Papergirl!