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About the Exhibition: For this exhibition The Arts Café is partnering with The Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Amidst the rising rents, housing insecurity, and the invasion of outside investors into Black neighborhoods, we invite artists to participate in a thought-provoking exhibition titled “What to the African American is the American Dream?” This exhibition aims to explore and challenge the notion of the American Dream from the perspective of African Americans, particularly in the context of housing injustice and community displacement.

Theme: “What to the African American is the American Dream” delves into the complexities of housing inequality and the erosion of Black neighborhoods due to rising rents and outside investor takeover. Artists are encouraged to critically examine the impact of gentrification, displacement, and economic disparities on African American communities, as well as to envision alternative narratives of the American Dream that are inclusive and equitable.

Submission Guidelines:

1. Medium:
   • Submissions across various artistic mediums are welcome, including but not limited to visual arts, photography, mixed media, poetry, and performance art.
2. Size and Format:

• Artwork submitted must be no larger than 3 by 3 feet, framed and or ready to hang.

1. • Literary submissions should be poems, essays, or short stories (max 1,000 words).
2. How to Submit:
   • Label your file with your first and last name.
   • Include up to 3 high resolution images, labeling each image with its title and dimensions. 
   • Also include a short bio, an artist statement and websites and social media handles (if applicable).
   • Submissions must be received by May 15th, 2024, 11:59 pm.
   • Submit: click here
3. Selection Process:
   • A panel of curators will review submissions.
   • Selected artists will be notified by May 19,2024.
4. Exhibition Details:
   • “What to the African American is the American Dream” will be on display from June 1, 2024, to June 29, 2024, at The Arts Café, 1823 Kansas Street.
   • An opening reception will be held on June 1, 2024, providing an opportunity for artists and attendees to engage in discussions about the theme.

Important Note: Artists are encouraged to center their submissions on the experiences, struggles, and spirit of African American communities in the face of housing injustice and displacement. This exhibition serves as a platform to amplify voices, provoke dialogue, and inspire action towards equitable and sustainable housing solutions.

For inquiries, please contact Veverly Edwards – theartscafe5013c@gmail.com.