2012 Book Project Call for Photographic Artists
Signs of Protest: This is What Democracy Looks Like

"Stop the War" by Paul Thoresen

The Center for Photography at Madison (CPM) is seeking images for a photographic book to be published in the fall of 2012 as part of PhotoMidwest.  The purpose of the book is to document the emotions and events of the historic protests that took place in Wisconsin starting in early 2011.

The protests were in response to a series of legislative actions that ultimately reduced the collective bargaining rights of most public employees in the state. For several months, waves of protests swept the State Capitol and other locations in Wisconsin, capturing local, national and international attention.

Ranking among the most photographed rallies in Wisconsin history, CPM’s book Signs of Protest: This is What Democracy Looks Like will capture this photographic spirit by seeking images representing all aspects of the protest events – both inside and outside the Capitol in Madison, as well as around Wisconsin – including the rallies, speakers, singers, sign-carriers, onlookers, news media, and crowds; in short, we seek to convey the feeling and sense of all that was taking place. Selected photos should cover the full range of opinions and emotions, both for and against the legislation, while also being compelling examples of the art of photography.

Images must have been taken after February 11, 2011 – when the legislation was first introduced – and must be of Wisconsin protests and protest-related activities. All submissions will be reviewed by a three-person jury, which is solely responsible for selecting the images for the book, as well as images that will receive awards.

Signs of Protest will be released at a reception during the first few weeks of PhotoMidwest 2012.

Awards:

The jurors will select approximately 100 images for the book and rank the 10 best images. The best image will earn its photographer $500. Second best will be awarded $250. The third, fourth and fifth will each be awarded $100. Only one cash award will be allowed per photographer. Each photographer with one of the top 10 images will receive a complimentary copy of the book.

Fees & How to Submit Photos:

All entries and fees will be handled online by Juried Art Services, a digital jurying and application service.  Please refer to the Signs of Protest Application Information Page for more information.