OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
Blueprints & Brushstrokes II 🏛️🎨✨
Greetings Artists! 🖤✨
Artbae is excited to partner with the DC Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DCNOMA) as the Lead Curator & Creative Producer for Blueprints & Brushstrokes II, an immersive exhibition celebrating the powerful intersection of architecture, art, and community.
As part of DC Art All Night, we're seeking contemporary artists to collaborate with leading architecture firms and emerging design students in transforming architectural projects into immersive storytelling experiences.
BLUEPRINTS & BRUSHSTROKES II
Architecture Meets Art
This one-night exhibition will feature 12 professional architectural projects and 4 student exhibitions from the Washington region's four NOMAS chapters. Each artist will be paired with an architectural project to create an installation that expands upon its vision, inviting guests to experience architecture through the lens of contemporary art, culture, and community.
Rather than simply displaying artwork, this exhibition explores how creative expression can deepen our understanding of the spaces we inhabit and the stories they hold.
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Each selected artist will be paired with one architectural project and asked to create artwork or an immersive installation inspired by its central theme and narrative.
Working alongside architects, designers, and fellow creatives, artists will help transform Sandlot Uptown into a gallery of experiential environments where visitors can explore architecture through visual art, storytelling, sound, texture, sculpture, and interactive elements.
Throughout the evening, guests will experience:
🏛️ Architecture
🎨 Contemporary Art
🌍 Community Storytelling
🎶 Live Music
🍴 Food & Drinks
🤝 Creative Networking
✨ Immersive Installations
FEATURED THEMES
Artwork should embody the essence of one of the architectural concepts and themes featured throughout the exhibition, including:
🌱 Climate Resilience & Environmental Justice
🏡 Sustainable Housing & Regenerative Design
🌎 Community Belonging
♿ Neurodiversity & Universal Inclusion
🪶 Cultural Preservation & Heritage
📚 Collective Memory & Storytelling
🌾 Food Justice & Black Land Stewardship
🏙️ Public Space & Civic Trust
🚒 Public Service & First Responder Legacy
🤝 Community Stewardship
🌍 Gender Equity & Empowerment
🎭 Cultural Vibrancy & Economic Opportunity
These themes are inspired directly by the featured architectural projects, each exploring how thoughtful design can shape healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.
Click HERE to view the featured architectural projects.
THE EVENING WILL INCLUDE
🏛️ 12 Professional Architectural Projects
🎓 4 Student Architecture Exhibitions
🎨 Contemporary Artists Curated by Artbae
✨ Immersive Art Installations
🎧 Live DJ
🍹 Cocktails & Beverages
🌮 Food Trucks
🤝 Networking with architects, artists, designers, developers, students, and community leaders
🏆 Fundraising in support of DCNOMA Scholarships
EVENT DETAILS
📍 Sandlot Uptown
1900 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
📅 Sunday, September 13, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to artists working in all mediums, including:
• Painting
• Photography
• Mixed Media
• Sculpture
• Installation
• Fiber Arts
• Digital Art
• Projection Mapping
• Illustration
• Sound Art
• Interactive Media
• Public Art
• Ceramics
• Wood
• Textile
Emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.
Existing work, newly created work, and installation-based concepts are all welcome.
ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS
Each selected artist should be prepared to create:
One featured artwork or immersive installation inspired by their assigned architectural project.
Artists may incorporate multiple disciplines, including sculpture, sound, projection, textiles, interactive elements, and mixed media where appropriate.
Artwork should be exhibition-ready and safely installed for public viewing.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're seeking artists whose work explores themes such as:
• Community
• Identity
• Belonging
• Sustainability
• Memory
• Justice
• Culture
• Public Space
• Architecture
• Nature
• Accessibility
• Storytelling
• Innovation
• Social Impact
Artists should be excited about collaboration and interested in translating architectural ideas into engaging visual experiences.
ARTIST BENEFITS
✅ Featured Artist in Blueprints & Brushstrokes II
✅ Paired with an architectural project
✅ Professional promotion through DCNOMA and Artbae
✅ Networking with architects, collectors, designers, and community leaders
✅ Opportunity to exhibit during DC Art All Night
✅ 100% commission on artwork sales
MATERIALS & INSTALLATION
Artists are expected to provide their own:
🎨 Art supplies
🖌️ Creative materials
🧰 Standard installation materials required to produce their artwork.
For larger immersive elements, scenic components, or specialty installation materials, DCNOMA will assist with purchasing approved items, which will be shipped directly to Sandlot Uptown prior to installation. Requests for these materials should be identified and approved during the planning process.
ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES
Selected artists agree to:
• Attend the full event
• Be present throughout the evening to engage with guests
• Participate in installation and setup
• Assist with exhibition load-in
• Promote the event using provided marketing materials
• Collaborate with the curatorial team and architectural partners throughout the planning process
INSTALLATION & BREAKDOWN
Installation is currently anticipated for the morning of Sunday, September 13, although we are exploring the possibility of an earlier installation depending on venue access and city scheduling that weekend.
Artists should remain flexible as final installation logistics are confirmed.
Breakdown will begin following the event and must be completed no later than Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
SUBMISSION FEE
FREE
There is no submission fee for this opportunity.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
⏳ Wednesday, July 29, 2026
11:59 PM (EST)
Selected artists will be notified shortly thereafter to allow time for project pairing, planning meetings, and installation development.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Complete the Artist Open Call below:
artbaeonline.com/blueprintsandbrushstrokes