Wisconsin Historical Society Seeks Artists for Second Phase of COVID-19 Poster Project

The Wisconsin Historical Society today announced the launch of the next phase of its COVID-19 Poster Project with an open call for artwork. Wisconsin artists who are interested in participating should complete an online submission form before the entry period ends on May 15, 2021. The project was first launched last year with the goal of sharing public health information related to the COVID-19 pandemic as interpreted by local artists.

Using artwork to disseminate public health and safety information is a time-honored tradition in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. The Society’s expansive poster collection includes nearly 5,000 pieces from the 18th century to present day with topics ranging from political statements to social movements and beyond. Modern examples urge Wisconsinites to look out for others and remain united during the economic upheaval and healthcare crisis fueled by the COVID-19 virus.

“Inspired by posters of the past, we launched the first COVID-19 Poster Project last summer to give contemporary artists a voice to promote unity, and to remind Wisconsinites that the pandemic we face is a shared experience,” said Christian Øverland, Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “By launching the next phase of the initiative, we hope to reach even more Wisconsinites with the message that we can get through this difficult point in history by working together and supporting vulnerable individuals, whether that is an isolated, elderly neighbor or a frontline essential worker enduring long work days to keep us healthy and safe.”

The Wisconsin Historical Society will award $600 per commission to ten Wisconsin artists selected to participate in the second phase of the project. The posters will be unveiled this summer and one design will be highlighted on the Society’s website and social media channels every week through September 7, 2021. All commissioned artwork will become part of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s poster collection to be preserved for future generations.

For more information visit www.wisconsinhistory.org/posterproject.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.