Call for Art
Call Summary
The Cultural Awareness Coalition and Public Arts Midland are seeking art submissions from Great Lakes Bay Region community members for Neighboring Week and Global Diversity Month! All art should be based on the theme of: “Global Diversity: Our differences make us better together.”
Both groups are excited about this collaborative project because art and culture are so closely tied together. We all believe in the therapeutic values of art creation, the intentionality of working within a theme, and the benefits of a community based gathering, which will cap off the project.
As Public Arts Midland’s vision statement notes, “We believe that art connects, heals, inspires, teaches, and speaks to us in myriad ways that build stronger and more vibrant communities.” Cultural Awareness Coalition’s mission is “to promote, encourage, share and sustain cultural awareness throughout Midland.”
The work of both Cultural Awareness Coalition and Public Arts Midland aligns to the broader vision of Midland County – Midland: An inclusive community. Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives.
Project Description
The primary goal of this project is to encourage people to think about how our differences make life more interesting, and that we really are better together. We encourage people to think about their own cultural traditions, how they belong in our community, and embracing diversity. Global Diversity month is a celebration and reminder of the positive impact a diverse culture of people can have on society as a whole. We want to amplify that spirit with this contest!
We encourage you to think about diversity with a broad lens, which might include: race, traditions, age, abilities, mental health, physical health, orientation, socioeconomic status, etc.
Everyone is invited to participate in the project: kids, teens, young adults, older adults, artists, non artists! All experience levels are welcome. We can’t wait to see your interpretation of the theme: Our differences make us better together.
Art Requirements
The submitted design may be:
- 2D (drawings, painting, paper, mixed media, etc.)
- 3D (clay, wood, cardboard, metal, mixed media etc.)
- Multimedia (video of a speech, song, digital art, etc.)
- Written (poem, short story, personal narrative, etc.)
- Each piece entered needs to have an accompanying Submission Form
Artist Eligibility
This call is open to all ages and all experience levels. Public Arts Midland and Cultural Awareness Coalition has a commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all, without regard to race, sex, gender, color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis prescribed by law.
Members of the Public Arts Midland and Cultural Awareness Coalition Committees may submit to participate in this project, but those who do will be recused from the voting process.
Deadline
Deadline for submission has been extended to October 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
Submissions
Physical art will be submitted at the Midland Area Community Foundation:
76 Ashman Circle
Midland, MI 48640
M-F, 9-5 – Additional drop off times can be arranged if requested.
Digital art will be submitted via email to publicartsmidland@gmail.com using the subject line “2024 Creativity Contest’.
Each piece entered needs to have an accompanying Submission Form
All submissions that meet the stated requirements will be reviewed by the Public Arts Midland and Cultural Awareness Coalition selection committee. Selected artists will be featured in a gallery style event at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library on, Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 6-8pm. At this event, prizes will be awarded to the top pieces.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria will include the following:
- Interpretation of theme
- Creativity and originality
- Artistic quality, composition, and overall design of work
Project Timeline
Begin creating: Any time!
Submissions open: August 1, 2024
Submission deadline: October 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Notification of Selection: by October 10, 2024
Artist Reception: Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 6-8pm at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
DOWNLOAD SUBMISSION FORM HERE
Questions?
For questions specific to the application process, please contact Annie Stout at publicartsmidland@gmail.com.
Visit http://publicartsmidland.org and http://midlandculturalawareness.org to learn more about the work we do in Midland County.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram:
@publicartsmidland @midlandculturalawareness