Express Yourself!
United States Embassy Art Competition
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To mark the 245th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 61st anniversary of Beninese independence, the United States Embassy and the Benin YALI Alumni Association are pleased to announce a competition to select twenty-five Beninese artists to paint the compound’s planters along Marina Boulevard, with designs showcasing U.S.-Beninese friendship and telling the story of our common democratic values.. If you are an artist interested in this project, please send a sample of your proposed work that symbolizes the U.S.-Benin partnership or our shared democratic values to cotonouculture@state.gov no later than August 4th, 2021.
More information can be obtained by reviewing Ambassador Mahoney’s press release announcing the competition and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
1. What is the purpose of this event?
The project aims to symbolize the strong partnership between Benin and the United States of America and showcase the shared democratic values which exist between our two countries.
2. How do I submit my proposal?
Send your proposals in graphic format (PNG or PDF) via email to cotonouculture@state.gov no later than August 4th, 2021. The subject of the email must be YOUR NAME, Art Contest.
The files sent must respect the constraints related to the proportions of the planters to decorate. The following dimensions are preferred: L = 2000px , H = 1016px
All artistic representations are authorized: drawings, paintings, graffiti, etc.
3. What if I am not Beninese?
You can participate even if you are not Beninese so long as your artwork relates to the theme, i.e. it should symbolize our shared democratic values and the partnership between Benin and the United States of America.
4. When will I know if I have been selected?
Those selected will be informed by email the first week of August 2021.
5. How many artists will be selected?
We expect to select approximately twenty-five artists.
6. Will I be paid for my work?
No. All artists are being asked to volunteer their time for this initiative.
7. Who will provide the materials and painting supplies?
The embassy will provide paint and other materials, but artists may bring their own brushes and other tools if they wish.
8. When is the artwork on the planters scheduled to be completed?
Sometime during the first two weeks of August. Shortlisted artists will receive final information by email.
9. How big are the planters? How many can I paint? Can I choose the planters I paint?
Size: 1.83m/93cm
Number of planters per artist: 2-3.
The embassy will assign the planters to be painted by each artist.
10. If I am selected, can I bring people with me to help me paint?
If selected, you may be accompanied by a maximum of one other person.
11. Will I be allowed to take pictures if I am selected?
Embassy photographers will be on hand to photograph the event and will share copies with you after the event.
12. Will there be refreshments?
Drinks and a light lunch will be provided.
13. How long will the paintings remain in place?
Artists will be provided with the highest quality weather-resistant paint available. We expect the artwork to last a minimum of two years.
14. Will the public be able to visit my work?
Yes. All art will be visible from the publicly accessible sidewalk on Marina Boulevard.
15. Will I get a certificate?
A certificate of participation will be issued to all participants.
