Call for Art
Call Summary
Public Arts Midland and the Cultural Awareness Coalition invite community members from across the Great Lakes Bay Region to submit original artwork celebrating this year’s theme:
“In Diversity There Is Beauty and Strength.”
This collaborative project honors the deep connection between art and culture. We believe in the power of creativity to bring people together, foster understanding, and celebrate the richness of our diverse community. Through artistic expression, we can highlight the beauty in our differences and the strength we find in unity.
Public Arts Midland believes that “art connects, heals, inspires, teaches, and speaks to us in myriad ways that build stronger and more vibrant communities.” The Cultural Awareness Coalition works “to promote, encourage, share, and sustain cultural awareness throughout Midland.”
Together, our efforts support the shared vision for Midland County:
Midland—An inclusive community. Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives.
Project Description
This year’s Creativity Contest invites you to reflect on the theme:
“In Diversity There Is Beauty and Strength.”
Our goal is to spark meaningful reflection on how our unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives add richness to our community—and how, together, we are stronger. We encourage you to explore what diversity means to you: from cultural traditions and personal identity to the ways you connect and belong within our community.
Global Diversity Month is a time to celebrate the positive impact of a diverse society. Through this contest, we hope to amplify that spirit—showcasing the beauty that emerges when we embrace difference and come together with openness and curiosity.
We invite you to think broadly about diversity. This could include aspects such as race, culture, traditions, age, abilities, mental and physical health, orientation, socioeconomic background, and more.
Everyone is welcome to participate—kids, teens, adults, elders, experienced artists, and those just beginning their creative journey. We can’t wait to see how you express the strength and beauty of diversity through your art!
Art Requirements
The submitted design may be:
- 2D (drawings, painting, paper, mixed media, etc.)
- 3D (clay, wood, cardboard, metal, mixed media etc.)
- Multimedia (video of a speech, song, digital art, etc.)
- Written (poem, short story, personal narrative, etc.)
- Each piece entered needs to have an accompanying Submission Form
Artist Eligibility
This call is open to all ages and all experience levels. Public Arts Midland and Cultural Awareness Coalition has a commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all, without regard to race, sex, gender, color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis prescribed by law.
Members of the Public Arts Midland and Cultural Awareness Coalition Committees may submit to participate in this project, but those who do will be recused from the voting process.
Deadline
Deadline for submission is September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Submissions
Physical art will be submitted at the Midland Area Community Foundation:
76 Ashman Circle
Midland, MI 48640
M-F, 9-5 – Additional drop off times can be arranged if requested.
Digital art will be submitted via email to publicartsmidland@gmail.com using the subject line “2025 Creativity Contest’.
Each piece entered needs to have an accompanying Submission Form
All submissions that meet the stated requirements will be reviewed by the Public Arts Midland and Cultural Awareness Coalition selection committee. Selected artists will be featured in a gallery style event at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library on, Thursday, October 14, 2025 from 5:30-7pm. Our program will begin at 6pm, where prizes will be awarded to the top pieces.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria will include the following:
- Interpretation of theme
- Creativity and originality
- Artistic quality, composition, and overall design of work
Project Timeline
Begin creating: Any time!
Submissions open: July 15, 2025
Submission deadline: September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Notification of Selection: by October 7, 2024
Artist Reception: Tuesday, October 14, 2024 from 5:30-7pm at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
DOWNLOAD SUBMISSION FORM HERE
Questions?
For questions specific to the application process, please contact Annie at publicartsmidland@gmail.com.
Visit http://publicartsmidland.org and http://midlandculturalawareness.org to learn more about the work we do in Midland County.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram:
@publicartsmidland @midlandculturalawareness