Dream Initiative Call for Art

The March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom took place on August 28, 1963, and drew 250,000 to the National Mall in Washington D.C. It was the setting where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic call for equal rights and justice for African Americans living in the U.S. It was also where artistic and cultural leaders of all kinds—artists, musicians, writers, actors, and athletes—contributed to the rally’s vibrancy and visibility. With the 60th anniversary approaching this August, we have the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the vision and impact of Dr. King’s dream.

Student Unions & Activities’ Arts & Culture Committee, in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts will host a ‘Dream’ Art Exhibition during the weeks of and following the 60th anniversary.

We invite and seek artists who wish to express what they see, hear, feel, and believe when they recall the March’s images and sounds, including King’s I Have A Dream speech. An artistic piece could also reflect the artist’s perspectives and emotions regarding racial progress and/or setbacks over the past six decades, or present a vision of what the future could look like if Dr. King’s dream became a reality.

Call for Art

Purpose: Artistically and visually remind Minnesotans about the aspirations of the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom and its legacy in terms of where we are today in the Twin Cities. Help to shape and inspire new visions of what a promising life in Minnesota in the future might look like. Help us see what you see!

Scope: Artistic submissions can include visual expressions — painting, photography, textiles, small sculptures, and pottery — as well as written expressions (e.g., poetry of 250 words or less). All artistic submissions must be original, creative work—no fan art will be accepted.

Display Locations and Dates: The Dream Art Exhibition will take place on both Twin Cities campuses. In Minneapolis, Coffman Memorial Union’s Second Floor Gallery will display works of art from August 17 through October 1; in St. Paul, the Student Center’s Larson Art Gallery will showcase artistic pieces from September 1 through October 13.

Other Involvements for Participating Artists: During the Dream Art Exhibition, artists will be invited to discuss their inspiration and creative process which produced their works of art at special showings and receptions. Artists may be asked to provide information for stories written for UMN or community media (Contributing artists who wish to attend Dream events will need to travel at their own expense.)

Instructions: To be considered for this timely moment of artistic leadership, please submit a complete application package to suavac@umn.edu, including:

• 3-5 high resolution images of your work
• A brief description of the inspiration to accompany your displayed piece (125 words)
• A short biographical statement
• Contact information

DEADLINE for submissions is June 16th, 2023

Selection/Notification: Following the submission date, SUA’s Arts & Culture Committee will curate shows for both locations, and notify artists of their involvement by June 30, 2023. Preparations for the show and companion events will take place during the summer months leading up to mid-August.