Art that expands diversity consciousness and embraces and celebrates minoritized cultures and perspectives
The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh are delighted to announce a call for submissions for the second-annual “Envisioning A Just Pittsburgh” initiative. Working with community partners 1Hood Media, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and others, this project harnesses the power of art to imagine and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive future for the Pittsburgh region. Artists are invited to submit their work by October 20, 2024.
The “Envisioning A Just Pittsburgh“ brings together a diverse group of emerging and experienced artists who can depict their visions of justice, equality, and community resilience. The call is open to creators working in a range of media, including the written and spoken word, visual art, performance, fiber art, and digital art.
Selected works will be featured in public exhibitions in Pittsburgh in February 2025, providing artists with a platform to share their creative perspectives on social justice.
"We know that art has the power to inspire change and foster dialogue," said Ron Idoko, founding director of the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute and director of the Office of Social Innovation in the Frederick Honors College at Pitt. "Through this initiative with our institutional and community partners, we hope to highlight the voices and visions of artists who are passionate about creating a just and equitable Pittsburgh."
Submissions will be reviewed by judges from the local art community; awards of up to $2000 will be given.
American playwright August Wilson once said, "Art has the power to heal, unite, and transform society."
Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh is a region-wide art initiative and partnership between the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and 1Hood Media. This first of its kind Call for Art expands diversity consciousness and celebrates intersectional perspectives and cultures.
For the second year in a row, the University of Pittsburgh is excited to call all members of the Pittsburgh community at large to submit creative works – be it visual art, writing, or performance – that inspire and expand our perspective of a future Pittsburgh community and culture in which we all thrive. We encourage folks to express themselves boldly and authentically and use their art to encourage, challenge, and educate others.
Join Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh Curator and Visual Artist Morgan Overton to learn more about the 2024 Call for Art on 12 noon Aug. 29 on Zoom. Hear from last year’s winners and ask questions!
Submission Deadline: Oct. 20, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST
- Awards Categories
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- Writing for the Page: Short Story, Poetry, Personal Essay, Flash Fiction
- Visual Art: 2D, 3D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Fiber Art, Graphic Design
- Performance: Music, Dance, Slam Poetry, Spoken Word
- Video & Interdisciplinary: Works that cross categories, Mixed Media, Digital Art
- Youth Arts (17 and younger, by October 20, 2024): All categories including:
-Writing for the Page
-Visual Art
-Performance
-Video & Interdisciplinary - Monetary Awards
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Adult Awards
- First Place: Four Awards, $2,000 each
- Runners-Up: Four Awards, $750 each
Youth Awards
- First Place: Four Awards, $750 each
- Runners-Up: Four Awards, $250 each
Artists Who Display Work
- Up to 40 awards, $50 each
- Recognition
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All works are eligible for award distinctions and awardees will be announced in December 2024. Their creative works may be displayed and performed in person at Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (CMP), Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), the University of Pittsburgh, 1Hood Media and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), additionally on web and social media channels. Winners and runner's up will receive their awards and participate in showcases that will take place throughout February 2025.
For over a century, institutions like the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh have served as essential public resources, connecting Pittsburghers to each other and the world.
We recognize, however, that our endeavors to cultivate a just and equitable city must be more intentional, intersectional, and reflective of our evolving society. We extend beyond the confines of our institutions and commit ourselves as responsive and collaborative partners for progress and transformation. At the heart of our efforts is ‘Envisioning A Just Pittsburgh’, an inclusive call to community members of Southwestern PA to share their visions for a just and equitable Pittsburgh.
We invite community members to submit creative works – be it visual art, writing, or performance – that inspire and expand our perspective of the future Pittsburgh communities in which we all thrive. We encourage folks to express themselves boldly and authentically and use their art to encourage, challenge, and educate others.
For the second year in a row, the University of Pittsburgh is excited to call all members of the Pittsburgh community at large to submit creative works of all kinds to help us envision a just Pittsburgh.
To view detailed information on themes, submission criteria, acceptable formats, exhibition requirements, and more, please click the Submit Your Work link. Once you have reviewed these specifications, you will have the opportunity to complete the submission form.