Artist Call - EYECON

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EYECON

Deadline for Submissions: May 8, 2026

Submission Notification: May 13, 2026

Exhibition Dates: June 7 - July 3, 2026

The Shell Gallery at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge invites Louisiana-based and Louisiana-connected artists working in all visual art mediums to submit original artwork for EYECON, a juried exhibition dedicated to celebrating iconic individuals and pivotal moments in Louisiana’s LGBTQ+ community and history.

This exhibition aims to uplift stories of strength, activism, joy, and cultural contributions that have shaped the LGBTQ+ experience in Louisiana. Stories that include beloved Louisiana customs rooted in queer cultural traditions and historic struggles for civil rights. Submissions should highlight identity, legacy, visibility, or influence, honoring both well-known and overlooked figures and events in the state’s LGBTQ+ history.

Accepted visual mediums: painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, installation, textile art, digital work, video, and mixed media. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.

Theme / Inspirational Focus

Artists are encouraged to explore:

  • Iconic Individuals — people whose lives, actions, or visibility impacted LGBTQ+ history in Louisiana
  • Defining Moments & Movements — historic events that shaped community identity, rights, culture, or activism
  • Spaces & Traditions — queer cultural contributions rooted in Louisiana’s unique social fabric

Work may be historical, interpretive, symbolic, or contemporary — as long as it contributes meaningfully to the narrative of LGBTQ+ life in Louisiana.

Submission Requirements

Artists must submit:

  • Up to 5 artworks
  • High-resolution images of each work
  • Title, medium, demensions, and year created
  • Artist statement (150=300 words) describing the connection to the theme
  • Short artist bio

Selected artists are responsible for delivery and drop-off of artwork.

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.