I want to conquer a myriad of mediums to express my work. Not being limited by categorization is my inspiration. It is my goal to develop my creative expression not just in physical artworks, but in film, photography, poetry, and business. I want to inspire young creatives that creation is fluid because we ourselves are fluid!
Sara Bermudez , Artwork for Equity Campaign Artist 2020
Creative Reaction Lab’s Artwork for Equity Advocacy Campaign Program was launched in 2017 in recognition of the United Nation’s International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In support of our work for racial and health equity, Artwork for Equity will select young Black and Latino/a/x/e designers and artists (26 and under) to produce original images in the form of posters promoting inclusion, equity, liberation, and justice for all races. The Creative Reaction Lab (CRXLAB) team aims to support and equip youth artists and designers with the necessary training and skill that allow youth to leverage their artistic talents as a form of activism to create transformative change.
Submissions for the program are accepted via survey, email, or mail. If needed, Creative Reaction Lab will offer technical digital design assistance to help bring an artist/designer's idea to life as a poster and postcard. Note that a number of the selected artwork spots will be reserved for current and past CRXLAB youth participants. Please follow us @CRXLAB on all social media for any updates.
Participation Benefits
Each youth artist accepted into the program will go through Workshops and Webinars.
If necessary, participants can receive technical digital design assistance from CRXLAB staff to support them in bringing their idea to life.
Program participants meet for three, 1 hour sessions.
Each selected artist will receive:
A $500 stipend
Select Creative Reaction Lab merchandise, including a free poster of their selected artwork
An invitation to join Creative Reaction Lab’s youth network for further personal and professional development opportunities
Selected artwork/designs will be displayed via a virtual exhibit hosted by CRXLAB and additional partners
Artists’ posters will be printed by CRXLAB, promoted, and sold on our online shop
How to Apply:
Youth participants must be up to 26 years old.
Participants must identify as Black and/or Latino/a/x/e.
Participants must reside in St. Louis or Chicago.
Artists/Designers may submit up to 5 original ideas for artwork/design in ONE of the following ways:
Fill out this SurveyMonkey Application Form;
Fill out this PDF document and email attachments (as stated in the document) to ; or artforequity@crxlab.org
Mail in application and submissions to: Creative Reaction Lab, 3224 Locust Street, St. Louis, Suite 301 MO 63103
Applications for our next cohort will open in January 2025!
Promote racial equity in education through your design through the Artwork for Equity campaign.
Building Creative Confidence.
Creative Reaction Lab will encourage you to come up with ideas and explore how to visually convey content around the topic of education inequity. If needed, when you’re selected you can receive technical design assistance from Creative Reaction Lab to bring your vision to life.
Collective Mobilization.
You will be centered in the creative process so that you will be the decision-maker in using art as a form of activism. The final artwork of the youth participants will be printed onto postcards that can be used to demand that government officials provide equitable voting opportunities as well as encourage their friends and family to take part in the civic life of their respective communities.
Competency Building.
Improve your cultural and racially historical competency, personal humility, and civic leadership (knowledge and opportunities). Resources for further education are provided for both participants and other curious individuals.
Power Shifting + Inclusive Co-Creation.
Creative Reaction Lab will promote you as creative makers and civic leaders in ways that amplify youth voices and experiences concerning the civic life of one’s community.
2024 Themes:
“Rooted in Justice: Addressing Environmental Racism”
One of the main goals is to raise consciousness around historical and contemporary forms of environmental issues such as disproportionate access to clean water, exposure to toxic waste and pollution that impact Black and Latino/a/x/e communities in the United States, while also highlighting resistance movements and achievements.
Environmental Racism
Environmental Health Disparities
Food Deserts
Industrial Pollution
Climate Change
To learn more about disparities in environmental justice, we invite you to watch this informational video as well as explore our resource inventory. We aim to inspire people to not only challenge barriers in environmental inequity, but to also advocate for cultural and political shifts that establish equity and redistribute power back to communities that are systemically impacted by environmental racism.
“Championing Choice for Reproductive Rights”
One of the main goals is to raise consciousness around historical and contemporary forms of reproductive health inequities impacting Black and Latino/a/x/e communities in the United States while also highlighting resistance movements and achievements in reducing inequitable access in the health and wellness space.
Reproductive Justice
Birthing Justice
Comprehensive Reproductive Healthcare
Reproductive Violence and Oppression
To learn more about reproductive inequities, we invite you to watch this informational video as well as explore our resource inventory. We aim to inspire people to redesign oppressive systems to achieve transformative change in our society.
“Bulleted Trauma: The Impacts of Gun Violence”
One of the main goals is to raise consciousness around historical and contemporary forms of gun violence impacting Black and Latino/a/x/e communities in the United States while also highlighting resistance movements and achievements in addressing systemic issues around gun reform and stopping gun violence.
Gun Restriction Laws
Data on violent crimes in the US
Disproportionate impacts on communities of color
Racial Disparities in victims; mostly children, Black and Brown and LGBTQ+ communities
To learn more about the impacts of gun violence, we invite you to watch this informational video as well as explore our resource inventory. We aim to inspire people to understand the impacts, promote gun violence awareness and advocate for change.
View Competition Instructions + Read-only Version of Application Questions
Meet the 2023-2024 Artists
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Jennifer Solano (She/Her)
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Asenette Ruiz (she/ella)
@asenette_r
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H. Manu Kannare (she/her)
@Manukaix
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Orquidea Campbell-Espinoza (She/Her)
@elsfew
orquideacampes.com
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Faith Omole (She/Her)
@Faithomole_m
@Omoyin_arts
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Aiyana Graham (They/Them/Theirs)
@agraham_art
aiyanagrahamart.com
Redesigners in Action •
Redesigners in Action •
Free of cost you can get any Artwork for Equity postcard — designed by incredible youth artists — mailed to you. To take action as a Redesigner for Justice™️, get involved in a writing campaign:
Why? Not only are writing campaigns great ways to mobilize your close social circles (friends, family), but they also help to raise awareness about the issues your community is facing.
How? Write a letter to your community leaders and officials demanding them to fight against racial and health inequities that you’ve experienced in your community and want to change!
