Louisville Visual Art

ARTIST CATALYST PROGRAM
RFQ DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2021 at 11:59PM EST.

Entry Fee: Free
Artist Catalyst Project Timeline: August 1 2021-August 1 2022
Location: Louisville, KY
Contact: PACE@louisvillevisualart.org
CONCEPT: As part of the Public Art & Civic Engagement (PACE) Capacity Building Initiative Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is launching an Artist Catalyst program with technical support from Mural Arts Institute, a program of Mural Arts Philadelphia. The Artist Catalyst program seeks to build the capacity of artists in working with community to produce socially engaged, participatory public art projects. Selected artists will participate in a PACE Incubator, Mural Arts Institute Symposia, and learning opportunities in collaboration with a partner at LVA. In addition, artists will receive an artist fee and funds to produce a project. Artist Catalysts will also receive project management support to lead their community-based project and mentorship from an MAI staff artist. Artist will work with LVA’s partner to explore project ideas, goals and strategies as part of the kick-off PACE Incubator hosted virtually by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
ELIGIBILITY: This call is open to Black and Brown artists both established and emerging, with priority given to artists who have a strong connection to Louisville, who live in Louisville. Eligible artists should have a history of community based work in the arts.
More information

Temporary Artworks in Libraries
Deadline: April 30, 2021

Entry Fee: Free
Exhibition Dates: August - December, 2021
Location: Louisville Free Public Library locations
Contact: Paul Burns, Paul.Burns@lfpl.org
Additional Information: Artists are encouraged to attend one of the virtual Information Sessions: April 8, 6p or April 9, 12 noon.
Join Zoom Meeting - https://zoom.us/j/98522144110?pwd=OUVaRndTMkxhS0JEUTBOU2R1VDdxQT09
Meeting ID: 985 2214 4110
Passcode: 298043
More information

MASTER PIECES: International MFA/MA Exhibit
Deadline: May 3, 2021
Entry Fee: $25 for one entry, $40 for two to four entries, and $5 per each additional entry.
Exhibition Dates: July 9- August 6, 2021
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact Name: Jason Franz, info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites current graduate students and MFA/MA degree recipients since January 2020 to submit original works of art to the 15th Annual Master Pieces exhibit. Every year Manifest offers an opportunity just for graduate students to exhibit at our gallery in Cincinnati. This installment of the Master Pieces project will continue to reveal the intensity and professionalism of students working towards their terminal academic degree in the field of art or design. Often the most exceptional work comes out of these artists’ immersion in their culture of study and intellectual pursuit. Manifest’s goal, therefore, is to select works that set the standard of quality that the artist is expected to maintain throughout his or her professional career and justify the degree of Master. ANNUAL CASH AWARD: The annual Manifest Grand Jury Prize will result in the awarding of one significant cash prize ($2500) to a single work selected as the 'best of the entire season'.
More information

 

CHERISHED: International Call for Works About Things Most Loved
Deadline: May 7, 2021
Entry Fee: $40 for up to FOUR entries submitted. $5 per each additional entry.
Exhibition/Event Dates: July 9 - August 6, 2021
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: Jason Franz, info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites visual artists and designers to submit original works of art that in some way relate to the theme of things most loved. Open to any and all traditional and non-traditional visual arts 2d or 3d media. Whether it is to protect or care for someone lovingly, to hold something dear, or to keep a hope or ambition in one's mind, the process of cherishing is something all people have experienced. It is a form of basic human common ground. It represents a deeply-seated connection to something 'other', something or someone outside ourselves, or a very special idea—a reflection upon something almost sanctified by reverence or attachment. How do artists and craftspeople of today embody such notions into physical works? How does the assembly of form (whether it be a flat and shape oriented two-dimensional image, or a voluminous object) attain a refinement capable of signifying cherishing? Or, how do artists represent the notion of such deep care, affection, and attachment through imagery?
ANNUAL CASH AWARD: The annual Manifest Grand Jury Prize will result in the awarding of one significant cash prize ($2500) to a single work selected as the 'best of the entire season’.
More information

 

Kentucky Capitol Gallery
Deadline: May 15, 2021
Entry Fee: $25 for one entry, $40 for two to four entries, and $5 per each additional entry.
Exhibition Dates: July 19 - December 31, 2021
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
The Kentucky Capitol will soon highlight the artistic works of residents across the state. Gov. Andy Beshear and first lady Britainy Beshear announced Monday the creation of the "Team Kentucky Gallery" which will invite artists to share their pieces with the entire commonwealth. Professional and amateur artists are invited to submit their artwork under the theme "Team Kentucky." Selected pieces will be displayed for six months in a main hall of the state Capitol in Frankfort. "Once we defeat COVID-19 and more Kentuckians can visit the Capitol, we want to make sure they see their stories and communities represented and that they’re reminded of all the reasons Kentucky is so special,” Beshear said in a statement.
Kentucky artists can submit photos of their artwork by clicking this link.
Submission requirements include: artwork should be framed; the pieces can be landscape, portrait or abstract; submissions need to include name, age, company, personal website and social media channels; artists can also note if the pieces are for sale or not.
According to the governor's office, after the six-month rotation, the artwork will be returned to the artist. The first rotation will be from July 1 to Dec. 31.
More information

SEASON 18 (2021/22) SOLO EXHIBIT PROPOSALS
Deadline: June 1, 2021

Entry Fee: Each proposal must be accompanied by a $50 non-refundable submission fee.
Exhibition Dates: 2020-2021
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: Jason Franz, info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites visual artists and designers to submit proposals of original bodies of work for consideration during the 2021/22 exhibit season. On average, one-third of Manifest's exhibits are dedicated to solo exhibits. Solo exhibitors have included local, regional, and national artists from as far away as New York City, San Francisco, Canada, and Hong Kong. It is important to our non-profit mission that each of our seasons of free public exhibits consist of a balanced mix of solo and group thematic projects. The group shows provide diversity of approach, media, style, and geographic origin, while the solo exhibits provide a deeper insight into an artist's vision. Open to all traditional and non-traditional genre and media.  Anyone can submit a proposal. Artists should bear in mind the need for a consistent and very strong body of work when submitting. Quality of documentation/images affects the committee's impression of the submitting artist.
More information
 

Pharmacopeia
Deadline: June 1, 2021

OPEN CALL
Deadline: Ongoing
Entry Fee: None
Location: John G. Irvin Gallery; Lexington, KY
Contact: Inquiries to Patricia Wheatley, pwheatley@centralbank.com.
Additional Information: The John G. Irvin Gallery opened in March 1987.  It was created to promote Kentucky’s visual artists. The creation of the gallery was a labor of love and a passion of the late Irvin, a Lexingtonian and former employee of Central Bank. Over the years the gallery has hosted exhibitions by Kentucky’s finest artists, as well as new and emerging artists exhibiting for the first time. Art receptions are held on LexArts Gallery Hop evenings on the fifth-floor executive area of the bank, located at 300 West Vine Street from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. The art may also be viewed during normal business hours Monday through Friday. The collection is displayed on floors two and three.
More Information
 

B3 Gallery
Deadline: Ongoing

B3 Gallery in Nashville, Indiana is currently jurying artists who would like to sell their work in town. We are seeking both 2D and 3D artists to display in a co-op like fashion, but with NO work requirements.
Why Nashville, Indiana? We’re a tiny community, but we’re BIG on arts! With over 100 years history as an Artist Colony we’re a huge tourist destination. This town of 800 residents receives approximately 3 million visitors each year. Our Visitor’s Center does an excellent job of drawing tourists from Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and other large cities. Many of those people come here to buy art.
For more information please contact the gallery via email to b3gallery@yahoo.com.

The Galleries for the Arts Council of Northeastern Kentucky
Deadline: Ongoing
Entry Fee: Percentage of Selling Price
Location: Pendelton Art Center, Ashland, KY 41101
Contact: acofneky@gmail.com
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BIG FOUR ARTS FESTIVAL
Deadline May 10, 2021
Entry Fee: $25
Open to: No buy and sell items. Items must be handmade by artist.
Event Dates: September 11 & 12, 2021
Location: Big Four Bridge Lawn, Waterfront Park, Downtown Louisville
Contact: Lou Nunnelley, b4b@twc.com
Additional Information: The Big Four Arts Festival has been the most attended (40,000) two-day Event ever held in Louisville at Waterfront Park on the Big Four Bridge Lawn. The weekend following Labor Day, the 5th annual festival,  September 11 & 12, will be held on the lawn which consist of four acres of tree lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, located at the B4 Walking Bridge. The B4 Walking Bridge has 25,000 people strolling  it each weekend. The Festival is a two-minute drive from downtown Louisville and draws patrons from Southern Indiana as well as Louisville. Such was the overall success of the Festival that Louisville's Convention & Visitors Bureau presented the Rose Award to the Festival for a Event that is bringing so much commerce to Louisville! Louisville's Festival is known for it's 180 juried artists, EZ in-out access, spacious booth layouts and many artist amenities. With a proven multi-media campaign we will produce record crowds again in 2021!
Festival dates: Saturday, September 11th(10am-7:00pm), Sunday, September 12th(10am-5:00pm). Friday Sept 10th is reserved for EZ-IN setup for artists, 9:00am-4:00pm. Accepted applicants in the Big 4 Arts Festival will have a page in the Artist Directory, opens Sept. 13, 2021.
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Request for Proposal for Wayfinding Mural Design
Deadline: April 16, 2021
Entry Fee: FREE to Enter
Open to: Artists of all ages and professional levels are welcome to apply
Contact: Emily Dippie, edippie@cityofjeff.net
Additional Information: The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) in 2021 is focusing on raising the visibility, accessibility, and marketability of the arts district through a community “Wayfinding Painting Event.” This event will allow community members to build ownership over their district through painting a simple mural path in sections with Covid safe pods from a high traffic pedestrian bridge to the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. The Jeffersonville Public Art Commission is seeking an artist to design the mural path that will be painted by community members using stencils and a limited color palette. The artist chosen for the design project will work with the Jeffersonville Public Art Commission to determine a design and will be paid a stipend of 500 dollars for the design work.
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ARTIST CATALYST PROGRAM
RFQ DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2021 at 11:59PM EST.

Entry Fee: Free
Artist Catalyst Project Timeline: August 1 2021-August 1 2022
Location: Louisville, KY
Contact: PACE@louisvillevisualart.org
CONCEPT: As part of the Public Art & Civic Engagement (PACE) Capacity Building Initiative Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is launching an Artist Catalyst program with technical support from Mural Arts Institute, a program of Mural Arts Philadelphia. The Artist Catalyst program seeks to build the capacity of artists in working with community to produce socially engaged, participatory public art projects. Selected artists will participate in a PACE Incubator, Mural Arts Institute Symposia, and learning opportunities in collaboration with a partner at LVA. In addition, artists will receive an artist fee and funds to produce a project. Artist Catalysts will also receive project management support to lead their community-based project and mentorship from an MAI staff artist. Artist will work with LVA’s partner to explore project ideas, goals and strategies as part of the kick-off PACE Incubator hosted virtually by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
ELIGIBILITY: This call is open to Black and Brown artists both established and emerging, with priority given to artists who have a strong connection to Louisville, who live in Louisville. Eligible artists should have a history of community based work in the arts.
More information

Request for Proposal for Small Scale Sculptures for an Art Hunt
Deadline: May 7, 2021

Entry Fee: FREE to Enter
Open to: 18 years or older, Artist who have the ability to fabricate durable outdoor sculptures
Location: Downtown Jeffersonville Indiana install
Contact: Emily Dippie, edippie@cityofjeff.net
Additional Information: The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) seeks proposals from artists and/or artist teams to design, execute, and install original outdoor small-scale sculptures to be displayed in various locations in our historic downtown and NoCo Arts and Cultural District. This sculpture series will be marketed and treated as a scavenger hunt through these districts for the public. The objective is for the series of sculptures to be small in scale but easily viewable to an adult pedestrian (approximately 4-6 inches in scale). The preferred mediums for this project are welded metals/cast metals/other suitable outdoor sculpture materials. The theme for the series that has been set forth by JPAC is “Fish Out of Water.” As a historic river town, we feel that an aquatic theme for this project is appropriate, with additional hopes that these sculptures will support the imagery of our Water Tank murals in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. 1 series of
sculptures will be accepted for this commission; the series should contain 6-10 pieces in the series. Sculptures will be selected as permanent pieces, and specific locations will be determined based upon submissions. The stipend for this project will be 6,500 dollars for the chosen artist.
More information

Request for Proposal for Small Scale Sculptures for an Art Hunt
Deadline: May 7, 2021

Entry Fee: FREE to Enter
Open to: 18 years or older, Artist who have the ability to fabricate durable outdoor sculptures
Location: Downtown Jeffersonville Indiana install
Contact: Emily Dippie, edippie@cityofjeff.net
Additional Information: The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) seeks proposals from artists and/or artist teams to design, execute, and install original outdoor small-scale sculptures to be displayed in various locations in our historic downtown and NoCo Arts and Cultural District. This sculpture series will be marketed and treated as a scavenger hunt through these districts for the public. The objective is for the series of sculptures to be small in scale but easily viewable to an adult pedestrian (approximately 4-6 inches in scale). The preferred mediums for this project are welded metals/cast metals/other suitable outdoor sculpture materials. The theme for the series that has been set forth by JPAC is “Fish Out of Water.” As a historic river town, we feel that an aquatic theme for this project is appropriate, with additional hopes that these sculptures will support the imagery of our Water Tank murals in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. 1 series of
sculptures will be accepted for this commission; the series should contain 6-10 pieces in the series. Sculptures will be selected as permanent pieces, and specific locations will be determined based upon submissions. The stipend for this project will be 6,500 dollars for the chosen artist.
More information

Request for Proposal “Founders Memorial”
Deadline: May 17, 2021

Open to: 18 years or older, Artist who have the ability to fabricate durable outdoor sculptures
Location: Valdez, Alaska
Notification of Finalists: June 21, 2021
Finalist Site Visits & Concept Presentations: July and August 2021
Project Awarded: August 2021
Installation: September 2022
Total Project Budget: $200,000
Contact: General questions can be directed to the Design Committee at John H. Clark, President of The Port Valdez Company at john@portvaldezco.com or Nicholas Farline, Director of City of Valdez, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services at nfarline@valdezak.gov
Additional Information: We are seeking an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, and install this memorial artwork as a tribute to its founders George Cheever Hazelet and Andrew Jackson Meals, an entrance gateway to the newly formed conservation easement identified as Meals Hill. The chosen artist will have a voice at the table to help shape the aesthetics of the entrance with community engagement as a central component of the transformation process. The sculpture should ultimately have some relationship to the history of these two founders. The selected artist or artist group will be asked to consider how their design is specific to the location and celebrates the lives of the founders and the spirit of a true "Alaskan partnership." Artists with experience in creating site-specific sculptures and wishing to engage and work with communities as a component of their practice are encouraged to apply.The City of Valdez Parks & Recreation Public Art Committee (VPRPAC) seeks to commission a permanent public artwork to be installed at the entrance to Meals Hill at Hazelet Avenue, Valdez, Alaska to memorialize and honor the founders of the City of Valdez, George Cheever Hazelet and Andrew Jackson Meals.
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$3,500 Grants - All Media Eligible
Deadline: May 18, 2021
Entry Fee: $40 for 10 images
Open to: All media, all artists age 18 and older
Exhibition Dates: Winners announcment end of August, 2021
Location: National
Name: The Hopper Prize, info@hopperprize.org
Additional Information: The Hopper Prize is accepting entries for Spring 2021 artist grants. For this open call, we have increased grants to $3,500. We are offering artist grants in the amount of $3,500 (2 available) and $1,000 (4 available). This is an international open call. All media is eligible. Grant submissions will be juried by Selby Nimrod, Assistant Curator, MIT List Visual Arts Center and María Elena Ortiz, Curator, Pérez Art Museum Miami. Our open call provides you with a direct path to get your work in front of these forward thinking exhibition makers. In addition to grants, 30 artists will be selected for a shortlist. Additional exposure is available via our online Journal as well as our Instagram feed, currently reaching an audience over 55k.
More information
 

$550.00 Innovate Grants — Call for Artists + Photographers
Deadline: June 10, 2021
Entry Fee: $25
Open to: Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit.
Contact: email@innovateartistgrants.org
Additional Information: Innovate Grant is now accepting submissions for the Spring 2021 Cycle. Innovate Grant awards (2) $550.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition to receiving a grant award, winners will be featured and recognized on our website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists. Innovate Grant supports artists and photographers through quarterly grants. We've simplified the grant process, so that artists and photographers can focus on making their innovative work. The work should speak for itself and our application reflects that.
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Print Issue n°03 — VAST Art Magazine — Open Call for Artists
Deadline: June 16, 2021
Entry Fee: $35
Open to: Visual Artists 18 years and older from the United States and Internationally are eligible to submit. All visual art mediums are welcome: painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, installation, video, new media, mixed media, and more.
Location: Online
Contact: VAST Art Magazine, hello@vast.art
Additional Information: VAST ART MAGAZINE is excited to announce the international open call for ISSUE N°03. See your work in print and published along side new, emerging, and established practices from around the world. Thirty (30) artists will be selected and profiled in full color print spread showcasing their work, artist biography, and artist statement. Featured artists will receive a complimentary print issue along with an online feature and digital download for their archives. VAST ART MAGAZINE is a new international visual art print and online publication dedicated to showcasing the expansive practice of artists and photographers from around the world, far and wide.
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A.I.R. RESIDENCY
Live/work studio space to think, create and shelter in place
A.I.R. Studio Paducah (Paducah, KY) invites artists to apply for residency. A.I.R. features a storefront multi-purpose display space for exhibitions or presentations during the residency. Please submit the following work samples: a. Visual artists: Ten high resolution digital images in jpeg format, accompanied by a corresponding image list. Image details include last name, title of work, media, dimensions and date. b. Writers: No more than ten (10) pages of prose (fiction, non-fiction, or creative non- fiction). No more than five (5) poems. c. Composers/Musicians: Audio sample and a short description of your work. d. Architects: Digital images of three (3) projects. e. Improvisational Choreographers: 2 video clips. $25 application fee. Deadline: ongoing for 2021/22. More info. Contact: email or call 202 374-5650.
 

CALL TO MURAL ARTISTS
Open to: Artists who have completed a mural in the Louisville area
Contact: Amy Chase, amy@louisvillevisualart.org
Additional Information: Have you created a mural in the Louisville area and want it promoted through the LVA Mobile App by adding it to Louisville's Mural Tour? Please email an image of your mural along with your name, title, location, website and any additional information about the mural that you would like included in your mural listing.
Download the Louisville Visual Art Mobile App at your app store for FREE!
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ELEVATOR Artist Resource-- a Louisville-based nonprofit whose mission is supporting and advocating for individual artists-- is facilitating this timely and vitally important initiative.

Applicants fill out a short online form and submit one link to demonstrate their work. Awards are based on need, though, not a review of artwork and funds can be used toward any living expenses artists are struggling to cover. Artists in any discipline, who reside in the state of Kentucky, or in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, or Washington Counties in Indiana, are encouraged to apply.
Awards will be prioritized based on artists' immediate needs for basic necessities like housing, food, and health care.
More information
 

PRINT RELIEF ARTISTS NEEDED
“It is our time to serve those who serve us,” said Scotty Perry, a Louisville creative, who is helping raise money for food service industry workers. Perry, along with several others throughout the country, have mobilized their collective networks to sell artwork donated by photographers and artists, with the proceeds of these sales donated to The Lee Initiative, Family Meal on behalf of Louisville Hospitality Workers, and Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. State Film Lab, a locally owned film development lab and print shop, is providing logistical and sales support.
If you are interested in becoming a participating artist in this initiative please contact
Scotty Perry at scotty@scottyperry.com  502-314-2234 or Andrew Cenci at andrew.cenci@gmail.com / 614-315-1942.
 

To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.
Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists.
Please note that the Artist Relief coalition partners will make final eligibility determinations as needed. Learn more by reviewing this FAQ. To apply, click here. 
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MELLWOOD ART & ENTERTAINMENT CENTER STUDIOS
Rental Fee: Varies
Open to: Local Artists and Craftspeople
Location: Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center. 1860 Mellwood Avenue. Louisville, KY. 40206
Additional Information: Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center (MAEC) offers affordable artist studios located in the Clifton neighborhood. We have developed spaces as small as 100 square feet and undeveloped areas as large 30,000 square feet. MAEC is located on Mellwood Avenue near access to US 71 and within ten minutes of downtown, the highlands, and Saint Mathews. Studio spaces are open to renters 24/7. Spaces can be customized to create the studio or small business of your dreams. Call 502.895.3650 to set up a tour today!
Contact: Tracy Pennington, tracy@mellwoodartcenter.com, 502-895-3650
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ARTIST CATALYST PROGRAM
RFQ DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2021 at 11:59PM EST.

Entry Fee: Free
Artist Catalyst Project Timeline: August 1 2021-August 1 2022
Location: Louisville, KY
Contact: PACE@louisvillevisualart.org
CONCEPT: As part of the Public Art & Civic Engagement (PACE) Capacity Building Initiative Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is launching an Artist Catalyst program with technical support from Mural Arts Institute, a program of Mural Arts Philadelphia. The Artist Catalyst program seeks to build the capacity of artists in working with community to produce socially engaged, participatory public art projects. Selected artists will participate in a PACE Incubator, Mural Arts Institute Symposia, and learning opportunities in collaboration with a partner at LVA. In addition, artists will receive an artist fee and funds to produce a project. Artist Catalysts will also receive project management support to lead their community-based project and mentorship from an MAI staff artist. Artist will work with LVA’s partner to explore project ideas, goals and strategies as part of the kick-off PACE Incubator hosted virtually by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
ELIGIBILITY: This call is open to Black and Brown artists both established and emerging, with priority given to artists who have a strong connection to Louisville, who live in Louisville. Eligible artists should have a history of community based work in the arts.
More information

Temporary Artworks in Libraries
Deadline: April 30, 2021

Entry Fee: Free
Exhibition Dates: August - December, 2021
Location: Louisville Free Public Library locations
Contact: Paul Burns, Paul.Burns@lfpl.org
Additional Information: Artists are encouraged to attend one of the virtual Information Sessions: April 8, 6p or April 9, 12 noon.
Join Zoom Meeting - https://zoom.us/j/98522144110?pwd=OUVaRndTMkxhS0JEUTBOU2R1VDdxQT09
Meeting ID: 985 2214 4110
Passcode: 298043
More information

MASTER PIECES: International MFA/MA Exhibit
Deadline: May 3, 2021
Entry Fee: $25 for one entry, $40 for two to four entries, and $5 per each additional entry.
Exhibition Dates: July 9- August 6, 2021
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact Name: Jason Franz, info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites current graduate students and MFA/MA degree recipients since January 2020 to submit original works of art to the 15th Annual Master Pieces exhibit. Every year Manifest offers an opportunity just for graduate students to exhibit at our gallery in Cincinnati. This installment of the Master Pieces project will continue to reveal the intensity and professionalism of students working towards their terminal academic degree in the field of art or design. Often the most exceptional work comes out of these artists’ immersion in their culture of study and intellectual pursuit. Manifest’s goal, therefore, is to select works that set the standard of quality that the artist is expected to maintain throughout his or her professional career and justify the degree of Master. ANNUAL CASH AWARD: The annual Manifest Grand Jury Prize will result in the awarding of one significant cash prize ($2500) to a single work selected as the 'best of the entire season'.
More information

 

CHERISHED: International Call for Works About Things Most Loved
Deadline: May 7, 2021
Entry Fee: $40 for up to FOUR entries submitted. $5 per each additional entry.
Exhibition/Event Dates: July 9 - August 6, 2021
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: Jason Franz, info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites visual artists and designers to submit original works of art that in some way relate to the theme of things most loved. Open to any and all traditional and non-traditional visual arts 2d or 3d media. Whether it is to protect or care for someone lovingly, to hold something dear, or to keep a hope or ambition in one's mind, the process of cherishing is something all people have experienced. It is a form of basic human common ground. It represents a deeply-seated connection to something 'other', something or someone outside ourselves, or a very special idea—a reflection upon something almost sanctified by reverence or attachment. How do artists and craftspeople of today embody such notions into physical works? How does the assembly of form (whether it be a flat and shape oriented two-dimensional image, or a voluminous object) attain a refinement capable of signifying cherishing? Or, how do artists represent the notion of such deep care, affection, and attachment through imagery?
ANNUAL CASH AWARD: The annual Manifest Grand Jury Prize will result in the awarding of one significant cash prize ($2500) to a single work selected as the 'best of the entire season’.
More information

 

Kentucky Capitol Gallery
Deadline: May 15, 2021
Entry Fee: $25 for one entry, $40 for two to four entries, and $5 per each additional entry.
Exhibition Dates: July 19 - December 31, 2021
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
The Kentucky Capitol will soon highlight the artistic works of residents across the state. Gov. Andy Beshear and first lady Britainy Beshear announced Monday the creation of the "Team Kentucky Gallery" which will invite artists to share their pieces with the entire commonwealth. Professional and amateur artists are invited to submit their artwork under the theme "Team Kentucky." Selected pieces will be displayed for six months in a main hall of the state Capitol in Frankfort. "Once we defeat COVID-19 and more Kentuckians can visit the Capitol, we want to make sure they see their stories and communities represented and that they’re reminded of all the reasons Kentucky is so special,” Beshear said in a statement.
Kentucky artists can submit photos of their artwork by clicking this link.
Submission requirements include: artwork should be framed; the pieces can be landscape, portrait or abstract; submissions need to include name, age, company, personal website and social media channels; artists can also note if the pieces are for sale or not.
According to the governor's office, after the six-month rotation, the artwork will be returned to the artist. The first rotation will be from July 1 to Dec. 31.
More information

SEASON 18 (2021/22) SOLO EXHIBIT PROPOSALS
Deadline: June 1, 2021

Entry Fee: Each proposal must be accompanied by a $50 non-refundable submission fee.
Exhibition Dates: 2020-2021
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: Jason Franz, info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites visual artists and designers to submit proposals of original bodies of work for consideration during the 2021/22 exhibit season. On average, one-third of Manifest's exhibits are dedicated to solo exhibits. Solo exhibitors have included local, regional, and national artists from as far away as New York City, San Francisco, Canada, and Hong Kong. It is important to our non-profit mission that each of our seasons of free public exhibits consist of a balanced mix of solo and group thematic projects. The group shows provide diversity of approach, media, style, and geographic origin, while the solo exhibits provide a deeper insight into an artist's vision. Open to all traditional and non-traditional genre and media.  Anyone can submit a proposal. Artists should bear in mind the need for a consistent and very strong body of work when submitting. Quality of documentation/images affects the committee's impression of the submitting artist.
More information
 

Pharmacopeia
Deadline: June 1, 2021

OPEN CALL
Deadline: Ongoing
Entry Fee: None
Location: John G. Irvin Gallery; Lexington, KY
Contact: Inquiries to Patricia Wheatley, pwheatley@centralbank.com.
Additional Information: The John G. Irvin Gallery opened in March 1987.  It was created to promote Kentucky’s visual artists. The creation of the gallery was a labor of love and a passion of the late Irvin, a Lexingtonian and former employee of Central Bank. Over the years the gallery has hosted exhibitions by Kentucky’s finest artists, as well as new and emerging artists exhibiting for the first time. Art receptions are held on LexArts Gallery Hop evenings on the fifth-floor executive area of the bank, located at 300 West Vine Street from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. The art may also be viewed during normal business hours Monday through Friday. The collection is displayed on floors two and three.
More Information
 

B3 Gallery
Deadline: Ongoing

B3 Gallery in Nashville, Indiana is currently jurying artists who would like to sell their work in town. We are seeking both 2D and 3D artists to display in a co-op like fashion, but with NO work requirements.
Why Nashville, Indiana? We’re a tiny community, but we’re BIG on arts! With over 100 years history as an Artist Colony we’re a huge tourist destination. This town of 800 residents receives approximately 3 million visitors each year. Our Visitor’s Center does an excellent job of drawing tourists from Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and other large cities. Many of those people come here to buy art.
For more information please contact the gallery via email to b3gallery@yahoo.com.

The Galleries for the Arts Council of Northeastern Kentucky
Deadline: Ongoing
Entry Fee: Percentage of Selling Price
Location: Pendelton Art Center, Ashland, KY 41101
Contact: acofneky@gmail.com
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BIG FOUR ARTS FESTIVAL
Deadline May 10, 2021
Entry Fee: $25
Open to: No buy and sell items. Items must be handmade by artist.
Event Dates: September 11 & 12, 2021
Location: Big Four Bridge Lawn, Waterfront Park, Downtown Louisville
Contact: Lou Nunnelley, b4b@twc.com
Additional Information: The Big Four Arts Festival has been the most attended (40,000) two-day Event ever held in Louisville at Waterfront Park on the Big Four Bridge Lawn. The weekend following Labor Day, the 5th annual festival,  September 11 & 12, will be held on the lawn which consist of four acres of tree lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, located at the B4 Walking Bridge. The B4 Walking Bridge has 25,000 people strolling  it each weekend. The Festival is a two-minute drive from downtown Louisville and draws patrons from Southern Indiana as well as Louisville. Such was the overall success of the Festival that Louisville's Convention & Visitors Bureau presented the Rose Award to the Festival for a Event that is bringing so much commerce to Louisville! Louisville's Festival is known for it's 180 juried artists, EZ in-out access, spacious booth layouts and many artist amenities. With a proven multi-media campaign we will produce record crowds again in 2021!
Festival dates: Saturday, September 11th(10am-7:00pm), Sunday, September 12th(10am-5:00pm). Friday Sept 10th is reserved for EZ-IN setup for artists, 9:00am-4:00pm. Accepted applicants in the Big 4 Arts Festival will have a page in the Artist Directory, opens Sept. 13, 2021.
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Request for Proposal for Wayfinding Mural Design
Deadline: April 16, 2021
Entry Fee: FREE to Enter
Open to: Artists of all ages and professional levels are welcome to apply
Contact: Emily Dippie, edippie@cityofjeff.net
Additional Information: The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) in 2021 is focusing on raising the visibility, accessibility, and marketability of the arts district through a community “Wayfinding Painting Event.” This event will allow community members to build ownership over their district through painting a simple mural path in sections with Covid safe pods from a high traffic pedestrian bridge to the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. The Jeffersonville Public Art Commission is seeking an artist to design the mural path that will be painted by community members using stencils and a limited color palette. The artist chosen for the design project will work with the Jeffersonville Public Art Commission to determine a design and will be paid a stipend of 500 dollars for the design work.
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ARTIST CATALYST PROGRAM
RFQ DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2021 at 11:59PM EST.

Entry Fee: Free
Artist Catalyst Project Timeline: August 1 2021-August 1 2022
Location: Louisville, KY
Contact: PACE@louisvillevisualart.org
CONCEPT: As part of the Public Art & Civic Engagement (PACE) Capacity Building Initiative Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is launching an Artist Catalyst program with technical support from Mural Arts Institute, a program of Mural Arts Philadelphia. The Artist Catalyst program seeks to build the capacity of artists in working with community to produce socially engaged, participatory public art projects. Selected artists will participate in a PACE Incubator, Mural Arts Institute Symposia, and learning opportunities in collaboration with a partner at LVA. In addition, artists will receive an artist fee and funds to produce a project. Artist Catalysts will also receive project management support to lead their community-based project and mentorship from an MAI staff artist. Artist will work with LVA’s partner to explore project ideas, goals and strategies as part of the kick-off PACE Incubator hosted virtually by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
ELIGIBILITY: This call is open to Black and Brown artists both established and emerging, with priority given to artists who have a strong connection to Louisville, who live in Louisville. Eligible artists should have a history of community based work in the arts.
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Request for Proposal for Small Scale Sculptures for an Art Hunt
Deadline: May 7, 2021

Entry Fee: FREE to Enter
Open to: 18 years or older, Artist who have the ability to fabricate durable outdoor sculptures
Location: Downtown Jeffersonville Indiana install
Contact: Emily Dippie, edippie@cityofjeff.net
Additional Information: The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) seeks proposals from artists and/or artist teams to design, execute, and install original outdoor small-scale sculptures to be displayed in various locations in our historic downtown and NoCo Arts and Cultural District. This sculpture series will be marketed and treated as a scavenger hunt through these districts for the public. The objective is for the series of sculptures to be small in scale but easily viewable to an adult pedestrian (approximately 4-6 inches in scale). The preferred mediums for this project are welded metals/cast metals/other suitable outdoor sculpture materials. The theme for the series that has been set forth by JPAC is “Fish Out of Water.” As a historic river town, we feel that an aquatic theme for this project is appropriate, with additional hopes that these sculptures will support the imagery of our Water Tank murals in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. 1 series of
sculptures will be accepted for this commission; the series should contain 6-10 pieces in the series. Sculptures will be selected as permanent pieces, and specific locations will be determined based upon submissions. The stipend for this project will be 6,500 dollars for the chosen artist.
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Request for Proposal for Small Scale Sculptures for an Art Hunt
Deadline: May 7, 2021

Entry Fee: FREE to Enter
Open to: 18 years or older, Artist who have the ability to fabricate durable outdoor sculptures
Location: Downtown Jeffersonville Indiana install
Contact: Emily Dippie, edippie@cityofjeff.net
Additional Information: The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) seeks proposals from artists and/or artist teams to design, execute, and install original outdoor small-scale sculptures to be displayed in various locations in our historic downtown and NoCo Arts and Cultural District. This sculpture series will be marketed and treated as a scavenger hunt through these districts for the public. The objective is for the series of sculptures to be small in scale but easily viewable to an adult pedestrian (approximately 4-6 inches in scale). The preferred mediums for this project are welded metals/cast metals/other suitable outdoor sculpture materials. The theme for the series that has been set forth by JPAC is “Fish Out of Water.” As a historic river town, we feel that an aquatic theme for this project is appropriate, with additional hopes that these sculptures will support the imagery of our Water Tank murals in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. 1 series of
sculptures will be accepted for this commission; the series should contain 6-10 pieces in the series. Sculptures will be selected as permanent pieces, and specific locations will be determined based upon submissions. The stipend for this project will be 6,500 dollars for the chosen artist.
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Request for Proposal “Founders Memorial”
Deadline: May 17, 2021

Open to: 18 years or older, Artist who have the ability to fabricate durable outdoor sculptures
Location: Valdez, Alaska
Notification of Finalists: June 21, 2021
Finalist Site Visits & Concept Presentations: July and August 2021
Project Awarded: August 2021
Installation: September 2022
Total Project Budget: $200,000
Contact: General questions can be directed to the Design Committee at John H. Clark, President of The Port Valdez Company at john@portvaldezco.com or Nicholas Farline, Director of City of Valdez, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services at nfarline@valdezak.gov
Additional Information: We are seeking an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, and install this memorial artwork as a tribute to its founders George Cheever Hazelet and Andrew Jackson Meals, an entrance gateway to the newly formed conservation easement identified as Meals Hill. The chosen artist will have a voice at the table to help shape the aesthetics of the entrance with community engagement as a central component of the transformation process. The sculpture should ultimately have some relationship to the history of these two founders. The selected artist or artist group will be asked to consider how their design is specific to the location and celebrates the lives of the founders and the spirit of a true "Alaskan partnership." Artists with experience in creating site-specific sculptures and wishing to engage and work with communities as a component of their practice are encouraged to apply.The City of Valdez Parks & Recreation Public Art Committee (VPRPAC) seeks to commission a permanent public artwork to be installed at the entrance to Meals Hill at Hazelet Avenue, Valdez, Alaska to memorialize and honor the founders of the City of Valdez, George Cheever Hazelet and Andrew Jackson Meals.
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$3,500 Grants - All Media Eligible
Deadline: May 18, 2021
Entry Fee: $40 for 10 images
Open to: All media, all artists age 18 and older
Exhibition Dates: Winners announcment end of August, 2021
Location: National
Name: The Hopper Prize, info@hopperprize.org
Additional Information: The Hopper Prize is accepting entries for Spring 2021 artist grants. For this open call, we have increased grants to $3,500. We are offering artist grants in the amount of $3,500 (2 available) and $1,000 (4 available). This is an international open call. All media is eligible. Grant submissions will be juried by Selby Nimrod, Assistant Curator, MIT List Visual Arts Center and María Elena Ortiz, Curator, Pérez Art Museum Miami. Our open call provides you with a direct path to get your work in front of these forward thinking exhibition makers. In addition to grants, 30 artists will be selected for a shortlist. Additional exposure is available via our online Journal as well as our Instagram feed, currently reaching an audience over 55k.
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$550.00 Innovate Grants — Call for Artists + Photographers
Deadline: June 10, 2021
Entry Fee: $25
Open to: Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit.
Contact: email@innovateartistgrants.org
Additional Information: Innovate Grant is now accepting submissions for the Spring 2021 Cycle. Innovate Grant awards (2) $550.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition to receiving a grant award, winners will be featured and recognized on our website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists. Innovate Grant supports artists and photographers through quarterly grants. We've simplified the grant process, so that artists and photographers can focus on making their innovative work. The work should speak for itself and our application reflects that.
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Print Issue n°03 — VAST Art Magazine — Open Call for Artists
Deadline: June 16, 2021
Entry Fee: $35
Open to: Visual Artists 18 years and older from the United States and Internationally are eligible to submit. All visual art mediums are welcome: painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, installation, video, new media, mixed media, and more.
Location: Online
Contact: VAST Art Magazine, hello@vast.art
Additional Information: VAST ART MAGAZINE is excited to announce the international open call for ISSUE N°03. See your work in print and published along side new, emerging, and established practices from around the world. Thirty (30) artists will be selected and profiled in full color print spread showcasing their work, artist biography, and artist statement. Featured artists will receive a complimentary print issue along with an online feature and digital download for their archives. VAST ART MAGAZINE is a new international visual art print and online publication dedicated to showcasing the expansive practice of artists and photographers from around the world, far and wide.
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A.I.R. RESIDENCY
Live/work studio space to think, create and shelter in place
A.I.R. Studio Paducah (Paducah, KY) invites artists to apply for residency. A.I.R. features a storefront multi-purpose display space for exhibitions or presentations during the residency. Please submit the following work samples: a. Visual artists: Ten high resolution digital images in jpeg format, accompanied by a corresponding image list. Image details include last name, title of work, media, dimensions and date. b. Writers: No more than ten (10) pages of prose (fiction, non-fiction, or creative non- fiction). No more than five (5) poems. c. Composers/Musicians: Audio sample and a short description of your work. d. Architects: Digital images of three (3) projects. e. Improvisational Choreographers: 2 video clips. $25 application fee. Deadline: ongoing for 2021/22. More info. Contact: email or call 202 374-5650.
 

CALL TO MURAL ARTISTS
Open to: Artists who have completed a mural in the Louisville area
Contact: Amy Chase, amy@louisvillevisualart.org
Additional Information: Have you created a mural in the Louisville area and want it promoted through the LVA Mobile App by adding it to Louisville's Mural Tour? Please email an image of your mural along with your name, title, location, website and any additional information about the mural that you would like included in your mural listing.
Download the Louisville Visual Art Mobile App at your app store for FREE!
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ELEVATOR Artist Resource-- a Louisville-based nonprofit whose mission is supporting and advocating for individual artists-- is facilitating this timely and vitally important initiative.

Applicants fill out a short online form and submit one link to demonstrate their work. Awards are based on need, though, not a review of artwork and funds can be used toward any living expenses artists are struggling to cover. Artists in any discipline, who reside in the state of Kentucky, or in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, or Washington Counties in Indiana, are encouraged to apply.
Awards will be prioritized based on artists' immediate needs for basic necessities like housing, food, and health care.
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PRINT RELIEF ARTISTS NEEDED
“It is our time to serve those who serve us,” said Scotty Perry, a Louisville creative, who is helping raise money for food service industry workers. Perry, along with several others throughout the country, have mobilized their collective networks to sell artwork donated by photographers and artists, with the proceeds of these sales donated to The Lee Initiative, Family Meal on behalf of Louisville Hospitality Workers, and Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. State Film Lab, a locally owned film development lab and print shop, is providing logistical and sales support.
If you are interested in becoming a participating artist in this initiative please contact
Scotty Perry at scotty@scottyperry.com  502-314-2234 or Andrew Cenci at andrew.cenci@gmail.com / 614-315-1942.
 

To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States.
Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; serve as an ongoing informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists.
Please note that the Artist Relief coalition partners will make final eligibility determinations as needed. Learn more by reviewing this FAQ. To apply, click here. 
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MELLWOOD ART & ENTERTAINMENT CENTER STUDIOS
Rental Fee: Varies
Open to: Local Artists and Craftspeople
Location: Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center. 1860 Mellwood Avenue. Louisville, KY. 40206
Additional Information: Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center (MAEC) offers affordable artist studios located in the Clifton neighborhood. We have developed spaces as small as 100 square feet and undeveloped areas as large 30,000 square feet. MAEC is located on Mellwood Avenue near access to US 71 and within ten minutes of downtown, the highlands, and Saint Mathews. Studio spaces are open to renters 24/7. Spaces can be customized to create the studio or small business of your dreams. Call 502.895.3650 to set up a tour today!
Contact: Tracy Pennington, tracy@mellwoodartcenter.com, 502-895-3650
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