Thank you for your interest in the Juneteenth Artist Open Call. We are excited to see the work of the talented artists.
To be eligible for the Juneteenth open call, you will need to fill out this form and submit by 11:59pm on March 31, 2026. We are unable to accept late or incomplete applications.
Project Summary and Project Award
We are looking for artists to create an original visual artwork that celebrates Juneteenth, the commemoration of freedom for formerly enslaved Black Americans, through the global, unifying language of football (soccer) as the world gathers for the top global soccer event in the world. Artists are encouraged to interpret Juneteenth not only as a historical moment, but as a living, evolving story that connects local Black American history to the global community and to the shared language of football (soccer). The final work should feel celebratory, accessible, and welcoming to a diverse, international audience.
The selected artist will receive a $5000 project award amount for this artwork. The selected artist will be issued a contract from The Johnson County Government that must be signed prior to beginning this project.
The artwork may be used, but not limited to the following ways: printed and digital products, on or in Johnson County busses and in video format. For a full list, please see the full artist call document linked here.
Any submissions for the Juneteenth artists call and for the final project must be created by the artist, without the use of AI. Artwork produced wholly or partially by AI image generators or similar systems is not eligible for this call. Digital tools used as instruments under the artist's direct control (e.g. photo editing or digital drawing software are permitted. By submitting and signing this, the artist affirms that the artwork is their own.
Scope of Work
The artist will be asked to create a design according to the artist guidelines. The artist will be expected to work cooperatively and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the project.
Please work in 11.25” w x 8.75” h scale, or a larger or smaller proportional equivalent. If digital items, please work at 600 dpi. For physical items, please work at the largest scale (25’ w x 32” h) .
Artists may work in the medium of their choice, however, the final product will be displayed digitally. This includes, but is not limited to photography, paintings, digital art, and graphic art. Submissions must be provided in digital form during the review process.
To support marketing efforts for this project, the artist will also be expected to:
- Provide a headshot and bio to be used on the Johnson County websites and any related project announcements.
- Provide content such as process photos, video, and writings of the artistic process. The Johnson County Government may schedule time with the artist to capture these items.
Optional Marketing initiatives include selling personal artwork at the Juneteenth at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center & JCPRD Watch Party and optional interviews and features by local news outlets, to be coordinated between the artist and the Johnson County Government.
Artist Eligibility
This opportunity is open to artists:
- Who reside in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Areas
- Who have reviewed the entirety of the Artists Call Document found here.
How to apply
Interested parties should submit their qualifications and the requirements outlined below by March 31, 2026 via the form below. Note: Design proposals are not requested as part of this application process.
- A CV/Resume with current contact information and past/current experience.
- Images of previous artwork relevant to this project (at least 3, no more than 6)
- A corresponding image list that includes artwork title, medium, and dimensions
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references
- A brief artists statement about why you are interested in this project (up to 200 words)
Notification of Selection
The artist selected will be notified by April 6, 2026. Notification of selection will go out via email.
Upon receipt of this form, a confirmation message will be sent to your email. If you do not recieve the confirmation email within 1 hour after submitting your application:
- Check your spam/junk folder to see if the confirmation message is there
- If not, please contact the Arts Council of Johnson County immediately to let us know.
Should you have questions, please contact the Arts Council of Johnson County at artsjoco@artsjoco.org