Call to Action: The Design of Protest

Call to Action: The Design of Protest
A (late) summer poster exhibition

The way we protest reflects the way we live, it is a powerful and fundamental American value. This includes the right to share your views, passions, and beliefs even in the face of overwhelming odds. More than almost any other form of communication, protest art and design reminds us of an undeniable fact: your voice is powerful. Placing this privilege in the hands of every U.S. citizen has resulted in exceptionally moving messages. When these ideas are expressed they act as a catalyst, form bonds, increase empathy, and progress causes—proving that giving voice to ideas can change the world.

Commonly, when we think of protests we envision public marches and their accompanying posters. These visual messages are often created quickly in response to a public event, but even in their hastened production they are—objects of exquisite visual beauty—a physical reminder of every citizen’s first amendment right; freedom of speech. This summer, AIGA Toledo invites creatives of all walks to craft posters of empowerment and discourse, as well as pieces rooted in humor, joy, and love. Light hearted or serious in tone, Call to Action: The Design of Protest celebrates your voice, honors the right to peacefully assemble, and freedom of expression.

To Participate:
Register by Saturday, September 15th, 2018
$10 AIGA members/$15 non-AIGA members Registration Fee will be required to cover hanging and rental costs (Multiple submissions will be accepted, but each additional piece will also require the $10/15 fee. i.e., 2 pieces = $20/30.)  Each entry receives one free admission into the Summer Show on September 22nd, 2018.

To purchase an entry to the show:

select the appropraite ticket type in the ticket list on eventbrite and complete the transaction by following the guided screens. The purchase of a single Summer Show Registration Fee ticket buys you one piece of design entered into the show and comes with a ticket into the show itself.

To purchase an attendance only ticket (not entering a design):

select the appropriate option from the ticket options and complete your transaction by following the guided screens.


DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 15th, 2018
Drop-offs can be delivered in person for one day only without exceptions:
Saturday, September 15th between the hours of 12pm-3pm.

AIGA Toledo
705 Monroe St.
Toledo, OH 43604

Please also submit a digital (72dpi) proof for our online gallery by September 22nd, 2018 and send any questions to president@toledo.aiga.org

Artwork Specifications:
Size: Minimum of 16"x20" full bleed

The final artwork will be hung from clips. You may work in whatever medium you’d like (digital design, printmaking, collage, sketch, paint, photograph, etc.) but materials must be archival and flat enough to hang.

Mail entries to:
Hanson Inc.
Four Seagate Building
433 N. Summit St., Suite 203
Toledo, OH 43604
Attention: AIGA Toledo


To Attend:
Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Pre $5 AIGA/$10 Non-AIGA
Night of: $5 AIGA/$10 Non-AIGA

Further Details:
Call To Action is a fundraising event for AIGA Toledo. Funds raised during this event are used to give back to the community through design related programs. All submitted artwork/designs are considered to be donated artwork and will be available to the public for purchase via silent auction on the evening of the event Saturday, September 22nd, 2018. Minimum reserve will be $25. More details on the event to come.

Join our Facebook event page and stay up to date!

Please Note:
Our annual summer poster show supports the ethics and code of conduct established by AIGA and which can be found here: https://www.aiga.org/code-of-conducthttps://www.aiga.org/ethics-and-social-responsibility. That being said, while we fully support freedom of speech, we do not support hate speech of any kind. Any submissions that promote or visualize violence or hate on the basis of attributes such as: race, religion, ethnic origin, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity will not be included in the exhibition.

When & Where
Sat, Sep 22, 2018 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
Handmade Toledo
1717 Adams Street
Toledo, OH 43604