Brooklyn Public Library has launched a design open call for artists to submit a design that celebrates Black culture and history to be featured on a limited-edition library card.
The library card will be released as part of the library's Juneteenth 2021 celebrations — the first time the holiday is being recognized as a city, state and public school holiday.
The Black American Library Card Project is a community partnership between the library, Borough President Eric Adams and Brooklyn's community boards. It began as a proposal from Wendy A. Robinson of Community Board 3 to celebrate and raise awareness of the African American Heritage Center at Macon Library.
From Jan. 4-31, artists 13 years and older are invited to submit their designs, which will be reviewed by a panel of BPL staff and community stakeholders. The artist and artwork should have a connection to the Black experience in Brooklyn and America, and preference will be given to artists with a connection to Brooklyn, the website states.
Artwork may be submitted until 11:59pm Jan. 31.
Finalists may have their works displayed and the selected design will receive a $2,000 stipend.
The limited-edition card, the first in a series of 'Celebrating Heritage' library cards, will be released at the African American Heritage Center at Macon Library and will be available at all library branches in Brooklyn that are issuing library cards.
For details on how to submit your design, click here.
