Southport Magazine

Up Your Arts is seeking artists to participate in its second annual pole banner art project, jointly sponsored by the City of Southport, and Downtown Southport, Inc. “Raise Up Your Arts” is a juried art exhibition to showcase the rich diversity and abundant creativity of local artists, while welcoming residents and visitors alike to Southport’s historic downtown.

The photographed works of 24 artists selected by an anonymous peer review panel will be featured on 30″ x 60″ banners hung from utility poles in Southport’s central business district from May-October 2024.

This is an excellent opportunity for artists to showcase their work and gain recognition. The names and artwork of those selected will be displayed on a 30″ x 48″ section of the banner, which will be gifted back to them when removed from display in November. To unveil the project, selected artists will be honored at Up Your Arts’ 3rd Annual Cool & Fancy Gala on March 9, 2024.

Artists must be at least 18 years of age and currently producing artwork in Brunswick County. Showcased artwork must be of an original piece created in the last five years. Submissions are limited to a single entry per artist. A group may enter one piece that it has worked on collectively under one collective name. In order to highlight as many artists as possible, winning entrants from the 2023 competition are ineligible to reenter until 2026. 

Artwork may involve any medium, including painting, pottery, sculpture, photography, glass, jewelry, metalwork, woodwork, fiber art, dance, theater, musical performance, or non-traditional media. Artists must submit a high-resolution photo of the art to be used on the banner.

The registration, image, and $25 submission fee are due by November 26, 2023. Mail payment by check to Up Your Arts, PO Box 11326, Southport, NC 28461, or pay the fee(s) online at: https://www.upyourarts.org/news/opportunity/southport-pole-banner-project/  

Email info@upyourarts.org with questions.