THE FRAME can facilitate an encounter with the visible world in a new light. It’s capable of separating the imaginary and the real.

Throughout history, our view has been framed by many things including windows, doors, and borders.

Since the Renaissance, artists have used the frame to enhance the realism of an object, embelish or add richness and decoration.

THE FRAME can separate the inward from external surroundings and act as a barrier, protector, divider, border or casing between two spaces.

THE FRAME referring to the body can be a physical or mental construct and hold a particular mindset or perspective.

Invitation

The SIU NEW FRAME invites artist to submit moving image works that develop around the idea of THE FRAME. Works related to the ideas, impulses, explorations, and investigations of framing and seeing through will be incorporated into THE FRAME – INAUGURAL EXHIBITION.

How to apply

• Applications to the Open Call must be submitted by completing the application form at:
• SIU NEW FRAME: THE FRAME – INAUGURAL EXHIBITION

Technical Requirements

• The Open Call is for moving image works (animation, video, motion graphics) without sound.
• Works must be no longer than 8 minutes and suitable for a general audience in a public setting.
• Works submitted must be formatted to either 1080 x 1920 (HD portrait) or 2160 x 3840 (4K portrait) format.
• By completing the application, artists confirm that the work is original and they own all necessary rights for public display. Artists are responsible for ensuring that submitted works do not infringe upon any third-party rights and agree to assume full responsibility for any claims arising from submitted content. The SIU NEW FRAME, Morris Library, and SIUC shall not be liable for any such claims.
• Selected artists will be contacted to provide artwork suitable for display.
• Deadline for submissions: September 1, 2026