Submissions Open

ART/ACT: LOCAL 2024

Submission Deadline: Mon. April 1, 4pm PST
Exhibition Dates: Sept. 3, 2024 - Feb. 13, 2025

The David Brower Center invites Northern California artists to apply to Art/Act: Local 2024, our annual juried exhibition showcasing four local artists whose works explore environmental concerns and topics. For this year’s exhibition, inspired by the work of Planting Justice, we are soliciting artwork that engages with the slow, patient process of building sustainable change

Sustainable change takes time. Although the current stage of the climate crisis can make us feel an overwhelming urgency, we have seen meaningful change brought about by dedicated, thoughtful organizations like Planting Justice, an Oakland-based organization that heals communities and develops local power through its nursery and community garden. We are seeking art that inspires action and encourages people to recognize their own power and responsibility to act on behalf of the earth.

In addition to growing food sovereignty and green jobs, Planting Justice has created a vibrant place to work and heal for people transitioning from prison. Planting Justice’s profound positive impact on those who find their way there is apparent in the short film Sol in the Garden. In this documentary, Sol Mercado tells her story of healing by finding community at Planting Justice and by reconnecting with herself through tending the earth. We encourage all applicants to watch Sol in Garden here to better understand the exhibition’s framing before preparing their submissions.

Like the steady work of gardening, transforming our communities and the environment begins with small, tangible steps. By first setting down strong roots, we ensure our efforts can eventually flower and bear fruit. We encourage artists to be expansive in approaching this theme. 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Four selected artists will be offered a $1000 honorarium each. This can be used towards the creation of new work, framing or mounting existing work, or any other exhibition production expenses.

DATES AND DEADLINES

  • Submissions due: Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:00 pm PST
  • Notifications sent: Friday, May 10
  • Artwork drop-off: Friday, August 23
  • Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 - 8:30pm
  • Exhibition open to the public: September 3, 2024 - February 13, 2025
  • Pick up art: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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ABOUT THE BROWER CENTER

We are a LEED Platinum-certified building welcoming 20,000 visitors per year and serve as home for the environmental movement. Our Hazel Wolf Gallery showcases inspiring, environmentally-themed works and is open to the public. The gallery is also part of our conference center and is regularly used for public and private events. We are located in Downtown Berkeley at 2150 Allston Way.

ABOUT ART/ACT: LOCAL

Artists selected for this exhibition are promoted through our marketing channels and provided professional assets produced by the Center (photography, video, etc). Artworks in the final exhibition will be viewed by thousands of visitors. Artists are also encouraged to use the exhibition as a platform for commission-free artwork sales as desired.
Check out last year’s Art/Act: Local show here.