May Open Call: Portraits of Self

Our May Open Call, “Portraits of Self," has been created by our 34 Gallery Team to generate discussion on positive self-esteem and body image while highlighting the diverse beauty of humanity. Previous Winners can be found on the Open Calls page of our website. This initiative aims to channel the power of art to explore monthly mental health themes through art therapy, particularly those related to low self-esteem, self-harm, eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorders.

• All four of these issues are under-diagnosed and contribute to the global suicide rate.
• Many individuals experiencing these issues often do not seek help in any capacity.

Remember: Artists create Golden Ages. Join us in starting one! Let's remind humanity to embrace the light of who we are. Your artistic advocacy with us can and will make a difference. As a Mental Health Art Gallery, we are asking Creatives to mobilize to help save lives at this time. 

Requirements: Submit up to 3 artworks or poems by April 30th. Include the following questions in your cover letter:

• Your artist name, artwork titles, and website/social media links. 
• 1 - 2 paragraphs describing the creative process regarding your work & how it fits with the Open Call Theme.
• 1 - 2 paragraphs describing overcoming or dealing with low self-esteem, body shaming, or other hardships relating to physical appearance.

Selected artists will be notified by May 10th.

Restrictions:

• Be advised that this open call also includes a global youth & adult audience.
• Works that are sexually graphic and/or advocate violence (self or others), discrimination, or hatred (societal/gender/religious/cultural) of any kind will be disqualified.
• Technique for this call is open but not limited to: Open Medium. Poetry, Audiovisual & A.I. Artwork Accepted. 
• File Type: .MP4, .JPG, .PNG --File Size: Up to 100 MB