Louisiana Office of Cultural Development

FY27 GOS Guidelines

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area 20th Anniversary Post Card + Accompanying Pin

Call to Artists

Contact: Hope Robinson 

Contact Email: hrobinson@crt.la.gov

Call Type: 2D Post Card + Accompanying Pin

Eligibility: Louisiana Local (Heritage Area Artist Preferred)

Application Opens: Feb 23, 2026

Entry Deadline: March 13, 2026 at 11:59PM

Projected Date of Project Completion: No later than July 1, 2025

Total Budget: $2,000

OVERVIEW:

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is seeking submissions from qualified artists to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the National Heritage Area designation. The artwork will be featured on a post card and an enamel pin. The artwork should incorporate the themes of the ANHA and have specific emphasis on Louisiana’s “Year of Outdoors” campaign. The artwork should highlight the natural resources of the heritage area and celebrate the unique culture of the region. Artists may discuss conceptual designs with the project manager, Hope Robinson, prior to submission of an application. 

SCOPE OF WORK:

The development and design of the artwork should consider the following:

● Project should include a high quality digitized final project (350 dpi minimum).

● Project should include a complimentary pin design in addition to main artwork. 

● Project should adhere to the overview as stated above. 

● Project should highlight the natural resources of the ANHA.

● Project should reflect the voice of the ANHA.

● Artist must adhere to the concept as approved by the Art Jury. Any deviations or

   proposed changes should first be consulted with the Art Jury.

● Artist must be present at the unveiling date on October 3rd.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

● Statement of Interest including the following:

1. Why the project resonates with you
2. A design concept or preliminary drawing is required
3. An explanation of your ability to manage the scope of work

● A formal CV or resume demonstrating past relevant experience in PDF form

● Brief artist biography

BUDGET:

The completed project budget will not exceed $2,000. The total project budget must cover all services from development through final completion. This includes but is not limited to artist fees, travel, community meetings, materials, design, project coordination, and other direct costs.

SELECTION PROCESS:

● Artist will submit application via Submittable.

● Art Jury will review all applications. The Art Jury may include (but is not limited to):

1. Heritage Area stakeholders
2. Louisiana Office of Cultural Development staff members

● Finalists may be invited to interviews/final presentations

● Art Jury will select one artist to be awarded the commission grant

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

● Artistic excellence and originality as evidenced by the representations of past work

images and other supporting materials

● Appropriateness of artist’s medium, style, and previous experience as they relate to the

project goal/setting

● Adherence to the ANHA’s theme and a demonstrated ability to manage the scope of the work

● Availability to participate in the design and implementation of the project as required

● While heritage area residency is not required, the jury may give preference to artists located within the ANHA.

ELIGIBILITY:

● Artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

● The artist must be a Louisiana resident.

● The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area aims to be a welcoming place where people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can thrive and feel a sense of belonging. We are committed to treating all individuals with respect and dignity in matters of housing, employment, municipal services, contracts, purchasing, and public accommodation regardless of their identities including race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, size, ability, ancestry, marital status, immigration or residency status, and/or military status. We encourage ALL artists to apply.

NOTIFICATIONS:

Notifications of an award will be issued in April 2026. A full timeline will be provided to the chosen artist, and a professional services agreement may be required. The project contact may request up to two rounds of recommended changes. All proposal documents, including renderings, will become the property of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and will be used solely for educational and promotional purposes, not for creating reproductions for sale. Each artist’s proposal and/or renderings may be exhibited for the Jury and community consideration. The chosen artwork will not be replicated for commercial use. The artwork’s likeness may not be used for any profit-generating purposes.

NOTE: “The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the Art Jury reserve the right to change, modify, or revise the Call to Artists, in part or whole, at any time before the submittal deadline without prior notice. Any change, modification, or revision can be found on Submittable. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the Art Jury also reserve the right to reject any or all applications or proposals, to reject any artist, or to terminate the selection process for any project without prior notice.”

PAYMENT PROCESS:

Upon notification of selection, the artist should complete the following steps:

● Submit invoice to Atchafalaya National Heritage Area.

● Meet requirements needed for payment stipulated by Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. 

● Register as a LAGOV vendor. 

Payment will be expended at the conclusion of the project.