INSPIRARE: Breathing Life into New Vision — 3rd Annual Black History Festival of the Art (BHFA27)

Curated by Juarez Hawkins and Thomas Lucas, this exhibition seeks works responding to the legacy of the Black Arts Movement and breathing life into a new vision for Black America while speaking self-evident truths to power. The exhibition runs January 15–March 14, 2027, at OH Art Foundation’s second-floor gallery in Zhou B Art Center, Chicago. All 2D visual media will be considered; 3D and time-based media may be included as exceptions.

INSPIRARE — Breathing Life into New Vision: the legacy of the Black Arts Movement, Black Power, and a new vision for Black America.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States; Midwest-based artists are especially encouraged, not required. All 2D visual media are considered, including painting, drawing, photography, digital, and mixed media on the wall. 3D and time-based media may be included as exceptions because of limited installation support and space capacity. Submit up to two original works that are thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and relevant to the exhibition themes. Larger works are encouraged, but all work must be no larger than 12 ft wide by 10 ft high, including the frame, and ready for wall hanging. A one-time $30 applicant fee covers up to two artwork submissions; applicants needing financial assistance may contact info@ohartfoundation.org. Artists are responsible for shipping and delivery to and from the gallery. The gallery takes a 40% commission on all gallery sales. Submission grants OH Art Foundation and Zhou B Art Center permission to publish the work in print, online, and on social media for exhibition and marketing purposes, with artist attribution. Participants certify rightful ownership and that the work does not infringe copyright. Applicants will be notified by December 22, 2026. The opening reception is January 15, 2027, from 7–10 pm.