The Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the Arts program at Daemen University, in collaboration with Arts Services Inc. (ASI) and Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT), has issued a call for work to artists under the age of 30 for EMERGENCE ’23.
“Through EMERGENCE, Daemen University is helping to discover and advance the careers of artists who will help shape the artistic landscape here in Buffalo,” said Robert Waterhouse, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at Daemen. “EMERGENCE demonstrates our commitment to Western New York’s vibrant artistic community and creates opportunities for Daemen students to interact with professionals.”
Billed as a Celebration of Emerging Artists, EMERGENCE ’23 will consist of two juried shows designed to foreground young artists on the cutting edge of tomorrow. Artists are encouraged to submit their work in one of two categories: 17-21 (Category 1) and 22-30 (Category 2).
Two juried shows will be held in the spring of 2023 to celebrate the work of young artists chosen for exhibit: BCAT, March 9-31, 2023 (Category 1) and Tower Gallery, Haberman Gacioch Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Daemen University, April 14 – 28, 2023 (Category 2).
Daemen will award three scholarship awards for potential transfer students for Best in Show and Honorable Mentions in category 1 (17-21 years). A $500 cash award from ASI will also be granted to the artist whose work is considered Best in Show in category 2 (22-30).
In addition to the juried shows, workshops and networking events will provide opportunities for young artists to advance their professional careers.
The first workshop, The Artist as Entrepreneur, will focus on starting a business, grant writing, and funding opportunities for artists. It will be held on Daemen’s campus at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, and feature Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, entrepreneurship adjunct professor and ASI Executive Director; Dan Shanahan, assistant professor and director of Daemen’s entrepreneurship program; and solo artist Kyla Kegler.
Another workshop, Portfolios and Self Promotion, will focus on developing a portfolio, and self-advocacy for solo artists. It will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, at the BCAT and feature Philip Longson, assistant professor of illustration; and arts writer Schondra Aytch.
Both workshops are free and open to the public.
“EMERGENCE provides a platform to exhibit and showcase emerging artistic talent within the Western New York community, while offering workshops and panel discussions that draw focus to the entrepreneurial and leadership skill sets artists need to succeed in the 21st Century,” said Shanahan.
Artists can submit their work for EMERGENCE at Daemen.edu/emergence. Applications are being accepted now until Nov. 30, and selected artists will be notified in January.