In June 2023, Pittsburgh witnessed a remarkable collaboration between several prominent institutions, including Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh, 1Hood Media, and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Together, they launched “Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh,” an inclusive call for art that aimed to showcase the visions of artists from across southwestern Pennsylvania for a more just and equitable city.
Over 120 artists responded to the call, submitting their thoughtful and compelling works for consideration. Among these talented individuals was Scott Kowalski, whose submission garnered Honorable Mention and secured a coveted spot in the opening of the showcase. For a month, Kowalski’s piece was displayed prominently at the Main Carnegie Library, captivating audiences and sparking conversations about justice and equity in Pittsburgh.
The winners of the 2023 Inclusive Call for Art were recently announced, with First and Second Place awarded in six categories: Visual Art, Literary Art, Performance Art, Interdisciplinary Art, and Youth Visual Art and Literary Art. Adult winners received $2,000 for First Place and $275 for Second Place, while youth winners were awarded $500 and $200, respectively.
As the Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh initiative continues into 2024, the city is gearing up for a series of showcases and performances to celebrate the culmination of this impactful project. The showcase of all categories of art winners will kick off at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History on February 2, running through February 29. Additionally, vibrant submissions from an additional 20-50 artists will be displayed at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Hillman Library, and three branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Main, Hill District, and Hazelwood) throughout February.
The Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh initiative has not only provided a platform for artists to express their visions for a more just and equitable city but has also sparked important conversations and reflections on how we can all contribute to building a better future for Pittsburgh. Through art, we can envision and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
