Heralding Utopias
Dalit Conceptions of a Caste-Less, Class-Less, State-Less World
Call for entries
deadline: friday, May 2, 2025
The Bellefonte Art Museum is seeking artwork created by Dalit artists, for its 2025 exhibition titled “Heralding Utopias – Dalit conceptions of a caste-less, class-less, state-less world.”
Exhibition Dates: September 5 – October 26, 2025
“Heralding Utopias”, a visionary project conceptualized by writer and co-founder of Dalit History month, Christina Dhanuja, brings together contemporary visual art created by Dalit artists, whose conceptions of a world are free from caste, class, and state divisions. This exhibition, showcasing up to 30 unique pieces of artwork, takes its inspiration from the utopian vision of the 15th century Indian saint-poet Guru Ravidas. Titled Begumpura, the saint imagines a place with no pain, taxes, or terror; no one is third or second in this land, and everyone is a friend of another.
The Bellefonte Art Museum celebrates the human spirit through the arts and acknowledges the importance of art in our lives. Over the years, BAM has worked to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or access through several engaging exhibitions. “Into the Light: A Tapestry of Art and Culture from Local Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans” showcased contemporary and traditional art and craft that were created and collected by APIDA artists and residents with a close connection to Centre County. In addition,” Art is Limitless” was an exhibition that aimed to bring awareness to the power of art through the creative expressions of individuals living with cognitive and visual challenges. Our permanent Underground Railroad exhibition provides a resource to our community and gives evidence of African American achievements, while recognizing and celebrating their central role in U.S. history.
The objectives of this exhibition are multifold. The museum, in partnership with Dalit artists and thinkers, seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Dalit lives and their imagination for a more diverse, equitable, and just future. The exhibition also aims to raise the visibility of artists, whose work occupies several profound intersections of marginalization and strength – one that could encourage cross-community learning and the recognition of shared histories and potential futures, among Dalit, Black, and Indigenous communities.
WORK MEDIA
A juried exhibit of two and three-dimensional visual artwork
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Two-dimensional artwork – maximum measurement of 24” on any given side
Three-dimensional artwork – maximum weight of 25lbs
Artists may submit up to three artworks for consideration.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
This call is open only to Dalit artists—individuals who belong to castes that were formerly known as the untouchables—who specialize in 2D or 3D visual artwork.
NOTIFICATION TO ARTISTS
All artists will be notified of entry results on or before Monday, June 2, 2025. Upon acceptance, a curator will follow up with additional information regarding the following:
- Delivery & Removal Dates
- Artist Honorarium
- Exhibition Guidelines
- Opening Reception Date
- Sales information
HOW TO APPLY
- Eligible artists may submit entries for consideration at www.bellefontemuseum.org. All entries must include the following:
- Filled application form
- Artist statement not exceeding 500 words
- High quality images of each artwork, along with title, medium, dimensions, and year
- Explanation of the artwork and how it fits into the theme of the exhibition
- Installation requirements or any other special considerations
WRITE TO US
Our recent show 'Into the Light: A Tapestry of Art and Culture from Local Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans' along with our permanent exhibition 'Underground Railroad: A Journey to Freedom' exemplify our commitment to supporting underrepresented artists. To explore past, current, and upcoming exhibitions at BAM, please visit www.bellefontemuseum.org. If you’ve any further questions, write to us at bellefontemuseum@gmail.com