OVERVIEW
In honor of Hannan Center’s 100th anniversary, artists aged 55+ are invited to submit original work in any medium that explores aging, creativity, and community in Detroit. Selected pieces will be featured in the 2025 Emerge! Arts Festival, recognizing a century of connection and impact.
OVERVIEW
In honor of Hannan Center’s 100th anniversary, artists aged 55+ are invited to submit original work in any medium that explores aging, creativity, and community in Detroit. Selected pieces will be featured in the 2025 Emerge! Arts Festival, recognizing a century of connection and impact.
Call For Artists
Why Enter the Emerge! Art Festival?
- Compete for cash prizes
- Have your work seen & judged by prominent art professionals
- Exhibit in a gallery in Detroit’s Cultural District
- All media accepted
- Submit up to 2 pieces
- No entry fee
Application submission deadline:
Monday, September 1, 2025 by 11:59 PM
KEY DATES
Submit online: July 1-Sept 1, 2025
Artists notified by email week of Sept 8
Artwork Drop-off Date: September 18 | 10-4 PM
Emerge! Art Festival Winners will be announced
on Saturday, October 18, 2025
From 12PM-8PM
Call For Artists
Why Enter the Emerge! Art Festival?
- Compete for cash prizes
- Have your work seen & judged by prominent art professionals
- Exhibit in a gallery in Detroit’s Cultural District
- All media accepted
- Submit up to 2 pieces
- No entry fee
Application submission deadline:
Monday, September 1, 2025 by 11:59 PM
KEY DATES
Call for Entries: July 1-Sept 1
Exhibitors Notified: Sept 8
Artwork Drop-off Date: September 18 | 10-4 PM
Emerge! Art Festival Winners will be announced
on Saturday, October 18, 2025
From 12PM-8PM
ENTRY RULES
The contest is open to the public who meet the following:
- Artists 55 and Older:
Open to artists aged 55 and up who are caregivers or whose art reflects caregiving.
- Limit two pieces per artist
- All levels of experience are welcome to submit
- All media types are accepted
ENTRY RULES
The contest is open to the public in two categories:
- Artists 55 and Older:
Open to artists aged 55 and up who are caregivers or whose art reflects caregiving.
- Limit two pieces per artist
- All levels of experience are welcome to submit
- All media types are accepted
2023 Emerge! Art Festival Winners
Click to enlarge an image
First Place Winner (Juried)
“Kisses”
Sherry Moore
Second Place Winner (Juried)
“Gecko Memories”
Steve Simon
Third Place Winner (Juried)
“21st Century Family”
Rosemary Summers
Honorable Mention (Juried)
“Trumpet Boy”
Eban Morales
Honorable Mention (Juried)
“She’s Changed”
Alga Washington
Honorable Mention (Juried)
“I’ve Got Rhythm”
Patricia Beard
People’s Choice Award
“Dance With Me”
Gayle Watson
FAQ
Who can apply?
This contest is open to the public. Artists age 55 and up can submit up to 2 entries for the main prize. Artists aged 54 and younger can submit up to 2 entries to be considered for the Next Generation award.
What types of art are accepted?
All media types are accepted. Examples include but are not limited to: Performance art, poetry, spoken word, ceramics, drawing, painting, etc.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline to submit is September 1 at 11:59 pm.
How many pieces are we allowed to submit?
Artists can submit up to 2 entries.
How can artists submit their work?
Artists can submit info and images of their work at the following link: bit.ly/EmergeFest2025
When will the artists be notified?
Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the exhibit by September 8, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Festival event on October 18, 2025.
FAQ
Who can apply?
This contest is open to the public. Artists age 55 and up can submit up to 2 entries for the main prize. Artists aged 54 and younger can submit up to 2 entries to be considered for the Next Generation award.
What types of art are accepted?
All media types are accepted. Examples include but are not limited to: Performance art, poetry, spoken word, ceramics, drawing, painting, etc.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline to submit is September 1 at 11:59 pm.
How many pieces are we allowed to submit?
Artists can submit up to 2 entries.
How can artists submit their work?
Artists can submit info and images of their work at the following link: bit.ly/EmergeFest2025
When will the artists be notified?
Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the exhibit by September 8, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Festival event on October 18, 2025.
Emerge! is generously sponsored in part by:
The mission of Hannan Center is to preserve the dignity and enhance the quality of life of older adults throughout metropolitan Detroit. Founded in 1925 as the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation, today’s Hannan Center delivers critical social services and innovative arts and cultural activities. Programs include Daybreak, a respite program for people with dementia and their caregivers; the 70 Over Seventy gala, celebrating the achievements of people 70 and older; and the Kayrod Gallery and Emerge! Art Festival, featuring the works of local older adults artists along with world-class exhibits. Located in the heart of Midtown, the Art & Cultural Hub of Detroit, Hannan Center advocates for redefining how people view aging and ending ageism.
Learn more at hannancenter.org.
The mission of Hannan Center is to preserve the dignity and enhance the quality of life of older adults throughout metropolitan Detroit. Founded in 1925 as the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation, today’s Hannan Center delivers critical social services and innovative arts and cultural activities. Programs include Daybreak, a respite program for people with dementia and their caregivers; the 70 Over Seventy gala, celebrating the achievements of people 70 and older; and the Kayrod Gallery and Emerge! Art Festival, featuring the works of local older adults artists along with world-class exhibits. Located in the heart of Midtown, the Art & Cultural Hub of Detroit, Hannan Center advocates for redefining how people view aging and ending ageism.
Learn more at hannancenter.org.