Call for Artists: Festival of Light in dunellen

The Monmouth Museum is pleased to announce an open call for artists for Festival of Light, a juried exhibition celebrating the rich traditions, stories, and contemporary voices of South Asian artists and the broader diaspora. The exhibition will be presented at the Monmouth Museum's Dunellen location from October 2 through November 15, 2026.

Timed to coincide with Diwali, the Festival of Lights, this exhibition explores themes of light, resilience, identity, community, and cultural heritage. While rooted in the traditions of Diwali, the exhibition welcomes contemporary interpretations that examine how light functions as a symbol, material, memory, or source of transformation in our lives.

Artists are encouraged to submit work that reflects cultural storytelling, personal and collective identity, ritual and celebration, concepts of home and belonging, and innovative approaches to traditional themes. Through painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, installation, and digital works, Festival of Light seeks to create a vibrant dialogue between tradition and contemporary artistic expression.

The exhibition will be juried by acclaimed artist, curator, and educator Nupur Nishith. Born in the Mithila region of India, Nishith is known for her contemporary interpretation of traditional Mithila (Madhubani) art and has exhibited extensively throughout the United States. Her work bridges cultural heritage and innovation, making her uniquely suited to guide this exhibition's vision.

Festival of Light is co-curated by Nupur Nishith and Erika Schaefer, Executive Director of the Monmouth Museum. Together, they bring a shared commitment to cultural storytelling, artistic excellence, and meaningful community engagement.

The exhibition is open to emerging and established artists ages 18 and older. While priority consideration will be given to artists of South Asian descent and diaspora communities, all artists who respond thoughtfully to the exhibition theme are encouraged to apply.

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