Independence 250 Call for Creativity

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.

From July 4 (Independence Day) through September 17 (Citizenship Day), we are accepting original art, creative writing, music, and dance videos on the theme of Independence in recognition of America's 250th Anniversary. All eligible works will be celebrated in November and December 2026.

Please review the guidelines before submitting your work to ensure eligibility. Project prompts are provided below to spark your creativity!

Submit Art

Submission Guidelines

From July 4 (Independence Day) through September 17 (Citizenship Day), we are accepting original art, creative writing, music, and dance videos on the theme of Independence in recognition of America's 250th Anniversary. All eligible works will be celebrated in November and December 2026.

Timeline

Submission window opens: July 4, 2026

Submission window closes: September 17, 2026, 11:59 pm

Physical submissions must be onsite or postmarked by September 17, 2026, 11:59 pm.

Exhibitions and presentations will take place in November and December 2026.

Details will be announced in October 2026.

Eligibility

The Independence 250 Call for Creativity is open to Wisconsin residents ages five and older. No documentation or disclosure of disability is required to participate.

Accepted Artwork:

2-dimensional art (paintings, drawings, photography, etc.)
- Art may not exceed 24” x 36”, including any frame, or weigh over 20 pounds. Because we anticipate a large volume of submissions, we are unable to store and display art exceeding this size.
- All art meant to be displayed hanging on a wall (e.g. framed works or canvases) must be ready to hang with appropriate hanging hardware and wire already in place.
3-dimensional art (jewelry, fiber arts, sculptures, etc.)
- Art may not exceed 16” x 16” x 16”, including any frame, or weigh over 20 pounds. Because we anticipate a large volume of submissions, we are unable to store and display art exceeding this size.
- Digital art (animations, digital drawings, short videos, etc.)
- Digital art only exists in a digital format requiring a screen to experience. A digital photo of your physical art is not digital art. Digital entries may not exceed four minutes in length.
Creative Writing
- You may submit up to two original pieces of creative writing (for example, poetry or a short story) inspired by the theme of Independence.

Music
- You may submit one piece of original music (vocal or instrumental) inspired by the theme of Independence.
Dance
- You may submit one original dance (ballet, jazz, modern, tap, or creative movement) performed by or choreographed by you, inspired by the theme of Independence.

Content Guidelines

Eligible submissions will be on display in a public setting, whether online or in a physical space. Therefore, we must adhere to the following guidelines:

Creative works should be appropriate for children to view, hear, read, or experience.

Creative works should not depict graphic or overt depictions of sexual acts or violence.

Creative works should not demonize or degrade individuals, groups, or specific political parties.

Arts for All Wisconsin reserves the right to determine if artwork adheres to these standards.

Artwork Pricing

You are welcome to list your submission of 2D or 3D artwork for sale. AFA retains 30% of each sale, and 70% is directed to the artist. While you have flexibility in what you choose as your purchase price, the sale price is capped at $500.

Questions

All questions about the Independence 250 Project should be directed to Matthew Sanborn, Exhibitions Manager, by email (matthew@artsforallwi.org) or phone (608-241-2131 ext. 205).

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

Breaking the Frame: Create an image of a subject stepping out of a picture frame or box.

Weight of Freedom: Illustrate independence as something heavy.

Self-Made Sky: A figure constructs their own sky.

Unlearning Chains: Shed subtle constraints like labels or expectations.

Roots vs Wings: Show tension between staying grounded and seeking independence.

Music Composition

From Silence to Voice: Build from minimal sound to layered expression.

Unwritten Rhythm: Avoid predictable patterns.

Inherited Melody, Rewritten: Transform a traditional melody.

The Moment of Decision: Capture a turning point.

Lonely but Free: Balance liberation and isolation.

Creative Writing

The First Choice I Made for Myself: Write about a moment—real or fictional—when a character chooses their own path.
A Letter to the Life I Didn’t Choose: Reflect on independence through rejection of an alternative path.
The Cost of Freedom: Tell a story where independence comes with unexpected consequences.
Language of Autonomy: Imagine a world where people gain independence only when they invent their own words.
After the Escape: Explore what happens after someone achieves freedom—what now?

Dance and Movement

Breaking the Pattern: Begin with repetitive, controlled movements, then gradually disrupt them into free-flowing motion.
Invisible Strings: Dance as if controlled by unseen forces, then slowly cut or detach from them.
Solo vs Ensemble: Transition between moving in sync with a group to breaking away into individual expression.
Gravity vs Lift: Explore grounded, heavy movements evolving into light, expansive gestures.
Claiming Space: Start confined to a small area, then progressively take up more physical space—owning the stage.

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