In 2024 the BLACC aims to select local visual artists of color to commission thematic ‘story-quilts’ based on outcomes of the 2021-2022 Photovoice project. If the fundraising goals of the project exceed expectations we will commission more quilts, but aim to commission at least 3 quilts for exhibition in 2024, each to address one of the seven theme below.
The Seven STORY QUILT Themes are:
Black Joy | Gathering
Black Hair/Fashion | Black Love
Neighborhood | Spirituality | Work
A “Story-Quilt” is defined by this project to be a 72 inch by 72 inch (6’ by 6’) picture plane that illustrates narratives and perspectives of the Mobile Black Community. These quilts may use any materials or method (fabric, paint, collage, or assemblage) to tell a story of a moment, an event, or a feeling that is important to one of the above themes. Artists and quilters must be POC who currently live in Mobile County and will be selected on the basis of work examples and community engagement. To apply, please fill out the form at the link below.
The impact of this project is focused on two things:
- Increasing Black representation in public art, and adding to the cultural lexicon of Mobile.
- Creating opportunities of true career impact for local POC artists and creative producers.
We intend to schedule (~3) outreach events to maximize accessibility and participation in the Open Call for artists. These events are led by arts admin professionals, free to the public. BLACC committee members will select the final 7 proposals in early June.
A culminating exhibition is planned at Mobile Arts Council for Artwalk January 12, 2024. The intention of BLACC post-exhibition is to relocate the ‘quilts’ in public spaces throughout the City of Mobile on either a long-term loan by the artist, or a permanent basis if purchased or collected by an individual or organization willing to commit to the upkeep and preservation of the artwork, and to keeping it on view in public space for no less than 3 years.
Our Exhibition Partners (Alabama Contemporary & Mobile Arts Council) are contributing free labor and expertise to the culminating exhibition, as well as the relocation of each quilt afterwards:
PROJECT TIMELINE
- OPEN CALL/OUTREACH PHASE February – May 2023
- PANEL REVIEW May – June 2023
- CREATION PHASE July – December 2023
- EXHIBITION January 4 – February 1, 2024
VALUING CREATIVE LABOR
The commission of new work takes time. We are allowing artists six months to create each quilt, as well as paying honorariums and material stipends. Sponsoring a quilt only pays the direct costs of outreach, fundraising and creative labor. It’s important to us that the artists have the opportunity to get market rate for their labor, and that their work stays on display within the community. Individuals will have the separate opportunity to purchase quilts or negotiate long term loans to display them beyond 2025.
PUBLIC SPACE
The goal after the exhibition is for these quilts to remain in public space as representation of the community and its values. This can include but is not limited to:
- Lobbies at hotels, banks, and companies that have open doors to the general public;
- Municipal Buildings that are trafficked by the general public;
- Storefronts and shops that have a street-visible area;
- Transit Locations such as airports or train terminals;
- Community Centers of all kinds, so long as there are regular open hours and staff on site.
If you are interested in sponsoring a quilt, please download the sponsor packet above. If you would simply like to donate to the project outside of the sponsorship categories listed, you may click the button below to do so, or contact ACAC’s Director of Storytelling, Glenn Robertson, at glenn@alabamacontemporary.org or 251.208.5658.
Support this Project!
SUPPORTER – UP TO $2499
ACAC Membership & Donor Perks apply, please see the ACAC website for what tier of recognition your contribution warrants. Your contribution will be earmarked strictly for use by the BLACC.
QUILT SPONSOR – $2,500+
Pay the costs associated with the identifying of an artist and the creation of one quilt.
RECOGNITION: Quilt sponsors will receive label recognition in perpetuity, as well as recognition on the BLACC webpage, on all associated print matter, and in wall vinyl during the exhibition, January 4 – February 1, 2024. You may dedicate your sponsorship “This quilt is sponsored in honor/loving memory of…” or companies may provide logos for publicity and print purposes.
Additionally sponsors will receive recognition at an opening event, as well as special invitation to a ‘Meet the Artist’ dinner, held for Story Quilt Sponsors and Artists in line with the exhibition.
DISPLAY FOR ONE YEAR: By sponsoring a quilt you have the right to a one-year loan to display in public space that you own or manage. If you do not have such a space in mind you can work with ACAC and MAC staff to identify a location.
SPONSOR + PURCHASE OF QUILT – $7,500+
Pay the costs associated with the identifying of an artist, the creation of One Quilt, AND purchase it as part of a permanent or private collection.
RECOGNITION: Quilt sponsors will receive label recognition in perpetuity, as well as recognition on the BLACC webpage, on all associated print matter, and in wall vinyl during the exhibition, January 4 – February 1, 2024. You may dedicate your sponsorship “This quilt is sponsored in honor/loving memory of…” or companies may provide logos for publicity and print purposes.
Additionally sponsors will receive recognition at an opening event, as well as special invitation to a ‘Meet the Artist’ dinner, held for Story Quilt Sponsors and Artists in line with the exhibition.
We ask that purchases only come from buyers with the ability to keep the quilt in public view in Mobile for 3 years. Following the exhibition and public display period you will own the quilt. $5,000 of your contribution will be paid directly to the artist.