KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 3, 2018

Soap Box Term:

1. A carton or crate used for holding soap.
2. A temporary platform like a shipping crate on which one stands while making a spontaneous and often impassioned public speech or call for action.

The deadline for entries to arrive is September 28, 2018. Mail your package in plenty of time for snail delivery, Peachtree City is considered rural Georgia and mail takes a few extra days!

The American Print Alliance in conjunction with the Art Department of Kennesaw State University is asking artists to create prints in a major tradition of our art – commentary on politics and the impact of printmaking on actual events.

Note that the title for this Soap Box portfolio is comprised of three words. “The” is the definite article, emphasizing that democracy can survive only with freedom of speech and a free press. The “little d” of “democratic” indicates that we are advocating for this specific form of rule: a democracy with three independent branches of government, in opposition to a dictatorship or oligarchy or anarchy. “PRESS” of course refers to the physical equipment used in so many techniques of printmaking as well as the right to express one’s political opinion, one’s hopes and dreams, disappointments and calls for action to remedy wrongs – in a way that reproduces and disseminates that speech in multiple copies to be seen by a wide audience. In addition, the pressure of “press” reiterates our resolve and the critical need for immediate and substantive action.

The news reports widely contrasting views of our current political state. Artists have an obligation to question current events and respond to them. Transgressive work is relevant to protect one of the most important rights that supports democracy: freedom of the press. As artists we are called to action through our artwork. Let us embrace the traditions of printmakers and poster artists and use our graphic imagery to share our individual opinions of current events, politics, elections and change. Our messages will certainly differ, but through our prints we can stand united to voice our certainty that the freedom to express those views is essential to our democracy! This is your opportunity to submit art relating to the political themes about which you feel most passionate, and have your work widely seen. Get on your Soapbox!

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the American Print Alliance may not campaign for or against candidates for elected office, and we will not accept any work that incites people to break the law (except the proud tradition of non-violent civil disobedience). Although the appropriation of imagery is a frequent component of contemporary printmaking, please be sure that the work you submit does not violate any copyright. We recommend viewing the Alliance’s previous Soap Box Prints portfolios online at www.PrintAlliance.org.