ARTIST CALL

BLKFWD // AFROFUTURISM x THE BLACK IMAGINATION • VOL 2

A FORWARD VISION OF BLACK THOUGHT AND CREATIVITY, DEMONSTRATED THROUGH ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

In the spirit of Black architects and inventors of ancient and present civilizations, the Black Imagination offers a vision of the Afrocentric future. A future influenced in Black culture, experiences, diversity, and pride. A future powered by science, technology, community, and the arts. This exhibition explores the imagination and a vision of what the future could be -- through a Black lens.

ELIGIBILITY

This is a juried show in celebration of Black History Month, February 2024. All artists are welcomed to apply. Submitted works must be related to the show theme. Rarely displayed or new artwork is encouraged. Priority placement will be given to members of 21 Dreams Arts & Culture and current students of Alabama State University Department of Visual Arts. No size restrictions. All original paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media or sculptures. Artwork must be on stretched canvas, matted or framed and properly wired for hanging.

APPLICATION

To apply, visit us http://artistcall.21dreamsmgm.org and complete the online form. Be prepared to upload your resume or biography and up to five images of your work, which you would like to submit for the show. There is no entry fee.

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE :: 17 JANUARY 2024

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED :: 20 JANUARY 2024

OPENING RECEPTION :: 3 FEBRUARY 2024

HASHTAG :: #BLKFWD

CLICK TO VIEW +  DOWNLOAD FULL ARTIST CALL 

ARTIST CALL

BLKFWD // AFROFUTURISM x THE BLACK IMAGINATION • VOL 1

A FORWARD VISION OF BLACK THOUGHT AND CREATIVITY, DEMONSTRATED THROUGH ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

In the spirit of Black architects and inventors of ancient and present civilizations, the Black Imagination offers a vision of the Afrocentric future. A future influenced in Black culture, experiences, diversity, and pride. A future powered by science, technology, community, and the arts. This exhibition explores the imagination and a vision of what the future could be -- through a Black lens. #BLKFWD

ELIGIBILITY

This is a juried show in celebration of Black History Month, February 2023. All artists are welcomed to apply. Submitted works must be related to the show theme. Rarely displayed or new artwork is encouraged. Priority placement will be given to members of 21 Dreams Arts & Culture and current students of Alabama State University Department of Visual Arts. No size restrictions. All original paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media or sculptures. Artwork must be on stretched canvas, matted or framed and properly wired for hanging.

APPLICATION

To apply, visit us http://artistcall.21dreamsmgm.org and complete the online form. Be prepared to upload your resume or biography and up to five images of your work, which you would like to submit for the show. There is no entry fee.

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE :: 17 JANUARY 2023

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED :: 20 FEBRUARY 2023

OPENING RECEPTION :: 4 FEBRUARY 2023

HASHTAG :: #BLKFWD

CLICK TO VIEW +  DOWNLOAD FULL ARTIST CALL 

ARTIST CALL

Presented by 21 Dreams Arts & Culture, in collaboration with The King's Canvas, and The Creative Xtremist.

@WeCreateChangeAL --  Alabama artists unite to build awareness, organize community and instigate social and political change, in celebration of Black History Month.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Historically, Montgomery has set the stage for the change that ripples throughout the nation. A group of Montgomery artists believe they can bring awareness to issues happening in their communities and serve as an example of the work that can be done across the country. Inspired by Montgomery’s history of grassroots organizing, and artists like Nina Simone, who declared “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times.” – local artists have come together to form a coalition and launch the @WeCreateChangeAL arts initiative.

The @WeCreateChangeAL exhibition examines several social and political issues impacting Alabama including mass incarceration, critical race theory, and voter suppression. The exhibition will feature politically charged artwork from local and nationally acclaimed artists.

ELIGIBILITY

This is a juried show in celebration of Black History Month, February 2022. All artists are welcomed to apply. Submitted works must be related to the show theme. Rarely displayed or new artwork is encouraged. Priority placement will be given to active members of represented organizations and current students of Alabama State University Department of Visual Arts. No size restrictions. All original paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media or sculptures. Artwork must be on stretched canvas, matted or framed and properly wired for hanging.

APPLICATION

To apply, visit us http://artistcall.21dreamsmgm.org and complete the online form. Be prepared to upload your resume or biography and up to five images of your work, which you would like to submit for the show. There is no entry fee.

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE :: 02 FEBRUARY 2022

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED :: 04 FEBRUARY 2022

HASHTAG :: #WeCreateChangeAL

SOCIAL MEDIA :: @WeCreateChangeAL

CLICK TO VIEW +  DOWNLOAD FULL ARTIST CALL 

The Spirit of the People

Local Montgomery artist creates public social justice mural,"Are You Listening?"

  MONTGOMERY, Oct 09, 2020 -- 21 Dreams, a Montgomery-based nonprofit artist collective focused on arts appreciation, community building, and public arts is pleased to announce an upcoming downtown art installation by artist Milton Madison, entitled "Are You Listening?" 

The work is installed along the historic Selma to Montgomery Trail that reflects the demonstrations and causes of civil unrest across our country. The artwork depicts the nation's call for equal justice and an end to systemic racism and police brutality. It represents the hope that still exists, and the fight for justice through modern-day non-violent, actionable movements. The artwork's design incorporates the names of Montgomery citizens who have wrongfully lost their lives at the hands of the local police. The names displayed serve as a reminder to remember their lives and bring awareness to the current movement for change. 

“Alabama has played a major role shaping our country by standing against injustices. We are seeing that influence across our nation today. This piece pays homage to our past sacrifices, and the evolution of that same spirit of change. The belief is that through our solidarity, we can correct the things that are going wrong in society right now.” - Milton Madison

Located at 136 Montgomery Street on the Alex Rice Building, the mural is purposely placed in proximity to the current public arts mural by fellow artist Sunny Paulk, on Lee Street, which depicts the Selma to Montgomery March. Both murals share the non-violent action protest theme, which embodies the spirit and the identity of the city of Montgomery as the birthplace of civil rights and social change.

Historically, Montgomery has set the stage for the change that ripples throughout the nation. Residents and local leaders believe they can address these issues locally and serve as an example of the work that can be done across the country. A community conversation series is in development that will address Montgomery community organizations and city officials' work to address issues of injustice. For more information, visit 21 Dreams at 21DreamsMGM.org, and via social media: @21DreamsMGM. 

This project was made possible through the support of the Montgomery Arts Project (MAP), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Leadership Montgomery, Montgomery Builds, I AM MORE THAN, and 846 & Market Street.

Hashtags:

#RUListeningMGM

#21DreamsMGM

Media: Montgomery Advertiser: http://bit.ly/RUListeningMGM

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About 21 Dreams

21 Dreams is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization committed to advancing creative and cultural arts in Montgomery. Incorporated in April 2016, the artist collective consists primarily of artists with visual and digital art disciplines. Program initiatives include arts appreciation, community building, public engagement, and public arts. Their mission is to influence the arts' growth and value through public engagement and creative programming, ensuring accessibility for all.

OPEN ARTIST CALL

Show will be juried and held at Alabama State University's Tullibody Fine Arts Center in the Warren-Britt Galleries!

In celebration of Women's History Month, we present WHO I AM, a vision by artist Sunny Paulk. This exhibition will feature all Female artists. Open to members, ASU students and non-member artists with a $35 fee upon selection. Submission Deadline Extended:  FEBRUARY 8

• Click for PDF view - Artist Call for WHO I AM

Apply online at: http://artistcall.21dreamsmgm.org

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ARTIST STATEMENT

Assumptions are usually misguided, especially assumptions we make about other people. We assume to know who someone is based on their race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or lack of religion, hair, clothing, dialect, neighborhood or lack of neighborhood, physical or mental disability, as well as many other perceptions, when that is not what defines them. We do not seek to know the real person underneath the exterior, especially if they don’t look or sound like we do. But we usually have more in common with each other than we have differences. When we seek out other people and listen to their stories, we actually learn more about ourselves, and only learn and grow as a result. This series is about real people and their real stories; people that demand that the world sees them, and the daily challenge that presents because of what the world assumes. It’s about realizing how the world sees them and reconciling that with who they actually are. And being strong enough to still be their true self. It’s about stepping back and listening to what is unseen and unspoken, and often hidden from the rest of the world. 

ELIGIBILITY

This is a juried show in celebration of Women’s History Month, March 2020. ALL FEMALE ARTISTS are welcomed to apply. Priority placement will be given to active members of 21 Dreams Arts & Culture and current students of Alabama State University Department of Visual Arts. This is a Portrait themed exhibition. No size restrictions. All original paintings, drawings, and photography. Artwork must be on stretched canvas, matted or framed and properly wired for hanging.

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-Updated Feb 5.

We have two college internship opportunities for the Fall-Summer Semesters! See the description below. If this sounds like a good fit for you, simply complete these 2-steps to apply!

APPLICATION - Submit your application at http://go2l.ink/apply21D

REFERENCES - Send your resume and the contact information for two character references to info@21dreamsmgm.org

ART GALLERY INTERNSHIP

We are looking for an enthusiastic art lover to help us advance our mission to highlight the creative community in Montgomery. Under the guidance of the owners and gallery manager, the Art Gallery Intern will assist with preparation for events, management of the sales booth, handling and installation of art, social media marketing, making phone calls, and running errands.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Gain exposure to all aspects of gallery operations, including gallery exhibit selection, design, and installation
• Learn about inventory management, retail operations, communications and marketing
• Network with top artists and creatives in the Montgomery area

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet visitors to the gallery and answer questions
• Serve as a liaison between the 21 Dreams members and the public
• Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages
• Attend meetings to record and distribute minutes
• Assist with the gallery’s inventory tracking and sales
• Assist with opening, closing, and cleanup of the gallery
• Help the Programs Committee coordinate the acquisition, storage, installation, and deinstallation of art exhibits
• Help the Membership Committee recruit and onboard new members
• Help the Communications Committee maintain website, blog, and social media network presence
• Set up, work, and deconstruct the 21 Dreams booth for programs and events

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate Junior or Senior or Graduate student. Preferred majors: Studio Art, Art History, Communications, Business, Marketing, or Museum Studies
• Must be motivated to learn, organized, and team-oriented

SCHEDULE AND DETAILS

• Part time, unpaid internship requiring up to 20 hours per week
• Schedule is flexible around the intern’s class schedule; nights and weekends are required
• Intern is responsible for arranging for academic credit through their program of study.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

21 Dreams is an equal opportunity employer and values the diversity of its staff, members, and partners. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.

Answering the call from our initial meet-up in March, we present the first #CreativeChallenge! Much thanks from our think-tank of attendees and the team for working on this challenge. Details attached! 

The challenge is open to the community and members. Creative Challenge - Caption Scramble.pdf