Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Art Contest 2026
This art contest invites students to reflect on the powerful words of Nelson Mandela and how they connect to Black history in Chattanooga. Mandela reminds us that we are powerful beyond measure—and that when we let our light shine, we give others permission to do the same.
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“It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us… We are all meant to shine, as children do.”
— Nelson Mandela
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Your challenge is to create an original artwork that celebrates the courage, brilliance, and impact of Black individuals or communities in Chattanooga’s history who have shined their light—even in the face of fear, injustice, or adversity.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Nelson Mandela
Contest Rules
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All Mediums Accepted
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Size 8" X 10" ready to hang with Velcro on back
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No self made labels, these will be made based on submitted information
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All works must be registered at www. bessiesmithcc.org/artcontest
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All work must have printed registration form on back to enter
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Delivery of work to the museum by January 16, 2026
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Artist/Exhibitor grants permission for the Bessie Smith Cultural Center to reproduce his/her name, information describing his/her work, representations of his/her work and any other information he/she has provided for the purpose of display, promotion and publicity either now or in the future.
If Artist/Exhibitor is not available on-site to display, re-pack or re-transport his/her work, he/she gives permission to BSCC to do so on his/her behalf at his/her own risk and expense.
Release of Liability: The Bessie Smith Cultural Center shall not be liable for any injury to Artist/Exhibitor, their personnel, agents or employees or for any damage or loss of Artist’s/Exhibitor's work, equipment or other personal property arising out of the above exhibitions/displays, the mounting and/or any other activities involved in the preparation and/or presentation of the exhibitions/displays. Artist/Exhibitor agrees to assume all risk of damage to or loss of his/her own art from whatever cause. Artist/Exhibitor further agrees to release and to hold harmless the Bessie Smith Cultural Center its officers, directors, employees, volunteers and agents from any and all liabilities and damages to art work and/or persons as a result of any part of Artist’s/Exhibitor's participation in the Exhibit.
Indemnification: Artist/Exhibitor shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers and agents and the participating exhibition venues from any and all claims, demands, causes of action and judgments, losses, costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, arising due to the negligence of Artist/Exhibitor, their employees, agents or other personnel hereunder, including but not limited to any representation, warranty, term and/or condition of this Agreement.
Insurance: Artist/Exhibitor shall be solely and exclusively responsible to insure properly and adequately their work and property.
Assignment: Neither Party shall assign to transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement and any attempt to do so shall be void and of no effect.
Waiver and Effective Nullity: Waiver by either party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any provision by such party at any time hereafter. The nullity of any provision hereunder shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereunder of the Agreement, which shall survive.