BLACC - Call to Artists - Story Quilts Logo
  • Call to Artists: 2023-24 Story Quilts

    The BLACC aims to select at least three local visual artists of color to commission thematic ‘story-quilts’ based on outcomes of their 2021-2022 Photovoice project. Selected artists will be compensated a $2,000 honorarium for their work.
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  • A “Story-Quilt” is defined by this project to be a 72 inch by 72 inch (6’ by 6’) picture plane that illustrates narratives and perspectives of the Mobile Black Community. These quilts may use any materials or method (fabric, paint, collage, or assemblage) to tell a story of a moment, an event, or a feeling that is important to one of these themes: Black Joy, Black Love, & Neighborhood.

    The impact of this project is focused on two things:

    • Increasing Black representation in public art, and adding to the cultural lexicon of Mobile.
    • Creating opportunities of true career impact for local POC artists and creative producers.
  • Project Process

    Selected artists will be assigned a ‘ theme’, either Black Joy, Black Love, or Neighborhood, and have six months to complete a 72” x 72” ‘quilt’. A $500 stipend for materials will be distributed upon acceptance of the award. BLACC will provide all images pertaining to that theme gathered by the Photovoice project as reference material for the selected artists. 

    Selected artists will be assigned studio visits with project staff to track completion and troubleshoot prepping the work for exhibition. 

    A culminating exhibition is planned at Mobile Arts Council for Artwalk June 2024. The final $1,500 honorarium will be distributed upon delivery. 

    The intention of BLACC post-exhibition is to relocate the ‘quilts’ in public spaces throughout the City of Mobile on either a long-term loan by the artist, or a permanent basis if purchased or collected by an individual or organization willing to commit to the upkeep and preservation of the artwork, and to keeping it on view in public space for no less than 3 years. Our Exhibition Partners (Alabama Contemporary & Mobile Arts Council) are contributing free labor and expertise to the culminating exhibition, as well as the relocation of each quilt afterwards.

  • Eligibility

    Artists and quilters must be POC who currently live in Mobile County and will be selected on the basis of work examples and community engagement.
  • Timeline
    September 18, 2023: Application open.
    November 3, 2023: Submissions due by 11:59 p.m.
    November 17, 2023: Selected artists notified of results.
    May 2024: "Quilt" completed and ready to install.
    June 1, 2024: Work delivered and installed at Mobile Arts Council.

  • Artist Application

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  • Work Samples

    Please include at least 5 but up to 10 recent work samples.
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