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2023 Southard Art Awards

The Southard Award is the School of Art and Design’s most prestigious competition. Students submit a written proposal selected for a public presentation of creative work. The objective for the competitive process is provide students with an opportunity to develop the materials, documentation and conceptual sophistication, needed in order to pursue advanced academic or professional opportunities upon graduation from UNC.

 Jurying Process

Jurors will review completed proposals; the top four selected proposals will proceed to a semi-finalist round. Semi-finalists will present their proposals in person to the panel and community for final selection. This year, we hope to host a limited capacity, in-person presentation of semifinalists in the Campus Commons Multipurpose Room. To reserve a seat, visit the UNC Ticketing Office (forthcoming). UNC Galleries will live stream the event on YouTube for audience members unable to attend in person. Of the four presentations, one semi-finalist will be selected as this year’s Southard Award Winner. Each finalist will receive a scholarship award. Total awards of up to $4,000.

The Southard Award Winner will receive a scholarship award of up to $3,500.00 and will be required to participate in a professional development opportunity, to be announced. 

Exhibition Opportunity 

Student applicants applying for the Sourthward Award are invited to participate in a group exhibition. Each applicant will select one work from his/her portfolio for public display in Mariani Gallery, Guggenheim Hall. Dates of the Southard Award Exhibition are: April 3 - April 14, 2023. 

 2023 SOUTHARD AWARDS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Questions? Email Michael.Lemke@unco.edu


Important Dates and Deadlines

Fri | Feb 17

Mentor Session #1


1pm, The Arts Annex, ceramics area

Tues | Feb 21

Mentor Session #2


5pm, Arts Annex, ceramics area

Fri | Mar 10 

Deadline to Submit Materials

Submissions due by midnight

Reminder: Applications MUST be sent as a single PDF document containing:
           1) A current artist statement
           2) A current resume
           3) 8-12 high-resolution images
                Image list (List images exactly as you title the files. Also include the title of the work, medium, and size.)

*Please indicate on this list which artwork will appear in the Southard Award Exhibition.  

Please include 8-10 high resolution images (this includes detail images). Send all images individually. Please, DO NOT embed images within the PDF document. 

Submit Now

Tues | Mar 21

Notification of Finalists

Correspondence will be sent to the email address provided on your submission. 4 Semifinalists Announced All applicants who submit portfolio will have the opportunity to participate in group show. Artwork should be ready top hang or display with appropriate hanging hardware. Contact michael.lemke@unco.edu with questions.

March 28 & 29

Artwork Drop-Off 

Visit Campus Commons Gallery between the hours of 9am-5pm to drop off your artwork for exhibition. Artwork must be exhibition ready at the time of drop-off. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

Mon | Apr 3

Southard Award Exhibition Opens to the Public

Campus Commons Gallery
Gallery Hours: M-F, 9am - 5pm

Fri | Apr 7

Final Presentations

2-4pm, Campus Commons 2300

Thurs | Apr 13

Southard Award Exhibition Opening Reception

5pm, Campus Commons Gallery

Mon | Apr 17

Finalist Luncheon

12-2:30pm, Campus Commons

Apr 17 & 18

Artwork Pick-Up

Campus Commons Gallery


 Meet the Jurors

2023 Jurors to be Announced Soon!