Freedom, But for Whom? Our History from the American Revolution to Today

About the Project | Freedom, But for Whom?
We're about to enter 2026, 250 years after the American Revolution, and many of us are living through what feels like another Revolution, moments of upheaval, uncertainty, and change.

This Call invites artists, writers, and storytellers to respond from where they stand right now—to reflect on what freedom means (or doesn’t), what feels possible or fragile, and how this moment is shaping them.

This is not about explaining history. It’s about speaking from inside the moment in which we’re living in.
Who Can Apply?
This call centers Latinx artists, and also welcomes submissions from other people of color whose stories and art deepen our understanding of freedom, exclusion, and becoming American.
Latinx individuals of all ages
Emerging and established artists
Writers, poets, performers
Community members with a story
Oral history practitioners and beginners
Other people of color whose work resonates with the theme

Visual Art | Guidelines
Theme: Freedom, But for Whom?

It's 2026, 250 years after the American Revolution, and many of us are again living through a moment of upheaval, uncertainty, and change.

This Call invites artists, writers, and storytellers to respond from where they stand right now—to reflect on what freedom means (or doesn’t), what feels possible or fragile, and how this moment is shaping them.

This is not about explaining history. It’s about speaking from inside the moment in which we’re living in.

Style & Medium
You may submit a painting, photography, mixed media, or digital illustration. All work must be original.
Works should be visually strong and readable from a distance.
All works must arrive ready to hang with a secure wire and D-rings.
Photography: must be framed with wire; please remove glass.
Digital art: if printed on poster board or foam core, it must be rigid, durable, and wired for hanging.
Artists may submit 3–5 images; up to two works may be selected.

Size
Painting & Mixed Media: Must be on canvas; minimum 18 x 24 inches and maximum 36 x 36 inches.
Photography: Printed minimum 18 x 24 inches, matte finish (not glossy).
Unframed and unwired works will not be accepted.
Submission Requirements
Submit high-resolution files (.jpeg or .png), 300dpi, max 10MB per file.
Include a brief artist statement (150 words or less) explaining your concept and connection to the theme.
Include your full name, email, phone number.
Include title, size and medium. If for sale, include price.
If selected, works must be delivered to La Galería del Barrio | PVD between January 5–10, 2026 (details provided upon acceptance).
Works must be labeled on the back with: artist name, title, year, medium, and your phone number.

Copyright & Usage
Artists retain full rights to their work. By submitting, you grant Rhode Island Latino Arts permission to photograph and share your piece for exhibition, documentation, publicity, social media, and RI250 educational purposes.

Selection Process
Works will be reviewed for creativity, relevance to the theme, visual quality, and originality.
Selected artists will be notified by December 31, 2025.
No entry fee.

Timeline
SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED: December 31, 2025
Exhibition: January – April 2026
Public Story Collection: March to July (dates TBD) and on either July 4 or 5, 2026
Catalogue Publication: Summer 2026
Storytelling & Written Narrative or Poem
You may submit:
A written narrative or poem - To be shared live
A request to perform live + a photo (to be added to our website)
A request to join our oral history co-hort
🎙️ RILA's ED will train a cohort of Oral History Interviewers (stipend included). Interviewers must be available monthly from March–July 2026, and during the July 4–5 weekend for live story-collecting. (See more below)

Selected storytellers and one monologue performer will receive artist stipends.
In addition to visual art, writing, and performance, Rhode Island Latino Arts (RILA) is expanding this Call to include personal stories — told live at our storytellers event, a poetry reading, or recorded live at one of our sessions. Our goal is to make sure that the lives, voices, and perspectives of today’s communities—especially Latinx artists, culture-bearers, and people of color—become part of Rhode Island’s historical record for the next 250 years.

Too often, the lives of everyday people are left out of the official archives. This project seeks to change that. Your artwork matters, and your story matters just as much.

Your personal story is a vital contribution.
Oral History: Add Your Voice to the RI Latino History Community Archives
As part of this RI250 initiative, RILA will be collecting stories that reflect how people understand freedom, belonging, identity, and the meaning of being part of the United States in 2026. These personal accounts will become part of the Nuestras Raíces Community Archives, where future generations will be able to listen, learn, and understand what life was like for people of color during this historic moment.

Anyone submitting work to the Call may also choose to contribute a recorded oral history. You do not need any previous experience—just something to share and the willingness to speak in your own words.

Training + Stipends for Oral History Collectors

RILA is seeking six (6) individuals—Latinx artists, emerging culture workers, or community-minded people of color—who would like to help collect these stories.

Participants will receive:
Oral History 101 training (led by RILA)
Monthly interviewing sessions from March–July 2026
Availability to record stories during the RI250 weekend of July 4 or 5, 2026
A stipend for their work
This is an opportunity to learn a meaningful skill, connect with community members, and help preserve voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Why This Matters

Every story strengthens the archive. Every submission adds dimension to how Rhode Island understands its past and imagines its future. By participating, you help expand who is recognized, recorded, and remembered—now and for centuries to come.