Pitt is looking for artistic submissions for an upcoming public art exhibit that is part of a series of initiatives by the University to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the campus and, more particularly, the value of Black lives and Black art.

Led by Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for Diversity and Engagement, the “Don’t Look Away: Because Mattering is the Minimum” exhibition asks artists to consider what Black Lives Matter means to them.

“This exhibition will recognize the work done and the work still left to do to achieve true equity: to not only honor the lives we have lost and affirm that Black lives do indeed matter, but also to celebrate and spotlight the Black experience as essential to our community’s future,” a description on the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website says. “Works might retrieve the lessons learned from past generations about love, family, and supporting one another; reflect on breaking cycles of generational trauma and how to create new and just futures; respond to the contemporary movement and how it has changed the public consciousness; and remind the world that outside of death, there is Black life.”

The deadline for submissions is midnight, Dec. 1. The exhibit is open to artists of Western Pennsylvania and to Pitt students, faculty, staff, and alumni. No more than three submissions per artist or artist group. Works will be reproduced on mesh canvas, approximately 8 feet by 5 feet in size, or run as short videos on digital displays.

Works will be selected by a committee comprised of Pitt representatives and community members from local Black arts organizations. Approximately 30 works will be selected for display.

Find the submission form and other details here.