Imagining Black Futures

What are your ancestors’ wildest dreams? What do you think the future of freedom looks like? How can we preserve our cultural roots as we enter a new era?

“Imagining Black Futures: Young Artists Envision Afrofuturism” invites young artists to explore themes of Black identity, autonomy, and liberation through the lens of Afrofuturism. Black/Afro-diasporic artists enrolled in 9th through 12th grade may submit original artwork for consideration. Homeschooled students and teenage artists in nontraditional schooling/GEDs may also participate.

Accepted media include paintings, finished ink/pastel/multimedia drawings, printmaking, photography, videography (not exceeding 5 minutes), fiber/textile art, jewelry, and sculpture. Afro-indigenous art forms (including modern iterations) are encouraged as well, including personal adornment (nail art, hair art, jewelry) and masks. AI-generated content will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Gallery space is limited. Artwork will be selected by a juried committee.

Artwork Submission

Please include 1-2 digital photos of your artwork (.jpg format) with your application. Photos may be printed and attached to paper submissions, uploaded via digital submission form, or sent via email. Videography entries must be no longer than 5 minutes. Photos or video entries can be submitted via email to Jet (jbutler@cals.org). When sending digital files, please name your files as “FirstnameLastname_ArtworkTitle” and attach to the email.

Official applications will be available digitally and at your local CALS library beginning September 3rd. The submission window will end December 2nd, 2024. The exhibit will open with a public reception on February 15th, 2025. Please email Jet at jbutler@cals.org with any questions.

Important Dates

• December 2: Entry deadline. Accepted artists will be notified by December 30.
• January 6–10: Art Drop Off at Mini Main Library between 9:30AM-5:30PM, Monday – Friday. Contact Jet (jbutler@cals.org) or Shannon (sholmes@cals.org) for Saturday arrangements.
• February 15: Exhibition opening & reception from 2PM-4PM
• February 15–May 17: Exhibition dates: Library hours, Monday – Saturday 9AM-6PM
• May 19–May 24: Pick up remaining artwork; art MUST be picked up by May24 at 5:30PM

Want to learn more about Afrofuturism?

• Afro Futurism: A History of Black Futures
• Sun Ra Collected Works Vol. 1 : Immeasurable Equation – listen to Sun Ra’s musical narrative in Space Is the Place
• The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monae – follow Janelle Monae’s musical narrative in their albums, The Archandroid, The Electric Lady, and Dirty Computer!
• Kindred by Octavia Butler
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (also available as a graphic novel)
• Black Panther (film) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (film)
• Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
• Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
• Oblivion Rouge by Pap Souleye Fall
• Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur: The Beginning
• Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tola Okogwu
• Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia (also available as a graphic novel)