Independence 250
Art Credit: "From Sea to Shining Sea" by Zelda Bean and "July 4th in New York City" by Richard Brissette
Exhibition at the State Capitol
Arts for All Wisconsin (AFA) presents “Independence 250!” an exhibition celebrating independence through the creative expressions of Wisconsin residents with and without disabilities. This project will on display at the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, from Monday, November 16, through Friday, December 11.
Join Us for the Opening Reception!
Art Credit: "Untitled #2" by participants of AFA's Veterans Art Studio Program pre-2020
What does Independence
mean to you?
This summer marks the 250th anniversary of America's independence from King George. Arts for All Wisconsin invites you to explore the meaning of Independence through the power of your own creativity! From reflections on the Nation's 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to personal perspectives on navigating the world with a disability, the theme of Independence can be interpreted in many ways.
The Independence 250 Call for Creativity has been closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted their art! Please join us for the opening reception or visit the art while it is on display at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Possible Prompts
Feeling stuck creatively with this theme? Here are some prompts that can help start the creative process! No one is required to use these prompts. They are only available in case you need them.
2D and 3D Art
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Breaking the Frame: Create an image of a subject stepping out of a picture frame or box.
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Weight of Freedom: Illustrate independence as something heavy.
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Self-Made Sky: A figure constructs their own sky.
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Unlearning Chains: Shed subtle constraints like labels or expectations.
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Roots vs Wings: Show tension between staying grounded and seeking independence.
Music Composition
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From Silence to Voice: Build from minimal sound to layered expression.
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Unwritten Rhythm: Avoid predictable patterns.
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Inherited Melody, Rewritten: Transform a traditional melody.
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The Moment of Decision: Capture a turning point.
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Lonely but Free: Balance liberation and isolation.
Creative Writing
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The First Choice I Made for Myself: Write about a moment—real or fictional—when a character chooses their own path.
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A Letter to the Life I Didn’t Choose: Reflect on independence through rejection of an alternative path.
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The Cost of Freedom: Tell a story where independence comes with unexpected consequences.
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Language of Autonomy: Imagine a world where people gain independence only when they invent their own words.
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After the Escape: Explore what happens after someone achieves freedom—what now?
Dance and Movement
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Breaking the Pattern: Begin with repetitive, controlled movements, then gradually disrupt them into free-flowing motion.
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Invisible Strings: Dance as if controlled by unseen forces, then slowly cut or detach from them.
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Solo vs Ensemble: Transition between moving in sync with a group to breaking away into individual expression.
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Gravity vs Lift: Explore grounded, heavy movements evolving into light, expansive gestures.
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Claiming Space: Start confined to a small area, then progressively take up more physical space—owning the stage.
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