2025 FAQ

(Español)

When can I submit my art?

The Call for Art is scheduled to open December 1, 2024 and close at 11PM Pacific Time on January 15, 2025.

Where do I go to submit my art?

Go to our Artist Submission Portal (often referred to as the Portal) at https://submissions.seaf.art/. The Portal is where you will pay your fee(s) and enter information about yourself and your art.

How do I submit my art?

Go to https://submissions.seaf.art/

• You must create a new account every year, click on “Sign Up” in the upper left hand corner.
• On the next page, enter an email address and create and confirm a password. Be sure to write down the email that you use as we have no way of changing or searching for it. Also, check your email for typos – this is the email that we will use to communicate with you if you are accepted, and also where we will send your contract, make sure it’s going to the right place!
• Clicking on the new “Sign Up” button will take you directly to the page that allows you to create your artist profile. You must complete an artist profile before being able to submit any art.
• Once you completed all the information, click the Create Profile Button. The portal will prompt you for any missing information. You will be able to edit this information until the Call for Art closes, but not thereafter.

​If you are an artist residing outside of North America, your payment will be waived automatically and you can skip the payment steps. For invited artists, please send an email to director@seaf.art to have no-fee access enabled (include the email address you used to sign up).

• After you have created your artist profile, click on the “Payments” button in the top menu. Choose which call for art you wish to pay for: Visual Art, Installation Art, Literary Art
• You need to go to the “Payment” menu option and pay your art submission fee. After you make that payment, a visual art, literary, or installation submission button will show up in “My Submissions” corresponding to the fee(s) you have paid. The “Store Art” option will also appear.
• After you have paid your submission fee, click on “My Submissions.”
• This next page will give you blue buttons that say “+Submit ____ Art” of the name(s) of the call for art for which you have paid a submission fee.
• After clicking on the “+Submit ____ Art,” you will be able to enter the information for your entry. One piece of art per form.
• Be sure your photos are good quality, and show the completed work, including frame if applicable. We recommend photos that are between 1,000 to 3,000 pixels on any one side.
• After completing the form, click on the “Create Art” button to save your entry.
• Return to “My Submissions” and repeat this process for each additional entry you wish to make. You will not receive a confirmation that the art has been submitted. If the art is visible on “My Submissions” then you’re all set.
• You will be able to edit Profile and Submissions information until the Call for Art closes, but not thereafter.
• You may create an account and profile in advance of submitting art, but all elements of your submission must be complete by 11:00 PM PST on January 15, 2025.

Paying a submission fee for any type of art entry (Visual, Literary, or Interactive) will give you the ability to submit additional art to the Store with no additional fee. There is no submission fee required to submit work only to the Store or any of the performance categories.

What are some of the benefits of submitting my art to the Festival?

There are many benefits to submitting your work to the Seattle Erotic Art Festival. Everyone who pays a submission fee receives a discounted admission to the Festival. Accepted Visual, Literary, and Installation artists will:

• Receive a single pass to the three-day Festival for their personal use
• Receive an invitation for self and a guest to our exclusive Behind the Curtain Artist Reception with our Art Activists, VIPs, and other artists
• Be featured in the Festival, for an audience of thousands
• Be promoted on the Festival website

Accepted Visual artists will:

• Be part of an exhibition with high art sales and competitive commissions
• Be featured in the Festival Catalog

Accepted Interactive artists will:

• Have your interactive element documented by our team of photographers
• Be featured in the Festival Catalog

Accepted Literary artists will:

• Receive a copy of the professionally produced Anthology.
• Have an opportunity to be a part of stage readings, workshops and presentations in the Library, and the Wanderlust ekphrastic tour.
• Have the opportunity to purchase additional author copies of the Anthology at cost.

Accepted Performance artists and speakers will:

• Receive a pass to the Festival on the evening of their performance(s) for their personal use
• Receive an additional day or night ticket for their personal use
• Be promoted on the Festival website

Accepted Store artists will:

• Have their artworks and merchandise offered for sale to thousands of visitors and eager collectors during the event

If I submitted work, but DID NOT get accepted into the Festival, what’s my admission discount?

Discounts for artists who paid a submission fee are based on the single highest fee paid (either $20 or $38). One discount code per artist. Codes will be sent via email in February 2025.

Who can submit art to the Festival?

All artists from across the nation and world aged 18 years or older, of any gender, orientation, ethnicity, proclivity, religion, background, etc., are encouraged to submit their art for consideration. We accept visual art of all mediums, interactive art, literary art, performance art, and work for sale in the Festival Store. Note that you must be the artist or copyright holder of the piece in order to submit the work. If you submit art and are not the artist or own the copyright, you will be disqualified.

What should I submit to SEAF?

We have new curators and jury members every year. We don’t know what images or works will appeal to them the most until they start viewing at the end of the call.  We encourage you to submit the images/art that you are most passionate about. We encourage you to show the jury why something is erotic to you or your models. Art that was submitted previously, but declined, is allowed to be submitted again.

Does SEAF accept AI generated art?

No. You need to be able to prove that any art you submit is an original piece (or a print/replication of an original piece). Original in this context means the first authentic example of an artist’s work. In short, you have to be able to prove that you created it and it was your idea. That cannot be done with AI generated art.

I don’t want my friends/family/employer to know I am participating in SEAF. Can you help me?

Yes. Many of our artists separate their erotic work from other aspects of their lives by exhibiting under professional or pen names, or pseudonyms. Our Festival systems are set up to protect your identity, and our staff and volunteers are sensitive to this confidentiality. Our administrative staff does need to know your legal name, however, so don’t be surprised when we ask for that when you make your art submission(s). This is for bookkeeping and legal reasons only. All external references to artists use the name in the “Professional Name” field of the artist profile you created during the submission process. It is very important to us that you feel safe sharing your art with us and the world.

Why do you ask for a legal name?

Your legal name is required to ensure your entry as a selected artist at the Festival, and for payment if we sell your art works or store items. If you prefer to use a professional name that is different from your legal name, this will be used for any public purposes (wall cards, name tags, catalog, website, etc).

Why do you limit my bio to 300 characters?

We display artist bios alongside the artworks in the exhibition so festival goers and patrons can immediately get a greater sense of each piece of art and the artist behind it. We limit your character count to 300 so that bios are short and catchy, easily consumed in the flurry of an evening, and fit on our standardized placards.

Why should I submit my art if it was NOT ACCEPTED in past years?

Submitting your work can incite the angst of possible rejection. We get this. And who needs to subject themselves to this repeatedly? An average of 75% of the visual art works submitted each year will not be accepted into the Festival due to space restrictions. There are many reasons why some art makes it into the exhibition, and some does not. Each year the jury is comprised of new individuals with different views of the world. “What is erotic?” has incredibly subjective answers. This is why we have a variety of new and different jurors each year so that no interpretation of eroticism goes unseen. If a particular jury does not choose your art, all that means is there weren’t enough jurors who liked it. Having your art declined is not a judgement of you as an artist. If you believe you are submitting your best work, and you believe it is erotic, please try again. We want to see it.

Who “owns” the art and therefore can submit it?

For most art, the creator or maker owns the art. In the case of photography, the person who took the picture/clicked the shutter of the camera is the person who owns the copyright to the photograph and can submit the piece, unless a contract has been signed indicating otherwise. In the case of collage art, typically there is no concern over the ownership, as it tends to be covered under “fair use” laws. That said, collages need to be sufficiently your own art/creation, and are considered on a case by case basis by the jury.

Do I retain the rights to my work?

Yes, you always retain all rights to your work. You will be asked to authorize us to publish your work in our catalog and on our website (and in the literary anthology if you are a literary artist), and we only have permission to publish in a limited capacity. You may submit your work to other festivals and events without restriction. All art that is featured on the website is watermarked or credited.

Can I leave my works untitled?

No. Please choose a unique title for each piece of art, even if it is just a simple description, such as “Almost Nude Figure”, that will help our staff and volunteers to identify art quickly and avoid confusion. Having multiple artworks called “Untitled” makes it more difficult for our docents to locate and sell your art.

What do I do if the artwork is collaborative and I wish to credit others?

If your artwork is collaborative, decide which artist will be the main contact person, and that person will submit the artwork and put their name in the legal name fields of the artist profile. In the “Professional Name” field write all artists’ names as you want them to appear in any public facing media. Do not include your collaborator’s name(s) in the “Notes”. Once your work is accepted, you can have your collaborator added to the official paperwork, however all communication will be with the artist designated as the primary point of contact.

What can be submitted to the Festival Store?

Our Festival Store is modeled after museum gift shops and we aim to offer a broad selection of items. Smaller versions of pieces that are in the exhibition such as prints, postcards, photos, sticker, pins, and small canvas prints are welcome. We are also looking to showcase jewelry, books, ‘zines, handmade goods, ceramics, small sculptures, and other merchandise with an erotic flair. Please note that the Store does not accept any framed piece of art that is larger than 18″ on its longest side.

How do I price my work?

This is dependent upon many factors, including the cost of your materials and framing or other installation preparation, the value of your time, your reputation as an artist, etc. Here are some websites that might be helpful:

• http://petapixel.com/2014/11/14/selling-art-galleries-everything-need-know/
• http://www.studionotes.org/16/pricing.html
• http://studiochalkboard.evansville.edu/r-pricing.html

Why does my price have to be whole dollars?

The Festival only prices art in whole dollar amounts. When entering your price, use whole numbers only, with no punctuation. (Example: 550) The minimum price for any piece of art for sale in the juried exhibition is $200. The maximum price of art for the Festival Store is $300.

I was accepted, but I need to change the price/name/dimensions of my work. Can I do that?

We understand that sometimes things come up, and that factors such as framing, shipping, and so on may affect your submission. You can change the price and name of your piece at any point up until the Black Tie Affair. At the Black Tie Affair, art is shown to our Art Activists and the art is officially for sale at that point.

Small changes to the dimensions of a piece due to framing, etc., are acceptable within a margin of 2-3 inches or 5-8 centimeters. Anything greater than that will need to be approved by the Exhibition Curator and the Festival Director.

I will not be attending the Festival, can I give my artist pass and/or discounted ticket to someone else or get a refund?

No, you cannot give your artist pass to someone else or get a refund. These are offered as a special thank-you for your submission; they are non-transferable and non-refundable. However, your discount code for your submission fee is completely transferable.

Will you ask for model age certification?

Yes. In order for photographic works to be displayed at the Festival, we require a form of declaration from all accepted artists regarding the age of their models. Artists will provide this when delivering their artwork to the Festival. All models whose images are displayed in the Festival must have given consent to be photographed and were at least 18 years old when photographed. This applies to photographic (digital and film) art. It also applies to any mixed media art that contains photographic images of people. On the form, you will certify that you have personally verified age by witnessing documentation, such as a driver’s license or passport with photo, that the model was over 18 years old at the time the image was taken, and that you have collected and maintained individually identifiable records for each model. Those records must contain the models’ names, dates of birth, stage names, and any other names they have ever performed or modeled under. This certification is necessary regardless of the apparent age, identifiability, or the completeness of the image of the model(s). We will not ask for a copy of your model release. Model Age Certification (Only needed for photography.)

My art is fragile. How do I know it will be safe?

Our art handlers are all given training in the safe handling of all forms of art. Notes (including photographs) are taken when art is unpacked so we can recreate the original packaging to the best of our abilities in the event a piece does not sell. We encourage artists to enclose any diagrams or instructions they think would be helpful to our art handlers. Specially-trained security staff monitors our exhibitions. They are alerted to any particular concerns or requirements of a piece of art. Our docents supplement the security staff, and can help visitors interact with those works that artists deem interactive.

Our Festival has safely received and exhibited a wide range of works including a 6′ x 8′ beaded portrait, living sculptures, delicate hand-bound books, and many photographs on metal. If your work can be adequately crated and safely shipped, we can take care of it once it reaches us. Our receiving staff is trained in promptly dealing with works that are damaged in transit. The damages which might occur in transit are a risk the artist must be willing to take; we cannot assume liability for damages incurred in transit. If your artwork would require special accommodations in the exhibition, e.g. living objects, you can contact artisthelp@seaf.art to confirm that we are willing and able to make such provisions.

Neither our Festival Director nor our Visual Art Manager sit on the visual art jury, so they can review your works without compromising your entry. We cannot give advice about what works the jury might accept; we can only discuss special needs a piece might have for display in the exhibition. Here is more information on Artist Shipping Guidelines.

What are the packaging and display guidelines for store items?

Since all items for sale in the store will need a barcode affixed to it, we encourage you to use packaging that will protect your art where necessary. If your work requires a specific display, please bring or ship that display with your art. (Be sure to put your name on your displays.) We will not accept prints without clear protective packaging and backing boards. This ensures the protection of your art, but also allows for better display.  We encourage you to incorporate your business card into your packaging, since there is no place for displaying business cards at the Festival.

How should I frame my art?

We ask that all accepted visual artists deliver their 2D artwork framed, complete with hanging wire, and ready to hang on the walls. Please refer to the guide linked below for acceptable hanging hardware guidelines. To reduce shipping costs, you may wish to ship unframed art and have it framed locally in Seattle, or even provide an electronic file of your print to have it both printed and framed locally (all at your cost). If you choose either of these avenues, you must also provide us with adequate packaging and postage for return the newly-framed work to you should it not sell. Check below for information about framing and printing sponsors. Find more information for Artist Framing Guidelines.

Where can I have my art framed?

Gallery Frames has been a frequent sponsor and longtime supporter of the Festival. Their focus is on museum-quality framing, and they are offering our artists a 15% discount. (Discount applies to acid-free mounting on 100% rag mat board. Other mountings available but not subject to discount. Signed agreement is required before framing begins.)

Gallery Frames
206-624-6862
galleryframes@gmail.com
311 3rd Ave South Seattle, WA 98104
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Closed Sunday & Monday

Are there any options for printing my art?

SEAF can print pieces from digital files on paper, up to 11″ x 17″. We have special rates for accepted Festival artists and their printing needs for the current festival. Contact Sophia at director@seaf.art for more information.

What does “publish in promotional materials” mean?

Promotional materials include the Festival website, posters, postcards, advertisements, programs, etc. We recognize that not everyone wants all information published; therefore, we have given you the option of providing permission to publish information regarding your website, email address, state/country of residence and individual images. We only publish professional information for accepted and invited artists, keeping all personal information such as legal names and home addresses confidential. Giving the Festival permission to publish your information also enables our staff to assist patrons in contacting you if they are interested in your art. Similarly, we will not publish your images on the Festival website or in any catalog or catalog-substitute if you deny permission for image publication.

How should I deliver my art?

All accepted artists will receive delivery/shipping instructions soon after receiving the acceptance notification. Artists can either drop-off the artwork in person at the Festival location, or carefully wrap all artwork and ship it to the mailing address here: SEAF c/o Gallery Erato, 309 1st Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104.

Does SEAF charge a commission for selling my art?

Yes, a commission fee of 40% of the sale price goes to the Festival for art works sold in the exhibition, Festival store, or as a direct result of being shown in the Festival.

My art sold, when will I get the money from the sale?

Checks will be mailed to artists located in the United States for any art sales, minus the 40% commission, within 30 days of the end of the Festival. Artists residing outside of the United States will be contacted to arrange the disbursement of funds of art sales electronically, minus the 40% commission, within 30 days of the end of the Festival. If you haven’t received payment for your sold art and it is more than 30 days after the last day of the Festival, please email director@seaf.art or call (206)-229-2185.

What happens to unsold art?

Artists have several options for unsold art.

• Artists can donate any unsold work to the Pan Eros Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and producer of the Festival. ( A letter of donation will be provided for tax purposes.)
  
• Artists can pick up artwork in person during the designated time, or have an authorized agent pick it up.
• For return shipping, artists must provide a return shipping label with the original shipment of art (with the carrier of their choice). Note that FedEx shipping labels are not billed until the label is scanned and processed for return shipping, so if the art sells and there is no return, there is no charge.
• Note that if no return shipping label is provided and no one picks up the art, it will be considered a donation to the Pan Eros Foundation, as indicated in the contract.

I forgot to document (photograph) my work before I sent it; can I get it back?

Not if it has been sold. It is important to make sure you document your work for your portfolio, including taking high-quality photographs, before you ship or deliver it to us, especially if it is a one-of-a-kind. If it does not sell and you have completed your shipping or pick-up information, your work will be returned to you once the Festival is over. Work that is sold will be given or mailed to the purchaser at the end of the Festival. We will not return artist work that has been sold.

May I contact the person who purchased my work?

Art patrons and collectors are given the opportunity at the time of purchase to give permission to be contacted by the artist. Contact the Artist Liaison to request purchaser contact information at artisthelp@seaf.art.

Who do I contact if I have questions that are not answered here?

Please email info@seaf.art for all other questions or concerns and your email will be forwarded to the appropriate person.

I’m accepted! When can I ship my art?

Ship art to:

SEAF
c/o Gallery Erato
309 1st Ave South
Seattle WA 98104

The location is:

Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
301 Mercer Street
Seattle WA 98109

Special arrangements for art shipments and drop-offs must be discussed with our exhibition@seaf.art.

2025 Important Dates

• December 1, 2024: Call for Art opens – Submissions collected at https://submissions.seaf.art/
• January 15, 2025: Call for Art Closes
• February, 2025: All Accepted Artists announced
• February, 2025: Contracts emailed to Visual, Store, and Literary Artists
• April 10 – April 25, 2025: Shipped Visual and Store Art to arrive at Gallery Erato 309 1st Ave S Seattle, WA 98104
• Tuesday, April 29, 2025 By Appointment: Hand-deliver Visual Art (may include accepted Store Art) to Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street Seattle, WA 98109
• Wednesday, April 30, 2025 By Appointment: Hand-deliver Store Art to Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street Seattle, WA 98109
• Wednesday, April 30, 2025 By Appointment: Deliver Installation Art to Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street Seattle, WA 98109
• May 2, 3, & 4: Seattle Erotic Art Festival at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street Seattle, WA 98109
• Sunday, May 4, 2025: Unsold Art Pick up from Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street Seattle, WA 98109, 6 PM – 8 PM By Appointment

2025 Forms and Contracts

Art Consignment Contract (Visual, Store, & Installations)

Installations Contract

Author Contract

Art Info & Provenance Sheet

Model Age Certification

Artist Framing Guidelines

Artist Shipping Guidelines