Request for Submissions

WE ANSWER TO EACH OTHER
Juried by: Abena Sankofa Imhotep and Dr. Negus Rudison-Imhotep

Request for Submissions

Mainframe Studios is proud to present WE ANSWER TO EACH OTHER, a special exhibition exploring Black art as a living conversation.

Across centuries and across the African diaspora, artists have shaped visual languages that preserve memory, affirm identity, challenge power, and imagine new futures. Created in conversation with one another, these works reveal Black creativity not as a singular tradition but as an evolving constellation of histories, cultures, and ideas.

We Answer to Each Other explores Black artistic practice as an act of self-determination. The exhibition invites artists whose work engages questions of cultural inheritance, community, migration, spirituality, liberation, literature, music, and political imagination. It welcomes works that confront racism, fascism, colonialism, poverty, and war, while insisting that Black life cannot be defined solely through struggle. Joy, intimacy, humor, beauty, ritual, and everyday life are equally central to the story. 

This exhibition understands the African diaspora as an ongoing conversation across oceans, generations, and disciplines. From inherited traditions to speculative futures, from local histories to global movements, Black artists continue to create work that expands how we see ourselves and one another. 

Artists are invited to submit existing work or create new work in response to this theme. We seek work that is formally ambitious, intellectually rigorous, emotionally resonant, and deeply rooted in the many worlds Black people have made, sustained, and imagined. 

All submissions are due by Sunday, September 20th at 11:59 PM (CST), and late submissions will not be accepted.

Submissions are welcome from a wide range of disciplines maintaining a reasonable connection to the theme. There is no entry fee to apply.

Accepted Works will be on display in multiple public gallery spaces at Mainframe Studios during the month of November 2026, with a special reception held during First Friday, November 6th, 2026 5-8pm. All participating artists are encouraged to attend. 

WE ANSWER TO EACH OTHER
Juried by: Abena Imhotep and Dr. Negus Rudison-Imhotep

Request for Submissions

Mainframe Studios is proud to present WE ANSWER TO EACH OTHER, a special exhibition exploring Black art is a living conversation.

Across centuries and across the African diaspora, artists have shaped visual languages that preserve memory, affirm identity, challenge power, and imagine new futures. Created in conversation with one another, these works reveal Black creativity not as a singular tradition but as an evolving constellation of histories, cultures, and ideas.

We Answer to Each Other explores Black artistic practice as an act of self-determination. The exhibition invites artists whose work engages questions of cultural inheritance, community, migration, spirituality, liberation, literature, music, and political imagination. It welcomes works that confront racism, fascism, colonialism, poverty, and war, while insisting that Black life cannot be defined solely through struggle. Joy, intimacy, humor, beauty, ritual, and everyday life are equally central to the story. 

This exhibition understands the African diaspora as an ongoing conversation across oceans, generations, and disciplines. From inherited traditions to speculative futures, from local histories to global movements, Black artists continue to create work that expands how we see ourselves and one another. 

Artists are invited to submit existing work or create new work in response to this theme. We seek work that is formally ambitious, intellectually rigorous, emotionally resonant, and deeply rooted in the many worlds Black people have made, sustained, and imagined. 

All submissions are due by Sunday, September 20th at 11:59 PM (CST), and late submissions will not be accepted.

Submissions are welcome from a wide range of disciplines maintaining a reasonable connection to the theme. There is no entry fee to apply.

Accepted Works will be on display in multiple public gallery spaces at Mainframe Studios during the month of November 2026, with a special reception held during First Friday, November 6th, 2026 5-8pm. All participating artists are encouraged to attend. 

Exhibition Details

1. Eligibility: We invite artists (aged 16+) who live and/or create in Iowa to apply.
   • All disciplines of work are welcome but must demonstrate a clear connection to the theme.
   • Ai generated or edited work is not eligible for submission. 
   • Artists may submit up to three (3) pieces. 
      
2. Authenticity: All work must be original and created in the past 5 years. 
   
   
3. Exhibit-ready: All work must be ready for installation.  
   • Wire is suggested for most 2-D works.
   • Artwork should not weigh more than 75 pounds or measure over 5 feet in any direction although exceptions may be made.
   • Wet works will not be accepted. 
   • Fragile work or work that requires special equipment (TVs, speakers, projectors, etc.) will be the responsibility of the artist to install and remove.
     
     
4. Drop off/Pick up: Artists must be able to deliver their accepted artwork to Mainframe Studios and pick up during the scheduled times.
   
   • Due to capacity, artwork will not be shipped. 
   • Only accepted artworks will be included, pieces may not be swapped.
   • Late delivery will not be accepted.

5. This exhibition will be juried. Recognition will be awarded in the following categories: Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, celebrating outstanding artistic achievement across the exhibition. In addition, a People’s Choice Award will be selected by Mainframe guests through on-site voting for their favorite work in the exhibition.

   If you have questions please reach out to Libby Crimmings, Community Engagement Coordinator at: Libby@mainframestudios.org. (Please do not contact the Juror) 

Exhibition Timeline 

Location: Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

Important Information & Agreement:

1. All works must stay up for the entirety of the exhibition. 
   
   
2. While Mainframe has insurance for catastrophic incidents and 24 hour surveillance, we cannot guarantee the safety of artwork while on display. 
   
   
3. Mainframe Studios encourages artists to sell their works. Mainframe does not take any portion of any sales. If artwork is for sale, buyers will be asked to contact you, the artist, directly.
   
   
4. Mainframe operates with a community agreement that upholds respect and collaboration. We reserve the right to not display someone's work if they act unprofessionally towards the juror or staff.
   
   
5. Any works left at Mainframe without communication on pickup arrangements by January 1st, 2027 will be considered abandoned. 

Application requirements

To complete your application, you will need the following:

• Artist Bio (75 word max)
• Artist Statement that aligns with your submission (100 word max)

The following is needed for each piece submitted:

• Images - Accepts PNG or JPEG files. (3 per piece max) (Please title images using the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST INITIAL_TITLE)
• Title
• Materials
• Total size of work (including frames)
• Year completed
• Any special information such as installation requirements. 

Promotional Information (Optional)

• Website Link
• Social Media information

Important notes:

• Once you begin the application, you cannot save and return later.
• Please be sure you have all materials ready before starting.
• The full application should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
• To support a fair and equitable review process, exhibitions at Mainframe Studios are juried anonymously with a focus on artistic merit. Jurors do not have access to applicants’ personal information during the selection process.

Click NEXT to begin application 

Ready to Submit? 

Please click the SUBMIT button below to finalize your application. 

Please remember decisions are based on specific criteria, they do not reflect, in any way, your value or talent as an artist.

Please do not contact the juror. All questions should be directed to: 

• Libby Crimmings, Community Engagement Coordinator
  libby@mainframestudios.org