The August Wilson African American Cultural Center invites artists of African descent living in the Greater Pittsburgh area to submit their work for Being/Seen, a group exhibition, opening May 2025. 

Selected artwork will be on display at The August Wilson African American Culture Center 1st floor galleries, including the Victoria Gallery and Yvonne Cook Family Regional Gallery. The group exhibition will run concurrently with Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, the first major retrospective of prolific twentieth century African American sculptor John W. Rhoden (1916-2001).  

The concept of “being seen” (being recognized, being acknowledged) is an integral theme of Determined to Be in that it will allow John Rhoden’s life and work to be experienced and recognized in a way that has never been seen before. Despite being an artist who maintained an active international career and garnered many fellowships, awards, and commissions, John Rhoden’s work has never been the subject of a major solo exhibition and his name is largely unknown. 

Our group exhibition, Being/Seen, invites artists to not only explore what it means when Black art history is erased and undervalued, but also invites an exploration of feelings when Black art history is recognized, validated, and celebrated. Acting as a bridge between the Greater Pittsburgh arts community and the life, legacy, and works of John W. Rhoden, this group exhibition will dive into ideas of form, figurative abstraction, spirituality, iconography, migration, and global black identity. Rhoden’s legacy challenges us to consider how visibility and representation shape our connection to one another and leads to joy and strength. 

We encourage artists to create work that engages with these themes and reflects your personal experience or perspective on Being Seen.

Themes for Exploration

  • Being Seen: The powerful feeling of being recognized, accepted, and valued for who you are.
  • Connection & Community: The strength of being connected to others, and finding belonging within a shared space.
  • Visibility: The journey of being authentically known, accepted, supported, validated, and empowered in your unique identity.

Submission Information

  • We welcome emerging, early-career, and established artists.
  • This call is open to artists of African descent, living in the Greater Pittsburgh area (including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties)
  • Must be 18 years or older to apply.
  • All mediums will be considered: painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more.
  • The selection process is led by a panel of respected professionals from the arts community

How to Submit: Online Submission Form

Deadline for Submissions: March 29, 2025, 11:59PM (Eastern Standard Time) 

Submission Fee: Pay-What-You-Will – $5 minimum

Selection Announcement: Early May. Selection includes a $190 artist participation fee that includes complimentary membership to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Benefits Include:

  • Name listed in all AWAACC playbill listings and festival program books
  • Name listed on AWAACC website
  • Discounted tickets to select AWAACC Presents performances throughout the season

For additional details or questions, contact programming@awaacc.org

Further Information

All prospective applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the life, legacy, and works of John Walter Rhoden. Several links, located below, have been provided to help with that endeavor.
Discovering John Rhoden via the PAFA Archives 
Google Drive folder containing images of Rhoden’s work and more information about his life

About the August Wilson African American Cultural Center

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary arts center open to all. We are dedicated to the celebration of the African American journey and presenting its unique and extraordinary role in the creation of popular culture in America and beyond. The non-profit August Wilson African American Cultural Center is one of the largest cultural organizations in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience, and through its mission is dedicated to sharing the African American experience and presenting artistic expression that reflects the prestige, authority and vision illuminated in the work of August Wilson. We also represent the rich history of his birthplace, Pittsburgh PA, and share the unique perspective of its inhabitants. Through our festivals, exhibitions and programs, we aim to inspire all people to see Black creativity and innovation as an impetus for heartfelt human connection.