The Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center

Public Art Initiative

Public Art Initiative

The African American and African Studies Community Extension Center (CEC) invites artists to participate in the Public Art Initiative, a project celebrating historically African American communities, exploring the past and present of Black Studies, and imagining new futures. Artists will first submit a Letter of Interest; selected finalists will then be invited to submit a Final Proposal. Winning artists will receive $3,000 plus a $1,500 materials fund (First Place), $1,500 (Second Place), or $1,000 (Third Place). Chosen works will be installed at the CEC for up to three years, creating space for dialogue, cultural preservation, and community connection.

Application Process

Overview & Eligibility

The CEC invites artists to submit proposals for a two-phase public art initiative. Artworks should explore Black culture, history, and future visions. Selected works will be installed at the CEC for up to three years.

Who Can Apply:

  • Artists 18 years and older
  • Open to all backgrounds and identities
  • No application fee
  • Any medium or style welcome
  • Final work must be original (AI tools may be used for mock-ups only)

Phase One: Letter of Interest

  • Deadline: October 24, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
  • Submit a PDF (max 500 words) describing your project.
  • Include 5–10 samples of past work.
  • File size under 10 MB.
  • You may submit multiple proposals (one per form).

Apply Here!

Selection & Criteria

  • A 7-member panel will review submissions.
  • Three finalists announced by mid-December 2025.
  • Judged on:
    • Artistic quality
    • Relevance to themes
    • Public engagement potential
    • Feasibility
    • Portfolio strength

Phase Two: Final Proposal

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
  • Finalists submit sketches, plans, and/or prototypes.
  • Include a short video explaining your project.
  • Optional: materials list and costs.
  • Submit all files in a single ZIP folder (under 100 MB).

Installation & Awards

  • First-Place winner may refine their work on-site at the CEC.
  • Artwork installed in Summer 2026 and displayed for at least 3 years.
  • The CEC may host programs and events around the artwork.
  • Awards:
    • First Place: $3,000 + $1,500 supply fund
    • Second Place: $1,500
    • Third Place: $1,000
  • All installation costs (labor, equipment, insurance) covered by the CEC.
Public Art Initiative Application Timeline