Call for Artist
The call for an artist for the Historical Society of Greater Lansing (HSGL) “Origin Stories” is now open.
The submission deadline is January 8, 2024.
Entry Rules and Requirements:
As part of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing (HSGL) “Origin Stories” program HSGL is issuing a call for an Artist to create a “broadside,” an original piece of art that that expresses the journey of immigrants to the Lansing region. In the simplest of terms, a “Broadside” is a sheet of paper with a message. Broadsides are a traditional form of printing poetry, advertisement, political statements, opinions, etc. Examples can be found at the Smithsonian (www.si.edu) by using the keyword “Broadside Images.” Art must be original and be based on the narrative of the selected poem (see details below) and the “Origin Stories” project:
The “Origin Stories" project is a collection of recorded oral histories detailing the arrival of Lansing residents from across the globe. Selections as broad as a Vietnamese boat person, the son of a Ukrainian shepherd, a family who made their way via the Erie Canal, a young couple from Alabama who were part of the Great Migration, a family member who survived an Indian Boarding School, and other individuals who were part of refugee resettlement. Many came fleeing war, famine, religious oppression, and many others saw opportunities not available to them in their original countries. Immigrants made their way from Haiti, Ireland, Nigeria, France, Cuba, Canada, Vietnam, Scotland, and scores of other countries.
The artwork must be either an original hand drawn (pen and ink or digital), or printmaking artistry such as linographic, etched, or engraving.
There is no submission fee.
Artists wishing to be considered must provide:
An artist’s statement and history (their artist’s journey and origin story). Limit 100 words.
Examples of previous artwork, social media art page(s), website, etc.
Name, home address, phone number, and email address.
Application to be considered is at: www.lansinghistory.org
With questions please contact info@lansinghistory.org.
The Historical Society of Greater Lansing will impanel a committee to review and select the winning artist.
The selected artist will be contracted to create artwork which will frame the “Origin Poem,” also an original work by a selected poet, on a broadside.
The art shall become the property of Historical Society of Greater Lansing. The HSGL will publish the broadside on the HSGL website, their internet social media platforms, and in “Origin Stories” artwork.
The winning artist will receive an award of $500.
The Origin Stories Project is funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is administered by the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.
There are two methods for submission:
(1) Complete the form below.
(2) Email, including attachments, the required materials (name, address, phone number, artist’s statement, and examples of artwork) to info@lansinghistory.org.
