GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

The Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) invites local artists to submit artwork that honors the profound influence and enduring legacy of Prince George’s County’s jockeys in shaping American horse racing. This call for art seeks to illuminate not only the vibrant cultural and equestrian heritage of Prince George’s County, Maryland, but also to highlight the county’s ongoing achievements and dynamic contemporary spirit.

The historic Belair Stud Farm, founded in 1747, stands as a cornerstone of Prince George’s County’s renowned equestrian heritage. The farm produced legendary champions, thanks to the extraordinary skill and labor of enslaved, and later, free African Americans who contributed to every facet of horse management. In the years following the Civil War, Black jockeys rose to prominence in American horse racing, capturing the majority of Kentucky Derby victories between 1875 and 1902. Yet, by the early 20th century, pervasive racial prejudice and discriminatory practices forced many Black jockeys from the saddle, compelling them to take on other roles within the racing industry. Today, Prince George’s County remains a vital center for preserving and passing down the invaluable traditions and skills of horsemanship.

This competition aims to showcase artistic interpretations for celebrating Prince George’s County’s significant legacy in racing. The artwork should emphasize themes of excellence, movement, resilience, and pride, while also connecting to the current vibrant creative spirit of Prince George's County.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

This competition is open to:

• All local artists and art teams residing or having studios in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
• All artwork must be original concepts.
• The monetary value of artworks must be noted in USD.
• Proof of local residency may be required.

DESIGN VALUES

• Visual Impact: The artwork must command attention with a striking and memorable visual presence, powerfully honoring the county’s storied horse racing legacy. It should embody strength, dignity, and excellence, while also reflecting the vitality and innovation of today’s Prince George’s County. Artists are encouraged to seamlessly blend creative ingenuity with thoughtful historical interpretation, visually capturing themes of speed, precision, agricultural labor, championship triumph, and the reclamation of erased narratives.
• Size: All works must be at least 18 inches x 24 inches or three-dimensional artworks.
• Contextual Relevance: The artwork should thoughtfully explore the powerful connections between Prince George’s County’s rich horse racing legacy, its deep agricultural roots, the resilience of post-emancipation Black communities, and the county’s ongoing evolution as a beacon of Black leadership and cultural excellence.
• All-Ages Appeal: The final work should be accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages and backgrounds, inviting curiosity, reflection, and pride. The narrative should be clear, educational, inspiring and affirming for residents, meaningful for youth, and impactful for visitors encountering this history for the first time.

SELECTION PROCESS

• After the submission deadline, Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities public art staff will convene with an Art Advisory Committee to select the three (3) winners.
• The Project Art Advisory Committee will screen submissions and decide on the final winners.

The Project Art Advisory Committee members will vote on the submissions based off the following:

• Visual Impact
• Contextual Relevance
• All-Ages Appeal
• General Unity of the Artwork

Please see PDF Version of the flyer via links below:

OneDrive Link