Art of the Black Experience

Ashé Cultural Arts Center in partnership with the Arts Council New Orleans presents Art of the Black Experience: A Call for Artwork for the City of New Orleans Percent for Art Collection. Up to $100,000 of artwork will be purchased to become part of the city's permanent collection. 

Art of the Black Experience is the first open call since 2016 for direct purchase of artwork to be permanently added to the city's art collection through the Percent for Art program. It seeks to recognize Black people's contributions and experiences, ranging from cultural practices to heroism. Examples of relevant themes include: the rich history, cultural practices, and spirituality of Black New Orleans; civil rights history and contemporary struggles for racial justice; under-told stories of Black heroes and activism; Black joy, healing, strength, and wellbeing. Accepted media includes, but is not limited to painting, photography, fine art illustration, mixed-media, and printmaking.

The Arts Council encouraged entries by artists who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and other artists of color, with the goal of distributing at least 60% of all Percent for Art commissions to artists of color to more closely reflects the city’s demographics. Priority will go to artists that reside in Orleans Parish. Because cost of living within Orleans Parish can be prohibitive, New Orleans metro area residents who regularly show in New Orleans through museums, galleries, co-operatives, or a monthly arts market may apply. 

Finalists will participate in a public exhibition at Ashé Cultural Arts Center where their works will be juried. The exhibition will run from December 3rd through February 19th.