Omaha Public Library (OPL) is accepting applications from Omaha-area artists to provide an original art piece that will support the visual identity of the Omaha Reads 2024 selection. Voting is currently open to select the final Omaha Reads title from the top nominations.
Omaha Reads is a yearly event that celebrates the power of literature by bringing the community together to read and explore the themes of one book. One book is selected through a public vote and promoted through book talks, author visits, and related programs.
2023 was the first year OPL incorporated an original art component to the Omaha Reads initiative and the community found this additional engagement to be a valuable part of expanding the dialogue. OPL wants to continue to foster this creative engagement with literary works.
The application should consist of a brief (about 150 words) proposal connecting the artist’s work to one or more of the five book selections considered for the Omaha Reads 2024 winner. The top five Omaha Reads selections include Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom; The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride; Open Throat by Henry Hoke; Solito by Javier Zamora; and The War Begins in Paris by Theodore Wheeler.
The deadline for submission is Friday, April 12. See full submission guidelines below.
Original artwork(s) will be purchased for the permanent collection of OPL with rights to reproduce the image to support the Omaha Reads identity and to create a limited edition print run. The artist selected will be awarded $850.
Questions? Please contact Amy Mather, Partnerships Manager, at amather@omahalibrary.org.
Thank you for your interest! The call for submissions is now closed.
