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Call for Submissions

The deadline for submissions has passed.

Thank you all for your submissions! Artists should expect to hear from us around early December.



We are seeking Harvard staff who want to show their creative endeavors and artwork. Submissions can range from photography and painting to conceptual pieces, sculpture, design, textiles, film, musical compositions, dance or other performances, and more. All accepted artworks will be presented online through the Virtual Staff Art Show and may be included at in-person shows and artist events across the University.

WHO CAN APPLY

The Harvard Staff Art Show is open to staff who:

  • are employed at least half-time for at least six months
    • Staff who have been employed for less than six months as of the date of submission are still eligible if their contract or position will last for at least six months.
  • work at Harvard or through one of its contractors (such as Securitas)
  • are not full-time students
  • do not have teaching appointments or hospital-affiliated appointments as their primary appointment at the University

HOW TO APPLY

Artists can submit up to two artworks for consideration in the Staff Art Show. 

Applications will require:

  • the title of the artwork and its medium
  • your staff title
  • your Department or Office, and its location on campus 
  • your School / unit
  • an image of, or link to, your artwork (further details below)

A longer description of the artwork, a short biography or artist’s statement, and website or social media information are optional. 

Adding a watermark or other means of identifying your copyright on the artwork is encouraged. 

Submissions that are visual artwork will require:

  • A high resolution photo of the artwork
  • A short alternative text to visually describe the images
  • If submitting for an in-person show, please also include:
    • the dimensions of the artwork
    • any display needs (e.g. hanging instructions, if it will require a pedestal or dress form, hanging hardware etc.)

Submissions that are film, music, or other media will require:

  • A URL for experiencing the artwork (on YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, or other platforms)
  • A text transcript
  • Captions (additionally for artwork with video components)

If you would like to have your art included in an in-person show, a local exhibition coordinator will contact you in January with further details.

Collaboratives are welcome to apply with a single application; one person should be listed as the primary contact.

We ask that participants remain aware of the show’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and the Harvard community. The Staff Art Show steering committee reserves the right to reject artwork that may be inappropriate or offensive.