Call for Artists: Cape Verdean Voices
An Exhibition of Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean American Art in Honor of Judge George N. Leighton
June 28 – July 29, 2019
“Our tie to each other and to the past is the water.”
— Jarita Davis, poet, author of Return Flight
Artists were invited to submit proposals that interpret and speak to the Cape Verdean experience in Cabo Verde or the United States for this Whaling Museum exhibition. Artists working in any medium could participate.
The Cape Verdean experience is simultaneously a longing for “home,” recognition of the difficulties Cape Verdeans have faced throughout history, and the creative and unique ways that Cape Verdeans have adapted and persevered in Cabo Verde, New Bedford and beyond. From whaling, agriculture, and entrepreneurship to cuisine, music, and language, Cape Verdeans are part of the fabric of New Bedford. During Cape Verdean Recognition Week 2019, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is proud to pay tribute to Cape Verdean culture and creativity in the exhibition Cape Verdean Voices: Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean American Art in Honor of Judge George N. Leighton. Judge Leighton (1912 – 2018), the son of Cape Verdean immigrants to the area, was a prominent Civil Rights activist and the first Cape Verdean American Federal Judge.
Share your voice!
An Exhibition of Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean American Art in Honor An Exhibition of Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean American Art in Honor
The exhibition will reflect local Cape Verdean voices and will cover themes such as immigration, island culture(s), family, Cape Verdean and Cape Verdean American identity, Cape Verdean folklore, and Cape Verdean history.
Submit
The date for submitting a proposal was May 24, 2019
Artists were asked to submit one proposal in a Word or PDF document. Proposals must include:
- Artist Statement (2-3 paragraphs describing artist, general approach, and medium)
- Examples (descriptions or images) of past work if you plan to create a new piece of art (1-3 examples) OR proposed piece for the show (please be clear if you are submitting a new or already completed piece)
- Description of artist’s interpretation of the Cape Verdean experience, including written description of project and title
- Estimated schedule of completion (if not yet completed)
Jury Process
Judges, including curators, the New Bedford Whaling Museum Cape Verdean Advisory Committee, and Museum staff members will evaluate proposals for uniqueness, feasibility, creativity, relevance to theme, and appropriateness. The Whaling Museum will notify all finalists by June 3, 2019 if they have been selected to participate.
We will select 14 total pieces for the show, including:
- 4 paintings
- 3 songs, poems, or written word (to be displayed and performed during the exhibition opening). These can be in Kriolu or English. If your submission is in Kriolu, please provide translation or let us know if you need your work translated.
- 2 sculptures
- 3 photographs
- 2 miscellaneous (such as jewelry design, fabrics, etc.)
Important Dates
Proposal submission(s) due: May 24, 2019
Notification of finalists: June 3, 2019
Work complete and delivered: June 24, 2019
Exhibition opens: June 28, 2019
Opening reception: July 3, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can submit a proposal for an artistic interpretation?
Any artist, of any medium is invited to propose his/her unique interpretation of the Cape Verdean experience for consideration.
2. What happens if my proposal is accepted?
If your proposal is a finalist, New Bedford Whaling Museum curators and staff will work with you on details, timelines, and exhibition/showing of your work.
3. Will I get paid for this?
The Museum will not be compensating artists financially for time and effort. However, your work, name, and artistic vision will be shared with the large audience that will be visiting the exhibition.
4. Will I get my artwork back?
Yes. You will receive the artwork back. The Museum will not assume ownership of your work.
5. When does the project need to be completed by?
Work must be completed and transported to the New Bedford Whaling Museum by June 24, 2019 for installation.
6. Can the Museum sell my artwork?
The Museum does have a consignment system in place and if both the Museum and the Artist come to a consignment agreement, the Museum can sell the artwork, if the artist wishes.
7. Will my name be prominently displayed along with the work?
Yes. We will give you full credit and will clearly display/share artist’s credit and vision for each piece.
8. Will my work be publicly accessible?
Yes.
