Art Calls Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: August 9, 2024 – Oakton College is looking for submissions that express life at the gender margins, especially those exploring the uneven spread of these challenges across socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, ability-based, and international/global/regional groups. We are even more interested in works exploring this moment’s complexity, works that see glimmers of joy and pleasure where we are as seeds for imagining and growing better worlds. We ask for work that contends with the simultaneous tragedy and hope all around us.
How can those of us marginalized through gender imagine a better course for our communities, countries, and international society? What kind of better world can we grow from the tensions, trials and challenges of this one?
So many of us hear, and seem to feel, that “we” are at an inflection point. Whether it’s the looming threat of authoritarianism emerging around the world, climate disaster, economic strain, endless war and ethnic conflict, or any other number of problems, it seems almost as if humanity itself is at a turning point.
We see how gender-marginalized people bear the brunt of pressure that comes with such strained times. Feminists are demonized for freedom struggles that “degrade” the patriarchal structure supposedly stabilizing the nation. Extreme right-wing groups continue their assault on reproductive freedom despite the majority of women and birthing people being in favor of preserving such rights. Trans and gender non-conforming people, trans women especially, are scapegoated as threats to children, basic human morality, and truth itself. Children’s sexual and gender innocence are policed and politicized as cover for increasingly intrusive forms of censorship and state control, foreclosing on their chances to access essential healthcare and live freely as they are. The personal and political difficulties of being at the gender margins today feel unprecedented.
And yet we strive: we live and express; we struggle and connect; we make art and envision a world where living is easier, safer, and more abundant for all. Our call for submissions recognizes the long tradition of the gender-marginalized imagining and fighting for better, more vibrant worlds. We seek work addressing the current political moment and the potentials it holds for navigating this inflection point. How do we survive and flourish in our world as it is right now? Where could we go from this turning point? How do we steer toward something better?
VENUE
The exhibit runs October 3 – November 1, 2024 at Koehnline Museum of Art, Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, 847-635-2633. A public reception will be held Thursday, October 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. Artists are encouraged to attend this special event and discuss their work with students and other attendees.
ELIGIBILITY
We are looking for submissions that express life at the gender margins, especially those exploring the uneven spread of these challenges across socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, ability-based, and international/global/regional groups. We are even more interested in works exploring this moment’s complexity, works that see glimmers of joy and pleasure where we are as seeds for imagining and growing better worlds. We ask for work that contends with the simultaneous tragedy and hope all around us.
APPLY ONLINE – No Fee
Each artist may submit one original work for consideration. Work should relate to the theme of Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities. There are no size limitations.
SELECTION
Entries will be judged on artistic quality and adherence to the exhibition theme Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities. Note: Submissions that do not directly relate to the exhibit theme will not be considered.
Questions? Call Nathan Harpaz at 847-635-2633 or email nharpaz@oakton.edu
About:
At Oakton College, we believe that education is powerful and life-changing. That everyone deserves a supportive and equitable learning environment where they can thrive. And that connection to people, ideas and opportunity is the best path to success.
Since our founding in 1969, our mission has been to empower and transform our students in the diverse communities we serve. As outlined in our strategic plan, we are more determined than ever to be a force for positive impact—to help create a more equitable world, support more students in charting pathways to work, and to catalyze success in our neighboring communities and beyond.
Des Plaines Campus
1600 E. Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847.635.1600
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