Momentum

VSA seeks entries for Momentum, a national juried exhibition for emerging artists with disabilities, ages 16-25. The program is presented annually by VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Fifteen artists will be selected for the exhibition and will share $60,000 in cash awards: a $20,000 grand prize, a $10,000 first award, a $6,000 second award, and 12 awards of excellence of $2,000 each. The exhibition takes place at the Smithsonian Institution's S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington, D.C., from September 2011 to January 2012 and will travel nationally to college and university galleries and art museums for up to two years. The top three awardees will be honored at an opening reception on Capitol Hill.

The call is open to artists ages 16–25 living in the United States who have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Previous award recipients are not eligible to apply. Submissions must be original work completed within the last three years and after the onset of disability. Both representational and abstract work may be entered. Eligible media include paintings and drawings, fine art prints, photography, computer-generated prints, digital art, and time-based media (video, film). Two-dimensional artwork should not exceed 60 inches in either dimension; sculpture should not exceed 24 inches in any dimension. Fragile or precious materials that cannot withstand handling, storage, and transportation will not be accepted. Artists should not submit work that contains religious or political themes, inappropriate language, or excessive nudity.

Applicants must submit four separate JPEG images of their work through CaFE at callforentry.org. For films and videos, supplement your application by submitting a CD or DVD (Windows Media Player, Real Player, or QuickTime compatible). The jury will initially review two minutes of a video or audio file. Supplemental materials must be postmarked by June 10, 2011 and sent to: VSA, c/o Momentum call for art, 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006. Applicants must also submit an artist's narrative (no more than one page), a personal statement responding to the exhibition theme (no more than one paragraph), and a high-resolution headshot (300 dpi JPEG format). Deadline: June 10, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.