The Church History Museum announced the theme for the 13th International Art Competition and Exhibition. The show will open in 2025, and the submission period will remain open from now until May 31, 2024.
The theme for this show of “Lift Up the Hands Which Hang Down” comes from Doctrine and Covenants 81:5.
“We’ve tried to really focus on a scripture so people could explore what it means to them,” said Carrie Snow, manager of collections care with the Church History Museum.
Adult members of the Church (must be 18 by May 31, 2024) are eligible to submit artwork created in a variety of mediums, but each individual may submit only one piece to be considered for the show. A full list of eligibility requirements and rules can be found on the museum’s website.
Once the works have been submitted, a group of five jurors will evaluate the works and their corresponding artist’s statement in a primary round of jurying. Those selected to move on from the first round to the second round must be sent to the museum for additional jurying. In the last couple of competitions, the museum has received 800-900 submissions for each, according to Snow.
The final show could have 150 to 180 pieces, depending on the number of submissions and the evaluations of the jurors. Of those, the museum may choose to acquire 20-30 pieces to add to the Church’s collection.
According to the museum’s website, the jurors will evaluate the submissions based on the three criteria of thematic alignment, innovation and artistic merit. Those pieces selected for the show will be eligible to receive one of three types of awards, as well. Purchase Awards are given to those that the museum would like to use to expand its collection. Two Merit Awards can be given by each of the jurors to “recognize artistic excellence among competition pieces.” Those winners also receive a $500 prize. And the Visitors’ Choice Awards are given with input from those who visit the exhibition in person or online on the museum’s website. Five winners in this category are each awarded $500, as well.
Learning from the last competition
The 12th International Art Competition and Exhibition took place during a time in history that brought out some unique artistic perspectives, Snow said.
“I feel like a lot of people with the last show were being very introspective, which I think reflects what was going on with COVID,” she said. “You weren’t out in your social circles so much, so you were more internal.”
That could mean this competition brings in art that is nearly the opposite in nature.
“This year’s theme invites people to think a little more outside the box, so it will be interesting to see what that translates to in terms of the art we get.”
Testimony through art
Some artists in the past have expressed how the process of creating their artwork helped them build their testimony of the Savior. Snow said the museum frequently receives comments from patrons about how the art helped them strengthen their testimonies, as well.
“I think it builds testimony in the sense that you realize that you are not alone,” she said. “… I think there is something to be said when a total stranger, whom often you don’t know, who may live on the other side of the world, creates an artwork that resonates with you and touches on an experience you have had or that helps create understanding of something in a new way.”
Snow encouraged all who would like to submit an entry to take the time to write out their biography and artist statement before sitting down to fill out the entry form.
And for those concerned about whether the jurors would like their type of art or the subject of their art, Snow said, it is hard to give direction on what should be submitted.
“We don’t know what we will like until we get what we like,” she said. “… You might not get in, but I think the experience is really worthwhile.”
The Art Competition Entry Form can be found on the competition’s website, history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/content/museum/art-competition-details.
Questions about the competition can be emailed to SubmitMyArt@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Art from previous competitions and other exhibitions at the museum can be viewed on the museum’s site.
