Short Description
How do we define freedom in the 21st century? How has the pursuit of happiness changed in the face of personal, political, and cultural transformation? This thought-provoking exhibition will bring together regional contemporary artists whose work reflects on the ever-shifting meaning of freedom in today’s world.
Evolving Freedoms invites contemporary artists to submit work that reflects on the shifting landscape of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This exhibition seeks to explore how these foundational ideals are interpreted, challenged, and reimagined through personal experience, social movements, and collective memory.
Eligibility
This open call seeks photography and print-based works that engage critically, poetically, or personally with the multifaceted concept of freedom. Suggested themes include:
- Identity and self-expression
- Civil rights and social justice
- Cultural heritage and collective memory
- Environmental and economic freedoms
- The cost and complexity of liberty
- Reimagining happiness in contemporary society
The organizers welcome works that celebrate progress, confront systems of oppression, or envision new futures. This is an opportunity for artists to contribute their unique creative voices to the evolving global conversation around freedom.
- Accepting photography and print media only
- Up to 10 pieces per artist may be submitted
- All work must be original and completed within the past 10 years
- All submissions must include an artist statement (max 250 words) stating how your work relates to the exhibition theme. Submissions that do not include a statement or statements that do not apply to the theme will not be considered.
- Chosen artists are responsible for shipping/transporting their art to and from the museum.
How to Apply
Online Application
Entry Fee
None
Location
Merion, PA, United States
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
Website Link: https://www.sju.edu/maguire-art-museum/exhibitions/evolving-freedoms
