Tidewater Arts Outreach is being funded to create an innovative art competition that will harness the power of the arts to engage audiences and participants of all ages in overcoming COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy.

Knowledge is an Art Form is an art competition that uses your artistic talent to address the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation in our community.  You will use your creative talents to communicate the impact vaccines have had throughout history as well as giving accurate information about vaccine function and address the concerns behind vaccine hesitancy. Tidewater Arts Outreach is one of only 30 organizations in the nation to be granted support for this type of project by the CDC Foundation – your participation is the chance to be part of a national effort to use one of humanity’s best communicators (art) to address a real concern in your life.

The competition will be in two rounds. This call is for Round 1.

Round 1: Proposal Only (requires viewing of Kickoff Meeting recording)

Artists are invited to submit their artwork ideas (in any medium). Only one proposal will be accepted per artist. Art will be juried based on scientific accuracy and artistic excellence so please demonstrate this in your proposal. The piece should be “standalone” by completion as it will travel by exhibition to a variety of locations. If your piece requires electrical power, please state so clearly in your proposal.

You must view the Knowledge is an Art Form Kickoff Meeting recording prior to submitting your proposal. The passcode is provided in the meeting recording. If you require assistance, please email Georgie Darrah, Program Manager, at programs@tidewaterartsoutreach.org.

Round 2: Creation

All finalists (up to 20) will receive $500 to create their piece. You will have about 5 weeks in the creation period so please plan your proposed piece accordingly. Again, the piece will travel throughout Hampton Roads after the creation period, so please plan your materials accordingly.

All finalists must sign work agreements prior to beginning creation and receiving payment. This work agreement will include giving the CDC Foundation a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the work and its facsimiles. 

There will be four non-cash prizes awarded from the pool of 20 finalists.

-          Best in Show

-          Most Effective Communication of Scientific Subject Matter

-          Most Effective Communication of Social or Historical Subject Matter

-          Best Use of Medium

Both rounds will be juried by medical and scientific experts and regional artistic leaders.

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $74,773 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Application Requirements

You must view the Knowledge is an Art Form Kickoff Meeting recording prior to submitting your proposal. The passcode is provided in the meeting recording. If you require assistance, please email Georgie Darrah, Program Manager, at programs@tidewaterartsoutreach.org.

Art is accepted in any visual medium. Please be descriptive in your proposal about the requirements of the piece you plan to make (including needing electrical power or special display equipment). In general, your piece should be travel ready 

Visuals are extremely helpful at this stage. Up to 10 photos and up to 1 video may be uploaded.

Please provide ample description of your own artistic accomplishments, experiences, education, etc. Artistic excellence of the proposed piece is weighed just as heavily as scientific accuracy.

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an artist who lives or works in the Hampton Roads region (within 50 miles of 809 Brandon Avenue Norfolk, VA 23517).

Art is accepted in any visual medium.

Any participants under the age of 18 will need parental consent and signature for the work agreement.