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Call for Art Submissions: The Art of Freedom

Be a part of San Diego’s newest public art installation! The United States District Court for the Southern District of California has created an exciting new display space right on Broadway in the heart of downtown San Diego.

The inspirations for this on-going, rotating art display are: making art more accessible to the public, enhancing civic engagement through the arts, and creating an opportunity for local artists to increase exposure to their work.


THEME:
Submit your original artwork to The Art of Freedom, a juried exhibition about freedom and what it means to you. How does freedom make you feel? Who or what makes you feel free? Where do you feel free? And why is freedom so important? The artwork can be figurative, abstract, or conceptual.

WHERE:
The NEW Courthouse Gallery of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Artwork will be displayed in a large window on the north side of the Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse. The window faces Broadway and is near the intersection of Broadway and Front Street.

ELIGIBILITY:
Open to all emerging and established artists 18 and older residing in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

FEES:
No fees to apply. We regret that we do not have a budget for shipping cost reimbursement. Artists that are selected for the show must drop off art for this exhibition.

Artists may submit up to 3 pieces, two-dimensional, original painting and mixed media only. All art must be “hang-ready” with D rings, no cable please. AI generated art will not be accepted.

DIMENSIONS:
72” max height and 120” max width, no more than 30 pounds.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & DEADLINES:

Submission deadline is midnight on Friday, March 7, 2025. Sorry, no late submissions.

STEPS TO SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK:
1. Download and complete the The Art of Freedom submission form below;
 Submission Form: The Art of Freedom


2. Email the completed form and the images of your work to
 casd_courthousegallery@casd.uscourts.gov


JURY PROCESS:
All works will be juried in digital format. The artistic work will be juried based upon the following criteria:

  1. How it responds to the theme; and
  2. Technical execution: Technique, skill, degree of difficulty, mastery of materials.

NOTIFICATIONS: Artists will be notified by March 21, 2025.

EXHIBITION DATES: April 21 – August 21, 2025.

LIABILITY & AGREEMENT:
The Court will exercise all reasonable care in handling and hanging the art, however the Court assumes no responsibility for damage or loss to works submitted. Insurance is the responsibility of the exhibiting artist.

Participating artists agree to hold the Court harmless and to indemnify the Court against all claims resulting from losses.

QUESTIONS should be submitted to casd_courthousegallery@casd.uscourts.gov.