Call For Artists: Mural Project Commemorating Women’s Right To Vote

January 11, 2021

Joint Media Release by Arts Midwest and CREATE Portage County

Are you an artist or team interested in creating murals in Portage County, Wisconsin inspired by a diverse group of historically significant women that commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment?

Arts Midwest and CREATE Portage County are seeking artists for a new mural project that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which began a decades-long movement to secure women’s right to vote. Over the course of 2021, eight murals will be installed across Portage County, Wisconsin that celebrate this centennial anniversary, inspired by the words of women from historically marginalized communities. Honoring the best goals of the 19th Amendment, this project will inspire positive impact by elevating more voices and representing more identities in community art in the Midwest.

This project is part of a national partnership with the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission was created by Congress to coordinate a nationwide commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, ensuring that Americans across the country find inspiration in this important milestone. As one of six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, Arts Midwest received funding to support the creation of a mural commemorating this anniversary within its nine-state region.

“We are so excited to be selected for this partnership,” said Greg Wright, Executive Director of CREATE Portage County. “We believe public art has an expansive capacity for shifting culture. This project specifically will help us communicate that small places can be creative, inclusive, inspiring, and vibrant.”

Applications are due February 25th, 2021.

About This Project:

  • This project is part of CREATE Portage County’s Paint the County initiative, a New-Deal-style investment that hires artists impacted by COVID-19.
  • There are eight project sites available, which can be viewed on the Paint the County website.
  • CREATE Portage County has generally allocated $5,000 per mural site.
  • Artists, designers, studios, and teams of artists (especially those from identity groups historically underrepresented in Portage County public art) are encouraged to apply and may submit multiple concepts for this project.

Application Process:
Artists and teams will apply through an online form available here.

Prior to applying, applicants should prepare:

  • images of your concept (preferably depicted on the space)
  • an explanation of the concept and its goals
  • a budget, budget narrative, and timeline for the completed work
  • 5 – 10 images of past work or completed installations, and
  • 2 to 3 references who can speak to the quality and timeliness of your work

While anyone is eligible to apply, CREATE Portage County does offer special encouragement to artists financially impacted by COVID-19, artists from identity groups that are underrepresented in our public spaces, and/or artists with personal connections to our community. Please share such information in your application.

Review Process:
Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee that may choose to set up interviews with finalists. This program is committed to finding the right art, artist, and message to activate unique places in this moment. Selected artists will be announced in March with painting to take place May through October.

Have Questions?
Contact info@createportagecounty.org using the subject: Paint the County!

Posted in Culture