Hey Phoenix Artists, Here Are 8 New Opportunities to Show Your Work

The 2016 election clearly hit a nerve with some artists, who’ve been inspired in recent months to create new works infused with politics and social justice issues. And now, calls for art relating to politics are popping up everywhere. But they’re not the only calls for art. Here’s a look at eight opportunities (with looming deadlines) for artists eager to get their work noticed on the local or national stage.

“Unnatural Election”
Kimmel Galleries at New York University is looking for works to feature in an exhibition inspired by the 2016 presidential election and ways to meet the challenges to social justice presented by a new political landscape. Works in all media are welcome, but will be exhibited as printed images. Selected works will be shown online, and some will be part of a January exhibition at the gallery, with dates yet to be determined. The deadline is December 30. Find more information on the “Unnatural Election” event page.

“Art and Money”
The Institute for Humanities Research at ASU is seeking works reflecting critical exploration of themes related to art and money — such as capitalism, the contemporary art market, social stature, and the urbanization of society to name a few. Arizona artists working in all media can apply for the exhibition, which happens at Harry Wood Gallery inside the ASU School of Art building in early 2017. Applications are due by January 3, 2017. Get details on the Arizona Commission on the Arts website.

"UCP Downtown Mural"
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, which recently opened a downtown location at Seventh and Roosevelt streets, is seeking proposals for murals to be painted on the east exterior wall of its community room, as well as the east exterior wall of the Circle K building just across the street. Single artists and collaborators are encouraged to submit proposals for work that reflects inclusion, diversity, community, and neighborhood heritage. Proposals are due on January 7, 2017. Find more information on the UCP of Central Arizona website.

“Nasty Women: Phoenix Unite”
Five Arizona artists are working together to present an exhibition inspired by Donald Trump’s reference to Hillary Clinton as a “nasty woman.” All Arizona artists are welcome to submit works that support the call for social justice and civil rights. So it's not surprising, then, that organizers aren’t accepting works deemed hateful, racist, sexist, xenophobic, or just plain mean. Accepted works will be featured in an exhibition happening during January at Grand ArtHaus. "Nasty Women" organizers are accepting additional art for the exhibition, which continues on January 20 and 21. Submissions due by 5 p.m. on January 19. Learn more on the "Nasty Women: Phoenix Unite" Facebook page.

Read on for more opportunities for creatives.
“LGBTQ: Rights and Justice”
Alwun House Foundation is organizing an exhibition that explores the struggles endured by the LGBTQ community, and features a display of items related to local LGBTQ history from the ASU Libraries archives. The exhibition will take place at Burton Barr Central Library from March 27 to April 22, 2017. Submissions related to protest, family issues, identity, and other related topics are welcome. Applications for this juried exhibition were originally due January 16, 2017, but the deadline has been extended to February 24. Find more information on the Alwun House website.

“Light Sensitive”
Art Intersection is looking for works to feature in its juried “Light Sensitive” exhibition happening from March 7 to April 15, 2017. The show highlights the art of creating handmade images and using traditional photographic printmaking processes. It’s one of several calls for art recently announced by the arts venue. The deadline for “Light Sensitive” submissions is January 21, 2017. Learn more on the Art Intersection website.

Main Street Prototyping Festival
A group of Mesa organizers are collaborating to present the first Main Street Prototyping Festival on November 17 and 18, 2017. And they’re currently seeking prototype proposals from artists, architects, designers, engineers, urban planners, and other creatives. Proposed projects should be designed to temporarily activate public space while engaging the community to help create a more vibrant downtown Mesa. Possible projects include gathering spaces, interactive games, performance, and interactive artwork, to name a few. Submissions are due on January 23, 2017. Find more details on the Mesa Arts Center website.

Scottsdale Public Art Creative Residency
Scottsdale Public Art, which initiated its first Creative Residency program in 2011, is currently seeking applications for an artist residency taking place at the Scottsdale Livery in Old Town. The residency program helps artists explore new ways of thinking and engaging the public in the creative process through working on site, as well as engaging community members in conversation and participation. It’s designed for individual emerging and mid-career artists, or collaborative teams, whose work focuses on social and public practice. Submissions are being sought through January 24, 2017. Learn more on the Scottsdale Public Art website.

Editor's note: This post has been updated from its original version to reflect extended deadlines for "Nasty Women" and "LGBTQ: Rights and Justice."