Words Matter: Found, Created or Imagined
A juried call to explore the power of Words and Photographs 

Words can motivate, words can stifle, words can change how we view an image, they can change how we view the world. Images submitted to this call for entry do not need to include words but should explore the idea of how words change how we feel, or how we perceive the world around us. Words Matter is open to street photography, conceptual work and everything in-between with words found, created or imagined. 

We are looking for entries for an exhibition to photographically express the power of words, how words affect us, and how they can alter the meaning of a photograph. This is an opportunity to submit work that challenges our perceptions or shines a light on how words, phrases and even off hand comments have the power to change lives for good or ill. We are interested in exploring how words and images can make us laugh, polarize opinions, erect barriers or breakdown walls. This Call is open to all photographs exploring the power of words, the power to alter opinions, the power to alter how you view yourself or the world. Text need not be a part of the image itself but images should address how words alter the human experience and entries may include titles, captions or short statements to express, explain or alter a narrative. 

The Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI

IMPORTANT DATES

Exhibition: Thursday, June 15th thru Friday, July 14th, 2023
Registration Deadline: April 15th
Delivery of Accepted Work: On or before June 10th
Opening Reception: June 15th  5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Jurors: John Femino, Gershon Stark & David DeMelim

John Femino MD, FASAM John is both an accomplished photographer and board Certified in addiction medicine and internal medicine. John is the former Medical Director and President of the Meadows Edge Recovery Center, frequent lecturer and taught at Brown University for more than 20 years.

Gershon Stark is a photographer, artist and creative force behind Sticks & Stones, his ongoing project created to shine a light on the lasting and damaging power words can have.

David DeMelim is a photographer, graphic designer, managing director and creative force behind the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts.

Collectively the jurors will be reviewing all entries to create an exhibition that explores the power of words, both negative and positive with eye to how words paired with or incorporated into images change how the photograph is read or interpreted. The submitted photographs need not include words, a title or caption may be enough or the image itself may represent or illustrate how words change our perception of a scene.

The RI Center for Photographic Arts, RICPA 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI 02903
Located in the heart of Providence, RICPA was founded to inspire creative development and provide opportunities to engage with the community through exhibitions, education, publication and mutual support. 

RICPA exists to create a diverse and supportive community for individuals interested in learning or working in the Photographic Arts. We strive to provide an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas in an open and cooperative space. Members should share a passion for creating, appreciating, or learning about all forms of photo-based media. We work to provide a platform for artistic expression, that fosters dialogue and drives innovation in the photographic arts. Membership can be purchased at time of entry.

The Gallery at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts is a member of Gallery Night Providence https://www.gallerynight.org/

Awards: 
First Place: $150 
Second Place: $100
Third Place: $50

Eligibility: Artists of all levels who are at least 18 years or older are invited to enter.

Artwork: Open to all forms of photographic image-making in any process or technology, current or historical. Work must be your original creation. All work must be exhibition ready, no saw-tooth hangers please. Work that does not follow the guidelines, or is deemed not to be a faithful representation of the image submitted, will not be exhibited.

Entry Fee:  Artists may submit up to 15 photographs. The entry fee is $35 for the first image and $10 for each subsequent image.  Current RICPA Members receive a 20% discount on the entry fee. The discount code is posted in the Call Listing on our website at https://www.riphotocenter.org. You must be login to our website for the code to be visible. All CAFE fees are non-refundable and must be paid by credit/debit card.  Payment of those fees indicates the acknowledgement of the terms and conditions of the exhibition.  Juror’s decisions are final. 

Want to become a RICPA Member? Membership brings many benefits and discounts, for more information and to find the membership level that fits you, visit our website at https://www.riphotocenter.org/membership-info/ You may become a member at entry, member benefits begin immediately and run 365 days from your start date.  

Size Limit: Maximum size 48” including the frame. Artists may have multiple pieces (diptych, triptych etc.) to make up one work.  

In-Person Delivery of Accepted Work: In-person deliveries will be accepted June 10th, noon till 5:30pm or by appointment. The RICPA Gallery is located on the 2nd Floor at 118 North Main Street Providence, RI 

Shipment of Accepted Work:  Shipped deliveries should be scheduled to arrive by June 10th. Shipped work must be accompanied by a prepaid, return label. Please make sure that you label your work on the back with your name or name on the shipping label if different. 

Print Service: Save on shipping fees and take advantage of our professional print service complete with frame rental for the duration of the exhibition. Email gallery@riphotocenter.org for more information, available for accepted entries starting at for $40 prints framed up to 16” x 20”

Return of Work: For artists who delivered their art in-person pickup will be on July 15th. Shipped art will be returned in the packaging in which it was sent using the provided prepaid return shipping label. The artist is solely responsible for any charges that may arise from inadequate packaging, or redirected shipments.

Sales & Commissions: The Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts retains a 40% commission on works sold, 20% for Supporting & Exhibiting members.

Liability - Legal Agreement & Participant’s Waiver:  Submission of work automatically waives any claim for damage or loss against RI Center for Photographic Arts, including the officers, members, and employees. RICPA will exercise all reasonable care in handling entries, but will not assume any liability for loss or damage while in RICPA’s possession or in transit. Work should be independently insured by the artist.

Usage Rights: The artist retains all copyright to the images submitted. By submitting images you are giving RICPA the right to use the images for the purpose of marketing the exhibition and for reproduction online. Artists grant the use of their image(s) as stated without further contact or compensation from RICPA. Artist’s recognition is provided with any use. Submitting artists will be added to RICPA’s email subscriber list. They may opt out using a link on each email at any time. RICPA reserves the right to adjust any deadline(s) as the result of causes beyond its immediate control.  Payment of the submission fee indicates acknowledgement of all terms and conditions.

Questions: Contact gallery@riphotocenter.org  To learn about other RICPA exhibits and programs, visit https://www.riphotocenter.org/.

Application Requirements

One or more photo based images to be juried individually.  Work must be your original creation.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists of all levels who are at least 18 years or older are invited to enter. Open to all forms of photographic image-making in any process or technology, current or historical. Work must be your original creation.