What is US, America?
US, America is a national, juried exhibition celebrating the diversity of our country. This exhibition will provide a forum for creators across all disciplines and age groups to explore what it means to be American, moving beyond representation and inclusion, to how we actually come together to build a new way forward as a nation. Artworks will be selected by jurors to be displayed at the University of Houston Downtown.
Why this subject matters?
Diversity is all of us. The identity of America is represented by, but is not limited to, a wide range of languages, cultures, food, religions, races, socio-economic classes, and political beliefs—this diversity is what makes America a truly unique place. US, America celebrates diversity and its role in shaping us as Americans and invites all participants to explore what these concepts mean to them.
Why bring this kind of exhibition to Houston, Texas?
US, America will start its journey in Texas, the second-largest state in the United States by area and population. Houston is recognized as the fourth largest city in America, and one of the most diverse. That diversity defines this city much the same way as it does nationally—the rich cultures, abundance of cuisines, different languages, and range of people form a strong sense of community and inclusion.
Why hold the exhibition at the University of Houston-Downtown?
As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and serves the educational needs of our country’s fourth-largest city recognized nationally as a Hispanic-serving Institution, minority-serving institution, and military-friendly school.
Submission Deadline
All entries and payment due by 8 pm Central Time on February 29, 2020
Who is Eligible
Any person (residing in the United States and territories) is eligible to submit up to two (2) entries.
Entry Fee
Entrants will need to pay a small fee to submit work for consideration, and is limited to a maximum of 2 submissions per entrant. The fee goes towards the exhibition, printing, and digital resource expenses to promote and run the event. All entrants will need to pay the fee regardless of whether or not the artwork is selected.
Student AIGA Members: $5/per entry
AIGA Members: $10/per entry
Non AIGA-Members: $15/per entry
Not a member? You can support our mission and programming by joining today. Memberships start at $50/year!
Submit Payment
To make a payment, use the register as “Member”/”Non-member” buttons at the top right corner of the AIGA Houston page. Members will be required to log-in to check membership and then be redirected to the Eventbrite page. Non-members will only be redirected to the Eventbrite page. Select the green "Tickets" button on the Eventbrite page and follow instructions to remit payment. Please be aware that Eventbrite charges a small percentage fee for transactions.
Once entry fee payment is completed, please return to the AIGA Houston Call for Entries page. Entries should include artwork(s), artist’s statement, and bio, and should be submitted through the Typeform “Submit an Entry” button at the bottom of the AIGA Houston page.
Submission Requirements
Please upload one (1) high-resolution PDF or JPG and one (1) thumbnail for each entry. (Other file formats —no PSD, AI, TIFF, EPS, etc.—will not be accepted).
- High-resolution/print-ready PDF of your artwork
- Artwork specs:
- 16 x 16 inches (square format)
- 300 dpi
- CMYK colorspace
- 10 MB upload limit
- File naming convention: SURNAME_firstname_Art1_large.pdf (Ex: SMITH_John_Art1_large.pdf)
- Thumbnail preview PDF of your artwork for judging
- Artwork specs:
- 1080 x 1080 pixels (square format)
- 72 dpi
- RGB colorspace
- File naming convention: SURNAME_firstname_Design1_small.pdf (Ex: SMITH_John_Art1_small.pdf)
- Artist statement (100 words maximum) for your artwork describing your submission approach. One statement for each artwork if you are submitting two pieces.
- Artist bio (50 words maximum) briefly describing yourself
Rules
AIGA, the professional association for design, is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are active in all aspects of our organization. This requires a culture of inclusion in which all individuals feel respected and are treated fairly, and different opinions and ideas are encouraged and embraced. We consider diversity comprehensively, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, age, citizenship status, and other factors that shape an individual’s perspective. We are dedicated to providing a safe and productive experience for everyone who participates in AIGA Houston initiatives and to treating everyone with respect. That means that misconduct, including but not limited to harassment in any form, will not be tolerated. Any submissions/language that depict, convey or slightly hint at xenophobia, sexism, racism, violence and or hate will not be considered for the exhibition and will immediately be deleted. AIGA Houston reserves the right to refuse any entries that don’t meet our code of conduct. You may learn more about it by visiting our website’s Code of Conduct.
Publicity Disclosure
Submission(s) of artworks to US, America constitutes permission to use these graphics for promotional and educational purposes in connection with AIGA (and AIGA Houston) activities, corresponding publications, and managed websites. By submitting your work for this exhibition, you are consenting to allowing us to do the above and are truthfully acknowledging that you are the full rights owner and creator of the work being submitted. At no point will AIGA (Houston) take over the rights of your work.
Typeform Submission
Please prepare your artwork, artist statement and biography according to the required specifications and read through the Typeform submission form thoroughly.
Submit an Entry
Frequently Asked Questions
US, America: Celebrating Diversity
National, juried exhibition in Houston, Texas
Call for Entries:
Launch: December 10, 2019
Closes: February 29, 2020
Who can enter this call for entries?
Anyone residing in the United States or United States territories may participate in the call for entries. That includes residents of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. (the capital city of the United States) as well as 14 territories (such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Is there a submission or entry fee?
Yes. US, America is a national, juried exhibition. We ask entrants to pay a small fee to submit artwork for consideration. The fee goes towards the exhibition, facility, and digital resource costs to promote and run the event. All entrants will need to pay the fee regardless of whether or not the artwork is accepted.
The submission fee tiers are as follows:
Student AIGA Member: $5 per entry
AIGA Members: $10 per entry
Non AIGA-Members: $15 per entry
Each entrant is limited to 2 submissions.
Please be aware that Eventbrite charges a small percentage fee for transactions.
How many entries can I submit?
Each entrant may submit up to 2 entries.
Are there cash awards?
No, there will be no cash awards for this exhibition. However, your work will be juried by nationally recognized artists and designers, and being selected would be a great recognition that you can include in your portfolio and/or resume.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for submissions is February 29, 2020, 8:00 PM Central Time.
What is the theme of the exhibition?
US, America is a national, juried exhibition celebrating the diversity of our country. This exhibition will provide a forum for creators across all disciplines and age groups to explore the theme of what it means to be American, moving beyond representation and inclusion, to how we actually come together to build a new way forward as a nation.
What are the selection criteria?
All submissions must be original concept, narrative, and execution, and not a copy or reproduction of the work of another person or entity. Final selections for inclusion in the exhibit will be made by a panel of nationally-recognized artists and designers. Judges will consider:
- Is the theme clear and easily understood?
- Does the art explore the theme in an unusual or previously unexplored manner?
- Will the art and its message prompt discussion?
What is the acceptable size and formats for creating and submitting my art?
Your original submission can be created using any medium—digital art, painting, drawing, photography, etc. However, you must scan/photograph and export your artwork using the following technical guidelines in order to be considered.
You will be submitting the same image in two different formats, a high-resolution version and a thumbnail for easy preview.
- File format must be PDF or JPG. Other file formats (.psd, .ai, .tiff, etc.) will not be accepted.
- High-resolution files should be 16 x 16 inches, have a resolution of 300 dpi, and use a CMYK colorspace. Please, no files larger than 10 Mb.
- Thumbnails should be 1080 x 1080 pixels, have a resolution of 72 ppi, and use an RBG colorspace.
- Label the high-resolution file using the following format: “LASTNAME_firstname_Art1_large”. For example, SMITH_John_Art1_large.pdf
- Label the thumbnail file using the following format: “LASTNAME_firstname_Art1_small”. For example SMITH_John_Art1_small.pdf
Why is a square format important?
A square format is important for how we will print and display your artwork, if selected, for the exhibition at the venue.
What does “high resolution” and “300 dpi” mean?
High resolution means that your artwork will be easily reproduced for the exhibition. 300 dpi is the minimum resolution required for printed artworks to be displayed without distortion or degraded quality.
What is an Artist Statement and why do you need it?
An Artist Statement is a brief paragraph that explains your artwork, creative process, and/or what the “US, America” theme means to you. The Artist Statement will help judges determine whether or not the artwork will be included in the exhibition.
What is an Artist Bio and why do you need it?
An Artist Bio is a brief statement describing yourself, such as where you live, whether you’re a student, professional, artist, etc., and other unique traits that you’d like to share. Selected artworks will be displayed in the exhibition accompanied by the Artist Bio. AIGA Houston reserves the right to make text edits for space labeling limitation.
May I submit more than one image for each entry?
No. You may submit only one image for each entry (up to a maximum of two entries). Each entry will ask for the same image in two different sizes, one high-resolution “large” version and one thumbnail “small” version.
Will I be credited for my work?
Yes, of course! You will receive full credit for your artwork. We are celebrating you!
Do I retain the rights to my art?
Yes, you retain the rights to your artwork. However, by your submission, you acknowledge that your creation is an original concept and creation, is not a copy or reproduction of the art of another person and does not violate the United States Copyright Act of 1986, as amended. You further acknowledge that by submitting your work of art you irrevocably grant to US, America, AIGA, and its related organizations, affiliates and assigns, in its sole and absolute discretion, without restriction or limitation, a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty free, perpetual, irrevocable license to use, publish, modify, adapt, translate, create derivative works, distribute and display your work and personal information, including your name, for exhibits, displays, catalogs, posters, advertising, educational, websites, merchandising/promotional materials and other purposes throughout the world via any media now known or hereinafter devised.
When will final selections be made and how will I be notified?
Judging will take place in March 2020, after the submission deadline. Authors of artworks that have been selected for inclusion in the exhibit will be notified by email before the end of March, 2020. Due to the high volume of entries, only artists whose work has been selected for the exhibition will be notified. Follow @aigahouston for updates.
When and where will the exhibit be displayed?
The exhibit will be displayed at the Welcome Center at the University of Houston Downtown. The opening reception will be April 2020. This is just the start of the journey for US, America. We anticipate the artworks to be displayed in other locations during 2020.
What is AIGA Houston’s Code of Conduct?
AIGA, the professional association for design, is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are active in all aspects of our organization. This requires a culture of inclusion in which all individuals feel respected and are treated fairly, and different opinions and ideas are encouraged and embraced. We consider diversity comprehensively, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, age, citizenship status, and other factors that shape an individual’s perspective. We are dedicated to providing a safe and productive experience for everyone who participates in AIGA Houston initiatives and to treating everyone with respect. That means that misconduct, including but not limited to harassment in any form, will not be tolerated. Any submissions/language that depict, convey or slightly hint at xenophobia, sexism, racism, violence and or hate will not be considered for the exhibition and will immediately be deleted. AIGA Houston reserves the right to refuse any entries that don’t meet our code of conduct. You may learn more about it by visiting our website’s our Code of Conduct.
Questions?
For additional questions not answered above, please email submissions@houston.aiga.org.
