NEWS
The deadline to submit to Artwords has been extended!
a text cloud with largest words: inspired, write, published

Think you missed your chance to submit to the annual Artwords contest? Think again! ArtWords is accepting submissions through January 31st! Submit to z.umn.edu/artwords18

Are you a creative writer and an art enthusiast? The WAM Collective and The Tower encourage you to submit to ArtWords!

ArtWords is an annual writing contest for University of Minnesota students. Students select an artwork on display in the Weisman Art Museum’s permanent collection and write a short creative piece of poetry or prose inspired by the art. The contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Weisman Art Museum and The Tower have partnered once again to connect student writers with the Weisman’s vast collection of visual art. The museum has over 25,000 permanent pieces, with focuses on modern American art, Korean furniture, and ceramics.

Prizes are available for first, second, and third place winners. Graduate winners will receive gift certificates to the Weisman Art Museum Shop, while undergraduate winners will be published in The Tower 2018 edition. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to read their work at The Tower launch party on April 19th, 2018 at 6:00pm at the Weisman Art Museum.

ArtWords only accepts creative work related to the Weisman’s displayed pieces from their permanent collection. If you have any questions about the permanent pieces, ask the friendly WAM student staff (located in red shirts) about the collection.

Artwords encourages students to connect with the University’s art collection, giving voice or perspective to the University’s collection of artwork.

It can be overwhelming walking into a room full of artwork. But when that special piece catches your eye from across the room, you know it’s the one. But how do you begin to write about artwork? Here are some questions to ask when getting to know the piece you want to write for artwords:

  • Does it come by here often?
  • What small details do you notice, and how do these elements add to the piece?
  • What is the message of the piece to you?
  • What is the tone of the piece?
  • How does the artist play with formal elements to create the piece?

Don’t forget to submit by January 31, as you do not want to miss this incredible opportunity to connect with artwork that is intended for the students of the University!