Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs is accepting artwork submissions for the 2017 MOJA Arts Festival. An 11-day celebration of African American and Caribbean culture, MOJA runs for several weeks this fall, Sept. 28-Oct. 8. Works will be displayed at the festival’s juried art exhibition in City Gallery.
Ohio-based doll artist Orisanmi Kehinde Odesanya will judge this year’s works. Odesanya creates small figures that celebrate traditional Yoruba deities and masqueraders, building more than 200 over a 20-year career. Odesanya is not a stranger to Charleston — the City Gallery showcased her work as a part of the 2016 exhibition Sixteen Crowns: Manifestations of Ase.
In addition to visual art, MOJA features dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B, classical music, storytelling, theater, children’s activities, traditional crafts, and ethnic food. Learn more about the festival at mojafestival.com.
All South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia artists are welcome to enter works for the juried art exhibition. Just be sure to include the artwork title, medium, and size in the description. The gallery does provide insurance for art on display, but out of state artists are responsible for packing, insuring, and shipping their works.
In addition, submissions must be original art created in the last two years and not previously exhibited in Charleston. Works created as part of a class, workshop, or under similar instructor supervision will not be accepted.
Otherwise, it’s all about 20 — the deadline for submissions is August 20, and there is a $20 application fee. Apply online.
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