We seek artwork that explores the theme of "family" within the context of the Asian diaspora and the LGBTQ+ community. Artists are encouraged to reflect on the importance of building supportive and empowering connections within the community ("chosen family"), navigating intersectional identities, and embracing the diversity that exists within the queer AAPI experience. For inspiration, please view our previous MBTA billboard campaign, “We Are More”  in partnership with artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. 

This call for submissions is supported by the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), Pao Arts Center, AAPI Empowerment Project and the Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services. BCNC and Pao Arts Center seeks to honor the breadth of identities, experiences, abilities, and languages of our constituents and staff and for this project to be reflective of those values. 

Submission Guidelines: 

• Eligibility: Open to queer artists across the Asian diaspora—preference given to artists based in Boston or greater New England area. 

• Submission Process: You are welcome to submit existing artwork or create new work.  To be considered, you must include a short description of how your practice or work addresses the prompt. Submitted work should follow the following criteria: 

  • Work which may include digital art, illustrations, photography, or any visual medium suitable for billboard display

  • The dimensions for the display are: Live Area 1920px h x 1080px w, Physical Size 56.25"h x 31.5"w

  • All submitted pieces must your own original work and if selected, can be exhibited

•  Selection Criteria: We will select 3-4 individual artists based on the below criteria: 

  • Alignment with the theme of "(Chosen) Family." 

  • Creativity, originality, and visual impact. 

  • Representation of diverse experiences within the AAPI queer community.

Timeline: 

Submissions due by: April 7, 2024 

Finalists notified by: April 16, 2024 

Artwork due by: May 3, 2024 

Artwork on view: June 2024 

Goals of the Digital Campaign: 

• To elevate and celebrate often marginalized voices within the AAPI queer community. 

• To foster a sense of community and connection through the theme of "Chosen Family." 

• To create a visually striking and impactful campaign that resonates with a broad audience. 

Acknowledgment and Compensation: 

Selected artists will receive acknowledgment for their contribution in promotional materials, social media, and during the campaign. Each participating artist will receive up to $2,500 as compensation for their work. 

How to Stay Informed: 

For updates and announcements, follow us on Instagram and visit our website. 

We look forward to receiving your creative expressions and working together to make Pride Month 2024 a powerful celebration of queer AAPI voices! 

About Pao Arts Center
Our mission is to celebrate and strengthen the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community of Chinatown and Greater Boston through access to culturally relevant art, education, and creative programs. Pao Arts Center functions in service of BCNC’s and BHCC’s goals to support the social well-being, economic success, and education of their constituents. 

Our vision is that in the face of the gentrification of Chinatown and inequitable access to resources that enable cultural agency, Pao Arts Center promotes cultural equity in Greater Boston for the AAPI community. 

About BCNC
Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) empowers Asians and new immigrants to build healthy families, achieve greater economic success, and contribute to thriving communities by providing a broad range of innovative and family-centered programs and services to more than 13,000 children, youth, and adults every year.