Call Summary
Public Arts Midland and the Cultural Awareness Coalition invite community members from across the Great Lakes Bay Region to submit original artwork inspired by the 2026 Global Diversity Month theme: “Humanity Unites Us All.”
This collaborative project celebrates the powerful connection between art and culture. We believe creativity can bring people together, deepen understanding, and reflect the richness of our community. Through artistic expression, we can explore both our shared humanity and the unique experiences that shape who we are.
Public Arts Midland believes that art connects, heals, inspires, and strengthens communities. The Cultural Awareness Coalition works to promote and sustain cultural awareness throughout Midland. Together, we 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:
“Humanity Unites Us All.”
While our daily experiences, histories, and identities may differ, we are all connected by our shared humanity. At our core, we are all seeking safety, belonging, and care. This theme encourages you to explore those universal connections—and how recognizing them can foster unity, empathy, and understanding.
Global Diversity Month is a time to celebrate both what makes us unique and what brings us together. Through this contest, we hope to highlight the beauty that emerges when we embrace both.
We invite you to think broadly about identity and human experience. This may include race, culture, traditions, age, abilities, mental and physical health, orientation, socioeconomic background, and more.
This opportunity is open to everyone—kids, teens, adults, older adults, experienced artists, and those just beginning their creative journey. We look forward to seeing how you express our shared humanity 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.
Important Dates
- Call for Artists Open: August 5 – September 23, 2026
- Submission Deadline: September 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Notification of Selection: By September 30, 2026
- Opening Reception: October 7, 2026, 5:30–7:00 PM at Creative 360
Submissions
Physical art will be submitted to Creative 360:
5501 Jefferson Ave.
Midland, MI 48640
– Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, or call 989.837.1885
Digital art will be submitted via email to publicartsmidland@gmail.com using the subject line “2026 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 Creative 360 on, October 7, 2026 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
Questions?
For questions specific to the application process, please contact 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