Father begged you not to choose art as a career. He was a hard man who valued simple, tangible pleasures, and he couldn't understand how art could be a valid career for anyone at all. "Why don't you do something constructive with your life, kid?" he'd ask whenever you brought it up. And when you tried to explain to him that art is constructive, an essential part of the human experience, and the one thing you were driven to do beyond breathing, he'd just sigh, take a long swig from his can of Schlitz, and go back to silently glowering at the Dolphins game from his plaid recliner in the den.
Now, all your paintings feature tiny human figures reaching out to an impossibly distant overseer. But anyway.
New Times feels your pain. (Our parents weren't exactly thrilled when we went into journalism, either.) So we're here to help you win your father's love, along with cash and city-wide recognition, in the form of our annual MasterMind awards.
New Times' Mastermind Awards seeks to give back to Miami's cultural community in the form of city-wide recognition and some sweet, sweet cash. Last year, New Times' editors and experts from Miami's cultural community selected bizzaro digital artist Bleeding Palm, dancer/choreographer Rosie Herrera, and booty bass freakmaster Jesse Perez to receive the honors. Previous winners have included filmmaker Jillian Mayer, experiential arts collective the end/SPRING BREAK, and local music label Roofless Records, among others.
This year, we're continuing the search for the best artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other culture producers in the Magic City. As in past years, Mastermind grants of $1,000 will be given to three winners at Artopia, New Times' annual arts soiree, taking place February 27, 2014, at the Coral Gables Museum. Ten award finalists (including the winners) will be featured in New Times in print. And in an added twist, MasterMind finalists will also receive exhibition space at Artopia, putting their work right out in front of Miami's arts community.
It's a pretty sweet deal. But to be considered, you have to let us know who you are. Here's how to apply.
To be considered, send us the below before Friday, December 27:
- Your name
- Contact info: phone, email, and home address
- Short bio
- Description of your work
- Your Artwork, either via a link to a website or in emailed images
- Your vision for your showcase at Artopia, should you become a finalist
Email all of the above to [email protected] by December 27. Finalists will be notified by January 8, and winners will be announced at our annual art soiree, Artopia, on February 27, 2014. Good luck!
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