ORLANDO — With Black History Month coming up fast in February, the City of Orlando is looking for artists to create works that will be on display at City Hall.
“Your art could be part of the 2026 Centennial Black History Month Art Exhibition in the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall,” the city noted as part of Mayor Buddy Dyer’s annual Call For Artists. Submissions are due by Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
This is part of the city’s celebration of Black History Month, inviting visual artists who live in the city to take part in the celebration through their own creativity.
What Kind of Artwork is Being Considered?
“To be considered, local visual artists may submit artwork inspired by this year’s national theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations,” notes Flynn Dobbs, the City of Orlando Public Art Coordinator. “This special centennial exhibition will encourage residents and visitors to explore the meaning and impact of Black history over the past century. Themes may include the power of storytelling, the contributions of trailblazers and everyday heroes, the resilience of Black communities, and the connection between historical legacy and contemporary identity.”
Dobbs added that “This exhibition reaffirms the city’s commitment to celebrating the diverse cultures of all residents and dedicating the month of February to Orlando’s rich and vibrant Black culture and heritage.”
As the city noted, art remains a focal part of African American history in the U.S. The City of Orlando “welcomes a wide range of artistic interpretations of this theme,” Dobbs notes, including:
- Original 2D or 3D artworks such as paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, or installation
- Works that reflect or reinterpret aspects of Black history and cultural life
- Pieces that highlight the ongoing impact of commemoration, education, or heritage
- Art that engages viewers in conversations about the meaning of Black history today
Artists should submit their works through the City’s online application portal by Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 and send a follow-up email to Flynn.Dobbs@orlando.gov.
Applications should include:
- Artist’s full name and preferred name for labels
- Artist bio or résumé
- Up to four images of artwork (JPEG format, 300 dpi preferred)
- A short description of each work, including:
- Title
- Year created
- Dimensions
- Medium
The chosen artists will be notified by Dobbs and provided with information on the dates and logistics for artwork delivery and installation in the gallery. Once delivered, all pieces should be ready to hang or display.
What is the Black History Month Art Exhibit?
There will be an opening reception of this Black History Month visual art exhibition, A Century of Black History Commemorations, on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Rotunda and Terrace Gallery. The art exhibition will run from Feb. 3-March 31.
“Black art holds a significant place in the cultural tapestry of the United States,” writes Jessica Weingartner in her article “Celebrating the Significance and Abundance of Black Art.”
“For centuries, Black artists have leveraged their creative expression to reclaim their narratives, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate their heritage,” Weingartner writes. “From the world-renowned sculpture of Edmonia Lewis to the philosophical scholarship of W. E. B. Du Bois to the blockbuster films of Ava DuVernay to the Pulitzer Prize-winning hip hop of Kendrick Lamar, Black art not only pushes the envelope, but urges audiences to think critically about the need for Black representation and a more equitable and inclusive world.”
Black History Month is an annual event that celebrates achievements by African Americans and their role in American history, and it is also a part of African American History Month. This event has been celebrated every year since 1976, and is also celebrated in other countries including Canada and England.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
