Our People Exhibition: 

The Black Influence in Contemporary Culture

"Our People," a forthcoming national juried Black History Month exhibition hosted by The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County (The Arts Council), warmly invites artists to contribute to a vibrant celebration of Black culture and the profound influence of Black Americans on the world. This carefully curated collection is forward-looking, seeking contemporary 2D and 3D works that pay homage to the current pop culture of Black individuals. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces that uniquely capture the essence of what it means to be Black in the modern world, reflecting on the resilience, creativity, and profound influence that have shaped various aspects of our lives.

“Our People” offers an exceptional opportunity for artists to participate in a meaningful dialogue that transcends time, shaping a collective narrative that vividly reflects the impact of Black individuals. Your contribution to this exhibition will play a crucial role in portraying the multifaceted legacy of Black history and fostering a shared understanding of its influence. Join us in creating a space where the contemporary and historical intertwine, forming a collective that not only honors the past but also contributes to a transformative and inclusive future.

We would like to extend an invitation for Artists to participate in our upcoming Juried Black History Month Exhibition, “Our People”.  Artwork must have an emphasis on Black Art,  meaning a positive conveyed message of black pride and/or appreciation of the black heritage or cultural influence.  The Arts Council will be hosting the exhibition at the Arts Center Gallery in Fayetteville, NC from January 26, 2024- March 2nd, 2024.  We are excited to announce that the exhibition will include an award pool and honorable mentions for participants.  

Online submissions will be accepted from December 1st, 2023- December 26th, 2023 (Midnight).  We encourage all artists to submit their entries promptly as we will have rolling acceptances throughout the call leading up to the deadline.

GOAL:

Black art serves as the underlying influence on our culture, and in “Our People,” we're diving into the vibrant art that surges underneath the surface. Artists, whether established or emerging, international or students, are invited to submit 2D and 3D works that celebrate black culture and its profound influence on the world. This exhibition explores traditional, non-traditional, and contemporary interpretations of the influence of Black art, providing a platform for artists across various mediums to contribute to a nuanced and collective understanding of this cultural impact.

Curator & Jurors: Professional Artists 

Curator
Collyn Strother (insta: @wisemindcollyn)

Jurors
Brandon Dean Johnson (https://www.bigfooters.co/)

Bryane Broadie (https://www.bbroadie.com/)

Makayla Binter (https://www.makaylabinter.store/bio)

Awards: 

First Place (Gold Award of Excellence):  $500  

Second place (Silver):  $350 

Third place (Bronze):  $150

Honorable Mention: $50

Honorable Mention: $50

Important Dates: 

December 1- December 26th, 2023 (Noon):  Entries submitted through CaFE 

January 2nd, 2024: Notification of acceptance (Early applicants may receive earlier notification)

January 2-January 22, 2024: Shipping Window. Artwork must be received by January 22, 2024

January 26, 2024:  Private Artist Reception (Family & Friends) 5pm-6pm

January 26, 2024: Public reception, juror remarks, and award announcements, 6 – 8 p.m.

March 2, 2024:  Exhibition closes 

March 15, 2024:  All work shipped

Application Requirements

Specifications:

The Arts Council Gallery utilizes a walker hanging system to display artwork in the gallery.  All Artwork should have a wire backing and be able to fit through a standard size door frame.  Questions or concerns can be directed to the exhibit curator at admin@theartscouncil.com

Shipping:  

Complete shipping instructions will be sent with the acceptance notification to the hanging exhibit. Artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from (including insurance during transit) by providing a prepaid shipping label for return shipping.  The Arts Council will cover any insurance and liability while the artwork is hanging in the gallery.   All artwork must arrive no later than January 19, 2024. Works will be shipped in their original packaging no later than March 8, 2024.  Artworks must be shipped in sturdy, reusable containers with appropriate packing material. More specific shipping instructions with acceptance letters will be provided. Shipping address: Arts Council of Fayetteville, Attn: Exhibits, 301 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility & Entry Fees:

Accepted submissions will have an emphasis on Black Art,  meaning a positive conveyed message of black pride and/or appreciation of the black heritage or cultural influence. You may enter three pieces. 2D and 3D works are eligible. Work must not have been shown in our gallery previously. There is a $15 entry fee for all applicants.