Submission Guidelines for Wessel Project for the Arts

The Wessel Project for the Arts is seeking proposals from artsy students to create visual works of art to be showcased in the Department of Humanities and Communication on the Daytona Beach campus. Finished artwork must be available for display for at least one year. Recipients receive many benefits, including:

  • guaranteed participation in the 7th Annual Maverick Art Festival on April 5, 2024, where they may display their project. They may bring additional artwork to display and sell as well
  • a $100 stipend plus up to $200 reimbursement for approved supplies
  • membership in a cohort of Wessel recipients, fostering the exchange of art and ideas
  • the option to connect with a faculty mentor matched to the student's artistic focus

The proposed works of art should be based on the theme of being human in the 21st century. The theme of being human in the 21st century may be interpreted broadly.

We aim to support art that sparks conversations and tells stories about the human experience in world of 8.2 billion people including 828 million people suffering from hunger, 8.58 billion mobile phone subscriptions, the top 1% owning more than the remaining 99% combined, 2 billion tons of news waste each year, and over 100 billion stars hovering above in our galaxy. We encourage artists to explore how these realities shape lives, relationships, and the future.

Works may be, but are not limited to paintings, drawings, printmaking, textile art, photography, mixed media, digital art, bio art, installation art, AI-generated art, kinetic art, and environmental art. Be brave. Propose something weird.

Artwork must be no larger than 50”x50” and suitable for display on a wall.

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility: Open to all Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students

Budget & Payment: Approved budgets reimbursed up to $200 for the cost of materials, in addition to $100 as compensation for time and effort. The $100 stipend shall be paid after the Artist's signing of this Agreement. Reimbursement for approved expenses will be made after the submission of the final Artwork along with the necessary receipts.

To submit your work for consideration (or for more information about the project), email Lynn Koller at lynn.koller@erau.edu with the following:

  • Your name, email, phone
  • Type of art proposal (e.g., painting, photography, drawing, multimedia, etc.)
  • Images representing examples of your past work. Do not send attachments exceeding 10MB. For large files, use Dropbox or other file-sharing services
  • Your project name (you can change it later)
  • A brief description of your project—include details about the concept, inspiration, and how it connects to the theme
  • Budget details that generally describe how you will spend up to $200 for the cost of materials
  • A schedule of when you will begin and complete the project. Note that all artwork must be completed, submitted, and approved by or before Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Any other information you’d like to share

Evaluation Criteria

Selection of approved projects will be based on:

  • Alignment with the theme of "being human in the 21st century”
  • Originality and creativity of the concept, demonstrating a unique approach or perspective
  • Feasibility of the project, based on the artist’s demonstrated skills and experience
  • Clear and realistic project plan, including a well-defined budget and timeline for completion.

The Fine Print

Once selected, applicants may be asked to refine their preliminary concept and present a final artwork proposal for approval. Applicants are required to deliver artwork to the Humanities and Communication Department (COAS Building, 2nd floor, Daytona campus). If students desire their artwork back after one year, they are responsible for picking it up at the same location.

ERAU reserves the right to photograph any entry submitted for educational, informational, or publicity purposes, and to include it in Scholarly Commons, the library’s online repository. The artist retains full ownership of submitted artwork and allows ERAU full rights to use images of work in promotion of the Wessel Project for the Arts.

About the Wessel Project for the Arts

The Wessel Project for the Arts provides funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities for student artists engaged in the creation of visual art, music, and performance arts. Have an idea for an artistic endeavor and need help in the form of money, mentorship, or peer support? Email Dr. Koller at lynn.koller@erau.edu with the subject line “Hi. I’m An Artist.”

Download the official, Wessel Project for the Arts, PDF flyer.