Mon 3/23 @ 8:00 am – 11:59 pm EDT
An invitation to Artists
We invite you to use your artistic expression, whether in painting, photography, sculpture, poetry, music, dance, live performance and other forms – to explore these questions and spark meaningful conversations and creations related to the theme of Migration:
- What does it feel like to be truly welcomed in a new place, or to offer that welcome to someone else?
- How does your own family or personal story of movement, chosen or forced — across land, identity, or time — connect to the larger story of human migration?
- In what ways can the beauty of cultural diversity reveal our deeper spiritual oneness? How might contrasting elements — color, texture, form, or sound — express harmony?
- How do borders, seen or unseen, shape our sense of belonging or exclusion?
- What does it mean not only to be welcomed, but to reclaim voice, culture, and dignity in a new place? How might your art illuminate this transformation?
- What stories, textures, and memories do displaced people bring that enrich the collective identity of any nation?
- Of course, your creative process need not be limited to these questions.
- Have an idea for a live show or discourse space? Write us at art@greenacre.org
Important Dates
- On-line call to discuss the Artist Call and themes (optional): Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 | 7pm
- Submit art for review by Monday, March 23rd, 2026 | Midnight.
- The curating team will review submissions and respond to artists by March 30th, 2026
- Final electronic file or physical piece(s) to be received at Green Acre by April 13th, 2026
- The show will open May 2nd, 2026
“This show is very personal to me. The world’s problems can seem overwhelming or too big. But this call is a powerful directive for all of us as individuals. It means the world when someone makes me feel like I belong, especially when it comes from someone of the culture of that country.”
– Gordon Arzu (Contributing artist and immigrant from Honduras)
Migration
A Journey Towards Oneness
Artist Call
Ours is a migratory species,…Indeed, almost everyone can find a story of migration in their family history. Rather than a problem to be solved, this perspective emphasizes that migration is the means by which human beings throughout history have solved their problems, explored the world and improved their lives.
– Mohsin Hamid
The Innate Nobility of all
In our previous show, Created Noble, we asked artists to explore the concept of the innate nobility of every person. To view humanity as one human family vs. “in” and “out” groups, is conducive to building the world anew. Envision a world where everyone feels of value regardless of race, creed, culture, sex or status. Imagine the love, compassion, empathy, beauty and justice that would thrive in such a society.
Everyone seeks justice, love and safety
People leave their homelands for many reasons—quality of life, systemic poverty, conflict, persecution, displacement, environmental collapse, and the failures of governance. Yet even as migrants face physical danger, exploitation, and emotional hardship, their journey is also an act of profound courage. People move not only out of desperation but out of a fierce belief in life, dignity, and the possibility of justice.
With what spirit do we receive those who have shown such extraordinary strength?
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…
– Emma Lazarus
Shed the light of a boundless love on every human being whom you meet, whether of your country, your race, your political party, or of any other nation, color or shade of political opinion…while you work in this ingathering of the scattered peoples of the world beneath the shadow of the almighty tent of unity.
– ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
Diversity strengthens society
Migration is not a crisis of strangers entering our borders; it is a story of human beings carrying the seeds of new culture, new insight, and new forms of unity. Every newcomer has the potential to expand our vision of what it means to be one people. The loving welcome of humanity from other countries and nations has the potential to uplift, advance and create a safe haven for all.
Each culture has many salutary elements that are conducive to promoting unity in diversity, which must be reinforced…Meaningful interactions among people hailing from different human groups foster an environment within which advances in culture can occur.
– The Universal House of Justice
Ultimately we are citizens of one world
As we bring the best of our culture and nationality to the communities where we reside, we must ultimately realize we are citizens of one world. A world where our destinies are bound up with each other as we are inextricably linked physically, materially and spiritually. In these turbulent times, this perspective can help us build a just, diverse and united society.
Today’s reality needs a conception of our identity that is wider, one which expands to include all of humanity. It means that we need to develop a strong sense of loyalty or responsibility towards all of humanity, rather than only towards those sharing similar characteristics. It means that institutions, communities, and individuals look at the interest of each member of the human family, rather than only their own.
– Bahá’í International Community
The surface of the earth is one home; humanity is one family and household. Distinctions and boundaries are artificial, human. Why should there be discord and strife…? All must become united and coordinated in service to the world of humanity.
– ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
