Call for Artists: Southern University Law Center Library

Established in 1947, the Southern University Law Center is a prominent institution dedicated to producing impactful legal professionals who champion equality and justice. It was established to address the lack of access to legal education for African Americans in Louisiana. The Oliver B. Spellman Library is undergoing significant renovation and expansion, which includes the Civil Rights Room, a space dedicated to commemorating the struggle for civil rights and the Law Center's integral role in this ongoing fight.

This call seeks commissioned artwork to serve as the centerpiece of the Civil Rights Rooms within the Oliver B. Spellman Library, embodying the rich legacy and ongoing pursuit of civil rights and social justice. The selection committee is open to various artistic interpretations and emphasizes artistic excellence and technical ability over a specific medium. Artists may propose both 2D or 3D works, including but not limited to sculpture, mixed-media installations, stained glass or light-based works, kinetic or interactive art, murals or painted panels, and mosaic compositions. The project budget is $65,000.

Applicants must be professional artists 18 and over with a minimum of five years of professional visual art experience. Applications must include an artist résumé, a statement of interest describing why you are interested in the project, previous experience with public art, your methods of working, and how you believe the art will enhance the chosen space(s), three professional references with current contact information, and up to 10 images of original completed commissions or artworks (not proposals, sketches, or 3-D models) completed within the last 10 years. Each image must include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget in US dollars, year completed, location, and a description. Up to 3 videos of work examples are optional. Artist teams may apply and must designate one artist as the lead contact. The entry deadline is June 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Jury dates are June 16, 2025 through September 5, 2025.