Bearing Witness: Frederick's Sites of Enslavement
City of Frederick seeks artists to create original artwork for historic markers documenting enslaved people's history in downtown Frederick.
The City of Frederick invites artists to submit proposals for creating original artwork to illustrate historic markers as part of the Sites of Enslavement Project. This initiative seeks to identify, document, and interpret sites in the downtown historic district linked to the history of slavery, in partnership with the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society (AARCH).
The project includes 11 interpretive markers measuring 24"x18", installed on single pedestal bases made of aluminum with fiberglass embedded panels. Each marker will feature approximately 100-125 words of historic context and artwork comprising 50% of the panel design. A graphic designer will coordinate final design, text, and artwork, with artists given opportunity to review and provide comments.
Artwork requirements include: new work created specifically for this project; no AI-generated artwork unless central to artistic practice; two-dimensional and digitized format; designed to fit the 24"x18" panel while accommodating text; and high-resolution digital submission (600 dpi minimum, 8x10 inch jpg or agreed format). Artists are encouraged to depict lost or obscured buildings to help establish historic context, with city support through historic photos and mapping.
The City will organize an art exhibition around June 19, 2027, accompanying the grand opening of the historic walking tour and markers. Artists retain copyright but must grant permission for the City to reproduce artwork for historic markers, videos, brochures, websites, and educational/marketing purposes.
Compensation includes $150 honorarium for proposal submission and $900 commission fee for selected artists. Artists are responsible for professional photography; digital artwork files will be coordinated with the city. The city cannot currently cover travel costs for the unveiling.