The City of Charleston Announces the Call for Artists for the MOJA Arts Festival

The City of Charleston Announces the Call for Artists for the MOJA Arts Festival

The MOJA Arts Festival, an 11-day multi-disciplinary celebration dedicated to African American and Caribbean cultures, launches its call for artists for its 2024 Juried Art Exhibition. The invitation is extended by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, encouraging local artists to submit work that salutes the vibrancy and diversity of African American and Caribbean cultures.

Details About the MOJA Arts Festival

This year, the festival is set to run from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6. The MOJA Arts Festival, deriving its name from the Swahili meaning of the term “Moja,” which translates to “One,” symbolically stands for unity and harmony amidst all cultures. Highlighting this year’s activities is Marlon Wayans’ “Wild Child Tour.” The renowned actor, producer, comedian, writer, and film director will grace the Gaillard Center stage for an exclusive one-night performance on Friday, Oct. 4.

Art Submission Specifications and Guidelines

Artwork submissions are open to artists living in South Carolina and those established in communities near the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor in the neighboring states of Georgia and North Carolina. Artworks that have not yet been displayed in the Charleston region are especially invited for consideration.

Various categories of art forms are accepted for review, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, printmaking, drawing, photography, and graphics. Moreover, submissions may also incorporate creations in fiber, sculpture, metals, ceramics, basketry, and mixed media.

Interested artists should take note of the significant requirements; wall pieces should be framed and prepped for hanging, while freestanding pieces should be independently assembled and ready for installation.

Juried Art Exhibition Display and Insurance Policies

The selected art pieces will be put on display at the City Gallery from Sept. 20 through Oct. 13. The City Gallery retains the right to exclude work based on framing and mounting criteria to ensure the exhibition’s cohesive look. Furthermore, the gallery possesses the right to exhibit sculptures in alternate locations accommodating varying sizes and scales.

Importantly, for the artists’ rights protection, City of Charleston provides insurance against damage and theft for the exhibited artwork. However, participating artists must conform to the agreement that no artwork can be removed prematurely, and must adhere to the assigned delivery and pick-up time schedule. Any deviation from the agreed times may result in future participation disqualification.

Registration Deadline and Fee

Artists are informed to submit their work before the deadline, which is Aug. 12. Each artist is required to pay a $20 submission fee.

About the MOJA Arts Festival

Promoting the vast spectrum of African-American and Caribbean contributions to world cultures, the MOJA Arts Festival presents an extensive array of events. Included are visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theater, arts and crafts for children, traditional local foodways, and more.

In addition to its rich collection of arts, the festival is devoted to offering an active educational outreach consisting of workshops in public schools and senior community centers.

In conclusion, the MOJA Arts Festival 2024 represents an important cultural platform to enlighten the community about the depth and variety of African American and Caribbean cultural expressions, providing a beacon of unity and inclusiveness amidst global cultural diversity.