Crafting Democracy: Fiber Arts and Activism explores how the confluence of craft, art and activism allows the public to respond to current events relating to race, religion, citizenship status, disability, gender and sexuality. After all, contemporary Craftivism “marries” a DIY, grassroots makers’ ethic with commemorative culture to reveal a unique relationship that is democratic, visual and rooted in the desire for social change. Through Crafting Democracy, we call upon artists, crafts people, and makers to explore how the making of art and the creation of material objects can unite, divide, unsettle and uplift those who live in the United States. Thus, all submitted works must use fiber arts, drawing upon fiber as a keen metaphor reflecting our own social, human “fabric” that sees textiles as a tool to build community through participatory action. Since Rochester, New York, was once home to the social-change icons of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony – and is the site of their final resting places at Mount Hope Cemetery – the co-curators especially invite works that explore the lasting and unfinished legacies of these
renowned abolitionist and suffragist icons in the United States, and the role of craft activism in the Black Lives Matter and Women’s March movements. Of particular interest in this call are the
ways in which craft is racialized and gendered throughout this country’s history.
Art requirements:
All submitted works must use fiber arts, drawing upon fiber as a keen metaphor reflecting our own social, human “fabric.” Due to the contemporary nature of this call, only work created from 2015-present will be considered. Because of the historic nature of the building and specifications of the gallery space, the selection of works involving projections and other media requiring dedicated electricity may be limited. Entry Deadline: June 1, 2018 noon EST (GMT-5h) via Dropbox.com. Please submit via Dropbox to co-curators Juilee Decker jdgsh@rit.edu and Hinda Mandell hbmgpt@rit.edu
Eligibility: International call. Open to all artists regardless of location, media, or experience
level.
See website: https://www.craftingdemocracy.com/ for full information.
