Call Description

Curiosity Under Fire: Creativity in the Age of Censorship

Curiosity and imagination are the foundation of education. Curiosity inspires collaborations and fosters unique relationships; whereas censorship is an attempt to suppress human connection under the guise of protecting children and the greater good for the public. The rise of censorship in the United States and across the globe, threatens the role of curiosity, creativity, and connection in teaching, learning, and the holistic human experience. 

Curiosity nourishes creativity while censorship tries to destroy it. Our brains are wired to be curious. How do you satisfy your curiosity?  Has it ever placed you in a situation to be censored? Where is censorship most prevalent in your life? The growing list of books banned in schools? The threat of social media regulations, or the threat of misinformation spread over social media? The art deemed inappropriate for gallery walls or textbooks?  Or being afraid to speak up in public?

Political censorship undermines the value of diverse voices and critical thinking. When information is censored, where does that leave education, knowledge, and art?

Hera Gallery is looking for works which speak to our curiosity, the root of all learning, and the current state of censorship in our communities and in our nation as a whole.

Juror: Patricia Cazorla, artist, curator, and educator.

Application Requirements

Application Deadline: August 11th, 2025
Exhibition Dates: October 11th - November 15th, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: Hera Gallery will contact artists by September 5, 2025 regarding their inclusion in Curiosity Under Fire: Creativity in the Age of Censorship.

Delivery Due Date: Artwork must be at the Gallery by Thursday, October 2nd.

Artwork Delivery: Local delivery instructions will be sent to all accepted artists.

Return Shipping: The artist is responsible for all shipping costs and shipping containers.  The artist must include a prepaid return shipping label.

Sales Commission: As an artist-run nonprofit, Hera takes no commission in our national juried exhibitions, 100% of sales go directly to the artist.

Insurance: Although the utmost care will be taken in handling your work, Hera Gallery assumes no responsibility for damage, loss, or theft. Artists are responsible for their own insurance.

Photography/Publicity: Hera Gallery reserves the right to photograph work for publicity.  By entering this exhibition, you agree to the use of your name, likeness, certain personal information, and artwork in any publicity material or documentation developed for the exhibition.

About Hera Gallery:
Hera Educational Foundation and Gallery celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. As one of the first women art cooperatives in the United States, we continue to promote contemporary professional artists through a comprehensive exhibition schedule of member work, curated, and juried intersectional social justice shows. Together with thought-provoking programming our organization encourages dialogue that enriches the cultural life of our non-urban Southern RI community. We provide a venue for young talent to find a public voice, and creative support to local health services. Since its inception in 1974, Hera has been resolutely dedicated to gender equity and feminist discourse to challenge perceptions and inspire social change.

Because of its flexibility and commitment to presenting exhibitions with artistic merit and integrity Hera has been awarded numerous grants for its exhibitions and programs including grants from Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, The Champlin Foundation, Rhode Island Council on the Humanities, Rhode Island Foundation, and the Puffin Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: Hera Gallery seeks work in all media, 2D, 3D, and video for this timely, critical exhibition. 3D is limited to 100 lbs and must fit through a 5’10” x 6’8” door. 2D must also fit through said door.