Deep Space
& Creative
Submission FAQ

This page contains information about how to make a submission to contribute a creative or experiential project or offering to Psychedelic Science 2025.

Most of these kinds of projects will be sited in Deep Space (explained below.)

Prior to applying to participate, please settle in and read this entire page to ensure that your proposal meets the criteria for the event, and to learn about the application process.

Depending on what kind of project you have, it might take you 10-20 minutes to enjoy the guidance below, and another 10-20 minutes to prepare for the application.

About PS2025

You can learn about the conference at psychedelicscience.org, and also by following @psychedelicscience on social media.

Please see here if you are looking for more information about how to make a submission for a conference session or apply for a scholarship or volunteer opportunity.

Deep Space & Creative Submissions FAQ

What is Deep Space?

Deep Space is an 80,000 square-foot multisensory group exhibit and venue within Psychedelic Science 2025, located in the Expo Hall level of the Colorado Convention Center.

Deep Space offers a deep dive into contemporary psychedelic culture featuring the work of dozens of artists and collectives.

Deep Space blends art, technology, environments, experiences,  light, and sound to create a unique atmosphere inspired by the art and participatory culture of community-driven festivals like Burning Man and the long heritage of psychedelic creativity.

As in 2023, Deep Space will feature static and interactive art at all scales, lounges and social environments for unwinding, and spaces for mental and physical restoration.

As an integral part of the conference, it serves as an immersive refuge for relaxation, reflection, and embodiment amidst a robust schedule of cerebral  programming.

Everyone at Psychedelic Science 2025 is invited to go deep with us.

What are some of the core curatorial themes of Deep Space?

While Deep Space is generally open to projects in the orbit of psychedelic culture, we are excited to emphasize work that explores transformation, healing, community, embodiment, ritual, and exploration of consciousness.

What types of submissions are being considered in this process?

The following types of projects and formats can be considered, so long as they meet the additional criteria outlined on this page: 

- 3D artworking, including small and large sculptures, installations, & art cars
- 2D artwork, including painting, photography, illustration, etc.
- Digital art, video art, VR, AR
- Experiential environments & theme camps
- Altars
- Embodiment, yoga, meditation sessions
- Performance art
- Roving performance art
- Spoken word or live poetry
- Activities

What types of submissions are NOT being considered?

Unfortunately, we are NOT accepting submissions for the following kinds of projects at Deep Space:

- Speakers and presentations
- Films
- Exhibitor booths
- Sponsorship activations
- DJs and bands
- Long workshops or performances

What else is off-limits for consideration?

In addition to the above list of ineligible projects, the following elements are prohibited:

- Dangerous things that might harm humans
- Anything that might damage the venue
- Fire and open flame (sorry, this is indoors only)
- Obvious triggering content, such as sexual, violent, or discriminatory material
- Food & beverage (venue prohibits outside catering)
- Loud, messy, generally disruptive elements
- Medical, mental health, or other licensed services
- Dosage of any kind (prohibited by venue even when legal in CO or Denver)

How does the submission process work? 

Once you've completed reading this FAQ, prepare your submission and then fill out the form at your earliest convenience.

The final deadline is December 13th. All submissions should receive a response by January 15.

The initial submission is intended to provide the general impression of the project and its support needs.

If the project is selected for consideration, you will be contacted for more information and asked to provide details for further evaluation.

This might include a request for additional visual references, floorplans, production details, a staffing plan, or how daily operations might work.

After that, a final approval offer or decline notice will be issued.

Approval offers will contain extensive details about coordination, logistics, support, and other terms and conditions.

Our space is limited and we are unfortunately unable to accommodate the volume of submissions we receive.

If confirmed, what kind of support and compensation is available? 

Deep Space is a community-driven endeavor with a limited budget, and we welcome contributions that match this ethos.

For gallery-style artwork, please see the section below that discusses shipping, installation, and sales for this category.

For performance and projects without major physical elements, we typically draw upon local talent and people who already plan to attend the conference. Airfare is typically not provided.

For projects requiring major cargo shipping and build teams, support budgets for creative projects are very limited. Budgets are intended to cover hard costs such as logistics and labor. We are unable to offer commission fees, commercial artist fees, or other significant compensation.

Can I sell goods & services within Deep Space?

We have a partner gallery to manage conference-curated flat visual art and small sculpture that can be carried by hand. (See below for details.)

Beyond this, creative projects are expected to be offered to the audience free of charge and without advertisement or solicitation.

Anyone is welcome to purchase an Exhibitor booth in the Expo Hall and operate their own gallery or store, independent of Creative Submissions. Brands and companies seeking to advertise to the conference audience should speak with the conference's Sponsor sales team, which is separate from this process.

Can I submit a proposal for a musical act, DJs, band, or soundsystem?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept submission for musical acts, DJs, or sound systems. We have limited opportunities for on-site music, and these few selections are being curated via invitation without an open call.

What about sound art or environments with gentle audio?

Yes, submissions for sound-based artwork and environments that use conversational-volume sound are welcome, but we cannot accommodate projects with large or loud PA systems.

Keep reading for more information about installations, environments and performance art.

Gallery-Suitable 2D Visual Art and Small Sculpture

Yes, there will be a professionally-operated gallery within Deep Space, curated by Tribe13 Art Collective.

Tribe13 is the official gallery curator, and will ultimately select all artworks to show and run all sales and contracts through their company.

Things to know about submissions for and exhibition of gallery-suitable artwork in Deep Space:

- A total of 60-100 pieces will be selected from submissions by the gallery
- All artists will be contracted by Tribe13
- All sales will be processed through Tribe13, with a percentage donated to the nonprofit MAPS
- For flat artwork, all lighting and display walls will be provided
- Sculpture may need to come with its own plinths or display stands. This will be determined in collaboration with the gallerist.
- Artists provide and cover the costs of shipping or delivering artwork per gallery's specifications. Gallery covers the costs of returning artworks. Logistics timelines and conditions will be provided by the gallery.
- If shipping, 24" x 24" is typically the limit for flat artwork. All work must be shipped hang-ready. Work must arrive properly packaged and ready for installation.
- Preference given to displaying original artworks over high-quality prints.
- The gallery does not provide volunteers, docents, or other labor services beyond general supervision.
- Live Painters will be invited based on who is selected to display inside of the gallery.

In addition to the above, see the sections further down for information you'll need to prepare to make a submission.

Also, separately from the gallery in Deep Space, if you are seeking to have your own gallery or booth displaying only your own artwork, please contact the sales team about purchasing an Exhibitor booth in the Expo Hall.

Large Sculpture, Environments & Art Cars

The hall of Deep Space is anchored by large format installations and environments. We plan to select 4-10 large format works and environments from submissions.

Our budget is very limited. Unfortunately, we are unable to commission new works or provide commercial rate compensation. We can typically only consider existing works, or ones with normal fabrication expenses. We can typically only provide transportation, installation, and essential support costs. For this reason, works in the Denver and surrounding region may be given preference.

Installation Specs and Requirements:
- Dimensions cannot exceed 40' wide or long and 25' tall. Weight cannot exceed 350 pounds per square foot. Note that load-in doors are 22' wide x 20' high.
- Installations must be freestanding or supported with weights such as sandbags. There is no ability to anchor directly into the floor or walls. 
- Preference is given to projects that are accustomed to working within professionally managed, high compliance production environments.
- Preference is given to projects with relatively simple on-site setup and limited needs for on-site carpentry, heavy equipment, or rigging.
- Projects should be constructed primarily off-site and brought into the venue for final assembly. Any expectation(s) of on-site carpentry need to be communicated in advance for review/approval as specialized labor may be required.
- Electrical drops and fixed lighting can be provided with advanced coordination/approval.
- Limited rigging is possible with advanced coordination/approval.
- Limited use of water is possible with advanced coordination/approval.
- The use of heavy equipment must be coordinated/approved in advance, and must be performed by the conference's union labor contractor.
- In-house venue services such as power, wifi, additional furnishing(s), and specialized labor must be specified, budgeted, and ordered well in advance. Note that these services are at commercial rates without markup and that the conference has no control over the pricing.
- PS2025 will not provide labor such as volunteers, build staff, or docents, or source general supplies and materials.

Interactive Sessions & Performance Art

Inside of Deep Space, a small stage area will offer interactive sessions and unique performances.

This might include yoga, meditation, poetry, ritual, movement, and embodiment workshops of 30m - 1hr (max), as well as dance performances and other performances. (As noted above, we are not considering musical acts, bands, or DJs as part of the submission process.)

We also welcome roving performance art installations that do not require a stage or amplified sound.

Specs & Requirements:

- 8' x 16' x 16' stage footprint
- Typical A/V with sound and lights will be provided
- We are unable to accommodate custom lighting and scenic elements
- Cannot accommodate large troupes above 5 people
- Small standing and seated audience area in front of stage
- PS2025 does not provide labor such as volunteers, docents, or build crew beyond general supervision

Production Schedule for Projects Requiring Installation

You can skip this section if you are proposing gallery-style artwork or stage workshop or performance art without a build or installation.

Please see the topline schedule below. Daily hours and additional information will be supplied at a later date.

Saturday, June 14 – Load-In & Setup
Sunday, June 15 – Load-In & Setup
Monday, June 16 – Load-In & Setup
Tuesday, June 17 – Load-In & Setup
*Setup to be complete by Tuesday, June 17

Wednesday, June 18 – Show Day
Thursday, June 19 – Show Day
Friday, June 20 – Show Day

Friday, June 20 – Strike
Saturday, June 21 – Strike & Load-Out
*All strike to be complete by Saturday, June 21

Saturday, June 21 – Final Load-Out
*All load-out to be complete by Saturday, June 21

Venue Info & Production Requirements for Projects Requiring Installation

You can skip this section if you are proposing gallery-style artwork or stage workshop or performance art without a build or installation.

Deep Space Hall
- 80,000 square-foot raw expo hall environment within the Colorado Convention Center, a municipally-owned building
- Concrete floors, 30' ceilings, wide column spacing
- Ramp & dock load-in at floor level. No stairs.
- Very spacious, exploratory layout
- Limited overhead rigging is possible with advance coordination
- Dim lighting, with fixed overhead lighting possible with advance coordination
- Conversational audio volume in most areas

Attendees
- Deep Space is open to all registered conference attendees
- PS2025 anticipates 10,000+ daily attendees, most of which will visit Deep Space at some point
- Simultaneous Deep Space attendance is usually in the mid or high hundreds

Placement
- All placement will be confirmed in advance
- Most projects will be placed in Deep Space
- Projects may be placed in other areas of conference venue at the discretion of PS2025

Insurance
- All projects that require a physical build or exhibition of large works will need to be covered by liability and worker's compensation insurance
- We may be able to assist projects with obtaining coverage if they do not have a standing policy

Safety
- All industry standard best practices for safety and professional decorum during setup, show, and strike must be followed

What should I prepare in order to make the initial submission?

Contact Information
- First name, last name, email, and phone number (optional, but recomended. Will not be used for marketing.)

General Category
Choose one of the following that best suits the project's support needs.
- Visual & 2D Work: Gallery-ready flat artwork or small sculpture
- Installation, Environments, & Activities: Large sculpture, installation art, theme camps, activity stations, etc. Any project that requires on-site build and its own fixed floorspace
- Short Workshop or Performance: Stage-based sessions, or roving, stage, or unique performance. Sorry, no DJs, bands, or musical acts

Project Title
- For gallery-style or performance art, you are welcome to use the artist name. (Please do not make multiple submissions for individual works.)

Short Description
- 50 words max

Longer Description
- Optional
- If you have a longer description or biography, you can include it.
- 400 words max

Artist Statement
- Optional
- If not obvious from the project description, please explain how your personal story or creative practice intersects with the themes of psychedelics or Deep Space.
- 400 words max

References & Links
- Visual references, videos, portfolios, social media profiles, documents or other references that help explain the project and its creators

Tags
- You will be asked to select up to five general tags that help explain your work

List of Individual Artworks
- For gallery-style artwork only
- Please list up to five specific artwork titles, dimensions, format or medium and visual references for consideration by the gallery curator.

Questions for Installation Projects Only: 

Location
- Where will the project's physical materials be transported from?

Physical Materials & Cargo
- Please provide a list of items or categories of items and objects that will be brought into the venue

Physical Dimensions
- H x W x D for total project footprint, as installed

Team Members Required
- How many team members are required to set up, operate, and break down the project?

Risk Or Hazards
- Please describe any risks to attendees or damage to the venue and safety precautions required
- Note that a general warning of light effects will be posted for those who may be at elevated risk for visually-induced seizures.

Set-Up/Strike Activities
- Describe or bullet-point a general list of activities and steps to set up and strike the project
- 200 words max

Set-Up/Strike Time
- How much time will it take for your team to a) set -up and b) strike the project

Specialized Labor or Equipment
- Does your setup require professional rigging, use of power tools, heavy equipment, provided A/V tech, or other specialized labor/equipment? If so, please describe.

Minimum Support Budget
- Minimum dollar amount required for logistics and essential hard costs
- While there can be some discussion here, note that projects with modest financial support are preferred.
- Regionally-based or externally-supported projects do have a natural advantage.
- Please do not include airfare, meals, hotel rooms, labor fees, or artist fees.

OK, I made it to the end of your epic FAQ. Where can I fill out the application form?

Thank you for reading to the very bottom. You can fill out the application form here.

Where can I learn more if I still have questions?

If you still have questions after reading this page, you can contact us at creative@psychedelicscience.org.

Please understand that we may not be able to offer advice and guidance on an individual submission, and may simply ask you to do your best to make an initial submission based on this FAQ.