05/07/2026
Opportunity for Artists:
Calling All Artists!
Deadline: Friday, May 15th
The Illinois State Museum/ in conjunction with Juneteenth Inc.- Springfield, IL and State Historic Sites at Springfield, IL announces the next installment in their NOIR series, NOIR 6: The Truth.
You are invited to submit works of art for the 2026 Illinois State Museum’s NOIR 6 art exhibit, in conjunction with the Juneteenth celebration. This is an exhibition of black art, depicting the life and times of Black-Americans. The NOIR 6 exhibit location this year is The Old State Capitol building, part of the Illinois Historic Sites which is part of the Office of the Illinois State Museum.
This year, the curator will be Austin Wells, and co-curator Jaliyah Ross.
The Truth:
Black art stands as a profound and enduring reflection of the Black experience, offering a truthful lens through which history, identity, and cultural memory are preserved and interpreted. Through painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, Black artists articulate narratives that have often been overlooked or marginalized in traditional historical records. The Old State Capitol becomes a space where viewers will encounter not only individual works, but also a broader cultural dialogue about identity, belonging, and historical truth.
The artwork in this years’ exhibit connects past struggles with present realities while envisioning more equitable futures. In museum collections and art exhibitions, these works encourage audiences to reflect on how art can both record history and actively participate in shaping it. In this way, Black art contributes to a deeper and more inclusive understanding of the American narrative. NOIR VI: The Truth invites audiences to engage, thoughtfully, with the histories and perspectives that shape our shared cultural TRUTHS.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in NOIR 6, please send inquiries to [email protected] for submission details.
Be on the lookout for additional information about reception and events related to this exhibit!
