Second Annual Artists of Color Show

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Second Annual Artists of Color Show
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The Art League of New BritainCall for Artists: "Second Annual Artists of Color Show"Exhibition Dates: July 25 – August 24, 2025Opening Reception: Friday, July 25, 2025, 6–8 PMLocation: The Art League of New Britain, 30 Cedar Street, New Britain, CT
Overview and ImportanceArtists of color throughout the state of Connecticut are encouraged submit up to three works of art for ALNB’s second annual Artists of Color Juried Exhibit!
This is a dynamic group exhibition that celebrates the talent, vision, and cultural narratives of artists of color across a spectrum of mediums. From bold contemporary statements to intimate reflections of heritage and identity, this show centers artists whose voices have historically been marginalized, yet whose work speaks powerfully to the present and future.
Connecticut’s cultural institutions have historically underrepresented artists of color. A 2019 Hartford-area arts study found that “people of color are not proportionately represented in Greater Hartford’s art workforce”hfpg.org, and a follow-up report noted this gap prompted an advisory group to seek ways to “increase opportunities for artists of color”ctmirror.org. National data reinforce the problem: in 30 major U.S. museums from 2008–2018 only 2.3% of acquisitions and 7.7% of exhibitions were by Black artistssothebys.com (African Americans are ~12% of the U.S. population). In CT, even smaller institutions skew white. For example, the Florence Griswold Museum (Old Lyme) reported that of 172 works shown in 2023, just 29 (17%) were by artists of colorflorencegriswoldmuseum.org. New Britain is 63% people of color, a majority-demographic city where immigrant and minority communities drive local culture. Yet its arts infrastructure (galleries, museums, schools) has not caught up to this diversity. The Art League of New Britain and the New Britain Museum of American Art operate in a city with one of the lowest median incomes in the statectdatahaven.org, suggesting fewer private patrons to support broad programming. Moreover, New Britain’s students and young artists have limited pathways: city schools have had to prioritize core needs (and face $300+ million in funding gaps statewide for high-need districtsschoolstatefinance.org), which often crowds out arts classes and visits to museums. In this climate, BIPOC artists struggle for visibility. For example, before 2024 the Art League had never mounted an exhibition exclusively for artists of color – reflecting an unintentional oversight, given that well over half of NB’s populace is non-white.Organizing a dedicated show of artists of color directly addresses these inequities. It gives local Black, Latino, Asian-American, Indigenous and multiracial artists a platform they have historically been denied in Connecticut’s art venues. By centering underrepresented creators, the Art League of New Britain's Artists of Color Show would begin to redress the imbalance noted by statewide arts studieshfpg.orgctmirror.org. Such a show also has immediate benefits: it can inspire youth from New Britain’s diverse communities by putting role models on the wall; it can attract a broader audience to the League; and it can build partnerships with BIPOC-led arts organizations that are working to diversify CT’s cultural scene. In short, this exhibition is not just timely – it’s essential for equity. As Connecticut’s arts leaders acknowledge, “when artists [of color] are valued, the whole community wins”ctmirror.org. The Art League of New Britain's Artists of Color Show would help make that winning scenario a reality for New Britain and beyond.
More than a showcase, this is a platform for dialogue and visibility—a space where diversity isn't a theme, but the heartbeat. Join us in honoring the contributions of artists of color and experiencing the transformative power of art that reflects the depth and breadth of our shared humanity.
JurorDarryl Oates- artist and winner of Best In Show at ALNB's Spring Juried Show
Entry FeesArtists are invited to enter up to three (3) entries- Non-Members: $35 for first entry, 50% off additional entries- ALNB Members: 33% off entry fees with coupon code (sent in email)- Fees are non-refundable. 
Schedule and Key Dates- Submission Deadline: July 11, 2025, 11:59pm- Entry Notification: July 20, 2025
Receiving of Accepted WorksAll accepted work must be hand delivered to The Art League of New Britain on:-Monday, July 21, 10-12 noon.-Tuesday, July 22, 5-7pm.
Pick Up and Closing Reception- Post-show, to be announced.Eligibility- Open to all artists aged 18 and older.- Work must have been completed in the past three years, original, and not previouslyexhibited in any ALNB show.
Submission Requirements and Guidelines- All original media accepted. Digital art IS acceptable.Size Guidelines:- Artworks total combined width unframed not to exceed 50 inches.- All 2D works MUST be ready to hang with wire or D-rings/ screw eyes. NO EASELBACK FRAMES. The exception are prints on metal, if they have the keyhole hanger. - All canvases must be framed, except for gallery wrap canvases with painted sides.- 3D work- ALNB has a limited number of sculpture bases. Oversize sculpturesare welcome if artist supplies base. Wall reliefs may not exceed 8” depth or a maximum40 lbs. - Accepted work must remain on display until the show closes including those thatare sold. All accepted work must remain on display the entire time.- Image files must be jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace. For best results, imagesshould be at least 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi- For help with your submissions contact info@alnb.org
Gallery HoursDuring this exhibition, the Art League of New Britain will be open Saturdays andSundays from 1:30-4 pm.You may be asked about your availability to gallery sit upon acceptance.
Awards (4 awards totaling $300)- First Prize: $200- Second Prize: $100- Third Prize: $50- Honorable Mention: $50
Sales and CommissionThe Art League of New Britain receives a 30% commission on art sales.
User Entry Process Tutorial
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