Gig East ConVerge

Gig East ConVerge is an artist project designed to allow visual artists to explore and incorporate technology into their practice. Wilson, known as the technological hub of Eastern North Carolina, is home to the Gig East Exchange—a hub for entrepreneurs, tech startups, and remote workers—and the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, North Carolina's Official Folk Art. ConVerge was created to allow artists to consider the innovative aspects of both Vollis Simpson and Gig East, resulting in visual work with technological components.

The winner will receive $5,000, a place in the Wilson RIoT Accelerator Program, an exhibition at Wilson Arts, a Gig East Exchange Membership, and will work with the Barton College Art Department to provide a workshop to students. The winner will be paired with a student in the Barton College ArtWorks program for assistance. Five finalists will be invited to ConVerge Pitch Night on October 14, 2021, where they will pitch their project for five minutes using five slides. The winner will be selected that evening. Other finalists will receive $500.

Applicants must submit 10 images of their work and a statement describing the Art and Tech project they wish to pursue. All artists must be age 18 or older, live in the United States, and be willing to travel to Wilson, NC to participate in outlined activities. Finalists will be notified on October 1. The winner will be invited to teach a workshop to Barton art students in fall 2022 and will have the opportunity for a solo or partnered exhibition in the Truist Event Gallery (5,000 sq. ft.) for 4-6 weeks.