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.