Awareness / Conciencia

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites artists to apply for the juried, purchase award exhibition Awareness/Conciencia. Four works will be selected and purchased for the design and execution of murals or large wall art, including large scale paintings and drawings that can be fixed to the wall, mixed media, relief work, and photography. Traditional mural techniques will also be considered.

The purpose of the mural or wall art is to show a connection with the rich culture, materiality and design of modern Latin American art that incorporates and engages a contemporary and sophisticated theme and composition. Themes like nature, abstract art, interactive concepts focusing on identity, universal symbolism, archaeology, material as a point of departure and non-narrative storytelling are encouraged. No religious iconography, text containing obscenities, or nudity is accepted.

Four wall spaces are available with different dimensions and budgets: Wall A (22' W x 28' H, $30,000 budget), Wall B (11' W x 8' H, $7,000 budget), Wall C (55' W x 8' H, $22,000 budget), and Wall D (11' W x 6' H, $6,000 budget). Surfaces are new build primed drywall. Selected artists must be available for May 2026 installation. Some additional funds for housing and transportation may be available to selected artists.

Each artist must submit four color sketches in jpeg format of a single proposed concept or finished piece (including full image and details), a brief narrative of intent or concept, bio, and artist statement. Indicate which wall you are applying for and whether you will work directly on the wall or assemble in your studio. Entry deadline is February 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Notification by juror: March 6, 2026. Entry fee is $30.00 for the first application; subsequent applications are $10.00 each. Artists may submit up to three entries. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted. All decisions by the juror are final.