Envision: The Michigan Artist Initiative

Stamps Gallery, part of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan, invites artists and collaboratives to submit their work for consideration for Envision: The Michigan Artist Initiative. This initiative showcases the excellence and merit of contemporary art practices in Michigan and recognizes the creativity, rigor and innovation of artists and collaboratives working in the region.

A shortlist of 3-5 artists will be selected by a prominent national panel of jurors: Loring Randolph (BFA '04), Director, Frieze New York; Ken Aptekar (BFA '73), Artist; and Carla Acevedo-Yates, Marilyn and Larry Fields Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Finalists will be invited to exhibit their work in a group exhibition at Stamps Gallery from January 15-February 28, 2021. Finalists will receive logistical and curatorial support from the professional staff at Stamps Gallery, and the Gallery will produce an exhibition publication highlighting the work of the finalists. The jury will select a winner who will be announced on the opening night and awarded a $5,000 cash prize. The winning artist will also be invited to participate in public talks and workshops with students on professional practice.

Eligibility: Artists must live and work in Michigan, be at least 21 years old, and not be enrolled in a University program at an undergraduate or graduate level. The initiative is open to emerging and mid-career artists and collaboratives. Emerging artists must have been practicing professionally for at least three years. All submitted works must be original and produced within the last four calendar years (nothing created before January 2016). Submissions in all media are welcome. Work samples include a minimum of 7 and maximum of 12 images, with up to 5 audio files and 5 video files permitted (7-20 total samples). It is free to apply. The call for submissions runs from March 16 through May 15, 2020.