Call for Submissions: Giovanni’s Room
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Honoring the Legacy of the Late Nikki Giovanni
Exhibit Dates: March 2025
Location: Johnson Hall Gallery, Jackson State University
As part of English and Modern Languages Week, we invites artists, writers, and creators to participate in Giovanni’s Room, an exhibit celebrating the life, legacy, and unparalleled contributions of the late Nikki Giovanni. Known for her powerful poetry, activism, and storytelling, Giovanni’s work continues to inspire and transform generations. This exhibit seeks to honor her voice and explore her impact on literature, culture, and identity. We encourage submissions that reflect on the themes of freedom, belonging, and life at the margins.
Eligibility: Submissions are open to JSU students, faculty, and staff.
Selection Process: Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of faculty and curators. Selected works will be featured in the exhibit at Johnson Hall Gallery.
Questions? Contact danielle.l.littlefield@jsums.edu or brittany.myburgh@jsums.edu
Submission Guidelines: Visual Art
We invite submissions of paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, sculpture, and digital art inspired by Nikki Giovanni’s writings, themes, or life.
Artists may submit:
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Up to 3 artworks per artist
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High-quality images (JPEG/PNG)
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Title, medium, dimensions, and year created
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Short artist bio (about you)
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Short artist statement (150–250 words) on how the piece connects to Giovanni’s work
Submission Guidelines: Written Works
We welcome short stories, essays, and poetry inspired by Nikki Giovanni’s influence or themes like Black identity, love, resistance, and social justice.