Call for Artists: Southern University Law Canter Library

View the full call for artists HERE for a complete project description.

The Louisiana Percent for Art Program invites qualified artists or artist teams to submit their credentials for consideration in the commission of an interior artwork installation for the Civil Rights Room within the Oliver B. Spellman Library at the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA. This public art project seeks to create a visually compelling and emotionally resonant piece that reflects the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of the civil rights movement while honoring Southern University’s role as a leader in social justice and educational equity.

This commission is open nationally to professional artists 18 and over.
This is a request for qualifications. Proposals are not required at this stage.

View the full call for artists HERE for a complete project description.

Established in 1947, the Southern University Law Center is a prominent institution dedicated to producing impactful legal professionals who champion equality and justice. It was established to address the lack of access to legal education for African Americans in Louisiana. Over the decades, SULC has grown into a nationally recognized institution known for its commitment to diversity, access, and excellence in legal education.

The Oliver B. Spellman Library, undergoing significant renovation and expansion, includes the Civil Rights Room, a space dedicated to commemorating the struggle for civil rights and the Law Center’s integral role in this ongoing fight. This initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and societal progress. This initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and societal progress.

The commissioned artwork will serve as the centerpiece of the Civil Rights Rooms within the Oliver B. Spellman Library, embodying the rich legacy and ongoing pursuit of civil rights and social justice.

The selection committee is open to various artistic interpretations and emphasizes artistic excellence and technical ability over a specific medium. Artists may propose both 2D or 3D works, including but not limited to sculpture, mixed-media installations, stained glass or light-based works, kinetic or interactive art, murals or painted panels, and mosaic compositions.

Submission Requirements

A complete application must include:

• Artist résumé demonstrating a minimum of five (5) years of professional visual art experience (NOT STUDENT WORK). If submitting as a team, a current résumé should be submitted for each team member (Compiled into one document). A biography will not be accepted in place of a résumé.
• Statement of interest describing:
  1. Why you are interested in this project
  2. Previous experience with public art
  3. Your methods of working
  4. How you believe the art will enhance the chosen space(s)
• References that include the names and current contact information for three (3) individuals with whom you have worked, collaborated, or who have commissioned your work in the past. 
  References will be contacted for artists invited to develop a proposal for the commission.
• Images (up to 10) of your original completed commissions or artworks, not proposals, which demonstrate your qualifications for the project. 3-D models, sketches, or drawings will not be accepted. You must include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget (price), year completed, location, and a description. The value must be indicated in US dollars. Each image must contain only one view of the work.
• Up to 3 videos (optional) of work examples

This call for artists is open to professional artists 18 and over, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.

Artist teams may apply and must designate one artist as the lead contact. Examples of work submitted must be original, recently completed artwork (within the last 10 years).