“For within living structures defined by profit, by linear power, by institutional dehumanization, our feelings were not meant to survive. Kept around as unavoidable adjuncts or pleasant pastimes, our feelings were expected to kneel to thought as women were expected to kneel to men. But women have survived. As poets. And there are no new pains. We have felt them all already. We have hidden that fact in the same place where we have hidden our power. They surface in our dreams, and it is our dreams that point the way to freedom.” Audre Lorde, “Poetry Is Not a Luxury”
The arts are not a luxury.
They both reflect and contain the power to transform ourselves and our world. They allow us not only to tell our own stories, but to access the experiences of others across boundaries of race, culture, religion, gender, ability, and sexual orientation. They can lead us, if we let them, through understanding and empathy to help create more just and equitable communities.
In conjunction with the 2022 Diversity Forum, the University of Pittsburgh Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Pitt’s Center for Creativity present the third annual Art of Diversity Showcase.
We invite all members of the Pitt and regional communities to submit creative work of any kind, from visual art to writing to performance. We’re looking for pieces that expand diversity consciousness, particularly an awareness and understanding of intersectionality, and that embrace and celebrate minoritized cultures and perspectives.
Work will be displayed on the Showcase gallery, and on University web and social media channels, with artist attribution. Deadline for submissions is Friday, July 8, 2022.
All entries are eligible for award distinctions. Awardees will be announced during the 2022 University of Pittsburgh Diversity Forum in the last week of July.
2022 Art of Diversity Showcase People's Choice Award
Voting is now open for this year's People's Choice Award. Browse the gallery and select your favorite work, the one that speaks to you, that inspires or surprises or moves you the most. Then cast your vote!
The work with the most unique votes will receive the $500 People's Choice Award.
Please vote only once, from one email address. The winner will be announced on Thursday, July 28, during the Diversity Forum and via the Art of Diversity Instagram (@pittartofdiversity).
Voting ends at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27. Any votes received after that time will not be counted.
Awards categories:
- Writing for the page
- Visual art (2D, 3D, photography)
- Performance (video, music, slam)
- People’s Choice (voting, open to public)
- Interdisciplinary Award (works that cross genres)
Awards amounts:
- Five first-place awards (one per genre category, plus People’s Choice and Interdisciplinary) @ $500 each
- Minimum of three honorable mention awards (one per category for writing, visual art, and performance) @ $250 each