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“The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible." - Toni Cade Bambara
“Do you follow me? We are the wrong people of the wrong skin on the wrong continent and what in the hell is everybody being reasonable about...” - A poem about my rights, June Jordan
The world is on fire and our bodies are at the forefront. How do we keep our soul in America? How do we remain rooted in our aliveness while navigating grief, resistance, and survival? What rituals, memories, and acts of care are required of us to move through these times with humanity? Through our collective momentum of love and care we reimagine more liberated futures.
Curators, Gabrielle Tolliver and paris cian in partnership with the ACLU-LA are seeking artists to submit work for the Rites to Rights: How to Keep Our Soul In America publication. We are seeking 2D Artworks, Poetry, Fashion Photography, Sound Scores, Short Films, and documentation of Installation. We would like to spotlight artworks that honor the theme(s) but not limited to: Aliveness, Memory, Archives/Preservation, the Body, Seen/Unseen, Care/Love, Liberated Futures, and Ceremony, to be highlighted in conversation with ACLU-LA Justice Lab Initiative.
Selected artists will receive an honorarium for their accepted artworks.
Timeline
Open Call Opens: May 18th
Deadline: May 31st @ 11:59pm
Artist Informed: July 13th
Final High Res Images Due by: July 24th
Publication Launch in Louisiana: December 2026
Eligibility
We are seeking submissions from artists who reside in the Gulf South (LA, MS, AL, FL, TX). Additionally, we will prioritize artists who have a relationship to Louisiana. We understand that due to climate challenges, some native artists no longer live in Louisiana, however remain in the Gulf South.
Submissions can be of 2D Artworks, Digital Artwork, Poetry, Fashion, Photography, Film, Sound, and Installation
Applicants must be 18 years or older
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us, Gabrielle Tolliver (gabrielletolliverart@gmail.com), paris cian (theshorecoprojects@gmail.com) and we look forward to reviewing your applications!
Rites To Rights Artist Call Information