The Arts Work: Project Showcase + Cash Prize Drawing

What is it?

Californians for the Arts is inviting artists and arts organizations from across the state to submit existing works of art or arts-related projects that exemplify one of the five themes of Arts, Culture and Creativity Month (ACCM) 2022 (see below). Submissions will be hosted on our website for the public to view. There two ways to win cash prizes after you submit your work:

  • If your work is selected to be featured on our social media as part of Arts, Culture & Creativity Month promotions, you’ll receive $100.

  • Each Friday during April we will do a drawing from the current submissions; two winners will receive $250 each.

The overall theme of ACCM 2022 is The Arts Work, paired with the five sub-themes below. Submissions should primarily address one of these sub-themes.

Advance Social Justice & Racial Equity

The arts have the ability to affect social change through the presentation and production of works that challenge existing norms and that build empathy. There is also a documented profound effect access to the arts has on those most impacted by the justice system. Artists and arts organizations can help identify or put into practice more equitable systems of power and representation inside and outside of our sector.

Build Community Prosperity & Resilience

The arts are an important part of the social and physical infrastructure of our communities. They have the power to increase human connection, celebrate cultural diversity, and spur innovation. In short, arts and culture create better places to live.

To Heal, ArtistsR2ndResponders

Making and experiencing art can be a space for processing physical and emotional trauma like stress, grief, and anger. Artists create hope and help heal individual and communal wounds through sharing their work with their communities, or inviting folks to express themselves through engaging in the process of creating.

Create Jobs/Economic Recovery

From artists/entrepreneurs to small businesses to large institutions, the creative workforce is essential to keeping the arts in business and driving economic growth and sustainability in our cities.

Empower and engage youth

Access to arts education and arts programs helps young folks to be change agents for their communities and the issues they face. Arts and culture in the hands of youth has the power to transform, to inspire, and build better futures for our communities

 

Showcase Gallery: Advance Social Justice & Racial Equity

Showcase Gallery: Build Community Prosperity & Resilience

Showcase Gallery: To Heal, ArtistsR2ndResponders

Showcase Gallery: Create Jobs/Spur Economic Recovery

Showcase Gallery: Empower and Engage Youth

Check back often in April for updated galleries!

Who can participate?

  • Any artist residing in California, of any discipline 

  • Non-profit arts organizations and for-profit creative businesses in the state of California

What can be submitted?

Works of any media may be submitted as long as they can be documented or created in image, video, audio, or PDF format. Image and document files should be no larger than 10 MB and only one file can be uploaded per submission. Audio and video files can be submitted via URL.

Some examples of what could be uploaded/submitted:

A musician uploads an a recording of a song

A visual art gallery uploads a PDF containing multiple images from an exhibition.

A performing arts non profit uploads a video excerpt from a performance.

A graphic designer uploads an image of a poster or digital asset.

A for-profit creative entrepreneur/business or non-profit organization submits a video about a program or service that responds to one of the themes.

***NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA 18 years or older. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter Sweepstakes by April 30, 2022 at 11:59pm PT by submitting your pre-existing work of art that meets the appropriate specifications here: https://forms.gle/LtiSX8Vrwujh4h6A7. Ten (10) randomly selected winners will each win $250. (ARV $250). Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Official Rules, including entry specifications, available at https://bit.ly/3tl9KJ1. Sponsor: Californians for the Arts, 915 L Street C-422, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Image Credits:

  1. Timeline. Sitting Bull mural in MacArthur Park, Larry Itliong paper mâché at Historic Filipino Town Festival, and Salvadoran Fiesta Agostina. Image courtesy: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Promise Zone Arts (PZA) program.

  2. Advance Social Justice & Racial Equity. Photograph of Angela Davis and Nina Simone mural detail, painted by artist Leila Victorin. Part of the John Lewis Memorial at the Civil Rights Institute Southern California (Riverside,CA). Image Courtesy: John Brunny with Music Changing Lives.

  3. Build Community Prosperity & Resilience. Grand Park, Los Angeles. Image Courtesy: Eduardo Robles.

  4. To Heal, ArtistsR2ndResponders. Ballerina by Peter Merts as part of the California Arts in Corrections Program. Image courtesy: California Arts Council.

  5. Create Jobs & Economic Recovery. Photograph of artist Nico Berry painting the Ashland and Cherryland Community Identifier Mural on the 238 Highway Overpass above East 14th Street in unincorporated Alameda County. Public Art Project managed by the Alameda County Arts Commission. Photograph by fellow muralist John Wehrle.

  6. Empower and Engage Youth. Countdown to Dance! Pass To Class episode shoot, The Center - 6331 Watt Avenue, N. Highlands, CA 95660, 2020. Image Courtesy: Miss Tee Sandifer.

  7. Sandi Romero interview by PZA fieldwork team coordinator, Jeny Amaya. Image courtesy: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

  8. PZA Cultural Treasure, Arzeen Mohammad Kamal. Image Courtesy: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.