Announcing the 2021 Art on the Plaza Competition!

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S 16th ANNUAL ART ON THE PLAZA COMPETITION – DEADLINE SEPT. 9th

Winning artwork to be displayed for one year in downtown Dallas Arts District

Continuo by Robyn Jorde, 2020 winner

DALLAS – The Catholic Foundation invites professional artists across Texas to enter the 16th annual Art on the Plaza competition, which includes a high-visibility exhibition opportunity for the winning artist. Submissions are due by Thursday, Sept. 9. There is no entry fee.

The Catholic Foundation hosts this unique competition to identify a piece of original artwork to adorn a 28-foot-long by 9-foot-wide public art wall in the Dallas Arts District for one year. Works do not require a religious theme, but must be respectful in nature as the winning entry will be showcased on the Plaza of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

“We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the talents and creativity of Texas artists in our annual Art on the Plaza competition,” said Matt Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “This competition serves as a chance for artists to put their mark on downtown Dallas.”

There are no entry fees, and the winning artist receives a $2,500 stipend. Honorable mentions are also recognized with a $250 award. Submissions must measure 28 inches by 9 and 2/3 inches, and the winning work will be digitally reproduced to mural-size dimensions and installed on the art wall. Photography or computer-generated art are not eligible. Submission guidelines are available at https://www.catholicfoundation.com/Support-Tools/Catholic-Foundation-Art-Competition.

A panel of members from the local arts community will review all entries and select which piece will be installed on the Plaza art wall. The winning artwork will be unveiled this fall. 

“The Catholic Foundation Plaza, with its wonderful location right next to Cathedral and in the heart of our city’s arts district, contributes to the shape and color of our community,” said Robyn Jorde, 2020 Art on the Plaza competition winner. “I’m grateful for this competition and the opportunity it provides for artwork to come to life. I highly encourage other artists to participate in this year’s competition.”

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About The Catholic Foundation Plaza

The Catholic Foundation Plaza is a unique 3,900-square-foot public space located at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, 2215 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas. The Plaza is located at the corner of Flora and Crockett Streets, directly across from the Meyerson Symphony Hall. The Plaza is in a highly visible location for visitors to the Dallas Arts District. Dedicated in 2006, the Plaza was a gift from The Catholic Foundation to the Dallas community to commemorate the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. The wall currently displays last year’s winning piece, “Continuo” by Robyn Jorde. Smaller replicas of all past winning artwork are mounted on the wall as well.

About The Catholic Foundation

The Catholic Foundation is a trusted giving vehicle for the Catholic community. Chartered in 1955, the Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. The Foundation has spent decades building a strong community, helping donors fulfill their charitable goals, and preserving the founders’ vision and philanthropic legacy. Over time, the Foundation has provided more than $226 million in grants to religious, charitable and educational organizations. Today, it manages approximately $270 million in assets and houses more than 490 charitable funds and trusts. For additional information about The Catholic Foundation, call 972-661-9792 or visit www.catholicfoundation.com.