Envision: The Michigan Artist Initiative

Organized by Stamps Gallery, part of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan, Envision: The Michigan Artist Initiative, is a new awards program designed to support the development of contemporary artists living and working in Michigan. This inaugural program recognizes the creativity, rigor, and innovation of Michigan-based artists and collaboratives—and honors their role in inspiring the next generations of artists in the state. 

The initiative launches with a call for work: March 16–April 30, 2020.

Once the call closes, three jurors—Carla Acevedo-Yates, Curator, MCA Chicago; Ken Aptekar (BFA ‘73), Artist; and Loring Randolph (BFA ‘04), Director, Frieze New York—will select 3–5 artists for a group exhibition at Stamps Gallery, January 15–February 28, 2021.

At the exhibition opening and award ceremony on Friday, January 15, 2021, one artist in the exhibition will be awarded a 5,000 USD prize. The exhibition will tour to different venues in Michigan, including the Crooked Tree Art Center in Traverse City.

“Since moving to Michigan in 2017, I’ve been impressed by the artists of this state, the high caliber of their work, and their commitment,” said Srimoyee Mitra, Stamps Gallery Director.

“Envision provides emerging and mid-career artists an opportunity to be recognized for their work and to be introduced to our panel of internationally recognized jurors. It’s also a unique opportunity for our jurors to see work samples from artists living in all corners of the state. We’re excited to see what this inaugural effort holds.” 

Envision is open to all emerging and mid-career contemporary artists currently living and working in the state of Michigan. Full eligibility criteria and details are available at stamps.umich.edu.