The Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE), a research center in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is pleased to announce The CHE Nelson Art and the Environment Award for Undergraduates, a juried art exhibition of undergraduate student artwork that addresses the environment and/or sustainability concerns. The environment is facing a profound crisis. Humanity needs more voices creatively engaging with the most critical issue facing all life. Art can be an essential part of the discussion addressing this pressing issue.
Awards
Three jurors will select finalists for an exhibition that will take place at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Three awardees will be selected from the group of finalists.
- $1,000 for the first-place award winner
- $500 for the second-place award winner
- $250 for the third-place award winner
Eligibility
- Only undergraduate students enrolled and taking classes at the University of Wisconsin–Madison during the spring 2025 semester may apply.
- Artwork from any visual art medium is eligible.
Submission Requirements
- Eligible students must send 1-3 high-resolution JPEG images documenting a single artwork and a minimum 500-word artist statement explaining how their submission addresses the environment to che@nelson.wisc.edu by 11:59 p.m. February 14, 2025. Submissions will not be accepted after this date.
- Applicants whose work is selected for inclusion in the finalist exhibition must deliver the physical work to the official drop-off point (TBA) no later than Friday, March 21, 2025, at 5 p.m.
- Applicants are encouraged to focus their artwork on the theme of “deep time.”
Deadline and Dates
February 14, 2025
- Eligible undergraduate students must send 1-3 high-resolution JPEG images documenting the artwork and a minimum 500-word artist statement explaining how their submission addresses the environment to che@nelson.wisc.edu.
February 28, 2025
- All finalists will be notified.
March 21, 2025
- The finalist will deliver the physical artwork for the finalist exhibition to the Nelson Institute no later than this date.
April 23, 2025
- Exhibition reception and announcement of winners will take place on April 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Hub Lobby of the Discovery Building.
- By submitting work for this juried exhibition, you agree to allow your work to be used in exhibition-related promotion.