The Genesis Collective Presents
Seen and Heard
An Invitational for Black Creatives
Works Due August 31, 2024
DETAILS
Black Creatives, get ready! The Genesis Collective is highlighting your work again this fall in our second exhibit of your work.
This year's theme is “Seen and Heard.” Your interpretation is up to you. This invitational is an opportunity for your voice to be the only one in the room, and your community is coming to see and hear what you have to say through your creative output.
A jury of community members will select three winners for cash prizes of $1200, $1000, and $800, and any interested creator will be considered for short-term teaching engagements for Black-serving youth development organizations throughout Beaver County.
Your work will be exhibited at a free public event in early September. Details will follow!
- Open: June 7, 2024
- Deadline: August 31, 2024
- Work can be submitted to hello@gcollective.org
- Judging will be completed by September 15.
- Submissions will be judged on how well they fit the theme, the artist’s statement, and how easily it can be displayed.
- Submissions should display clarity, sincerity, and individuality.
FAQ
What kind of work do you want?
If we can display it, you should submit it. That means that if you have a film we can watch, a poem that can be performed or displayed for reading, a song, a dance that can be recorded, a painting, a photograph, a cake, or whatever else you do that channels your creative energy, that's what we want to see.
What if my file is too large to email to hello@gcollective.org?
Email us at that address, and we will send instructions.
What is an artist's statement?
This is a few sentences about you, your work, your inspiration, and your process. Also, this should include your decisions about this particular piece, and your interpretation of the theme.
What if I need help with my artist's statement?
Contact The Genesis Collective on social: @gcollective art on FB or IG. We can help! To read more about an artist's statement, visit this site.
Who is judging the work?
Artists, but not artists who are a part of The Genesis Collective advisory team. The Genesis Collective is hosting and organizing the event, but we have no say in who wins.
What do you expect regarding the theme, Seen and Heard?
We expect you to interpret this however you want. What have you seen or heard that you want to share? Do you want to be seen and heard? Are you already seen and heard? What will the world look like when you are seen and heard? Truly, these are only a few directions for your thinking. It's up to you. Just make sure it's reflected in your work and your artist's statement.
How much can I earn in prize money?
First prize will win $1200, second prize wins $1000, and third prize wins $800.
Do I have to win to be considered for the paid teaching opportunity?
NO! You must have your clearances to work with youth, and you must express interest and be able to teach your skill set in one of the three organizations who will host our instructors: Aliquippa Impact, The Center, and Neighborhood North: Museum of Play.
2021 WINNERS
Beaver County’s Black creatives answered the call to submit their work to the art invitational! Prizes were awarded for the artist’s reflection on the theme of what it means to be Black in Beaver County, as well as their display of clarity, sincerity, and individuality.
- Top prize of $1200 went to Aliquippa’s Marlon Gist for his painting, “Gist Ave.”
- Aliquippa photographer Latonya Owens won second prize of $1000 for “Unspoken Dreams.”
- Third prize went to Seth Whitted of Beaver Falls for his mini-doc, “White Comfort.”
All submissions were featured at a public art display on November 19, 2023 at The Upper Room, 722 Ohio Ave., Midland, from 7-9 p.m. Rides from Beaver Falls and Aliquippa are available.
Teaching artists Izzrel Jardine of Midland, Denise Johnson of Aliquippa, and Bree Mycyk was deployed to The Center, Neighborhood North: Museum of Play, and Aliquippa Impact to conduct a series of art lessons with local youth.
