Mail Art as Protest

[Beth Allums]

Proposal for International Mail Art Show: "Mail Art as Protest"
Curated by Elizabeth Allums

Overview:
Mail art has long served as a medium of creative resistance, a way to challenge power structures, amplify marginalized voices, and connect activists across borders. "Mail Art as Protest" aims to be a global exhibition that invites artists to use the postal system as a platform for dissent, critique, and social change. The show will feature mailed submissions from artists worldwide, creating a vibrant and thought-provoking display of political, environmental, and social issues.

Concept and Theme:
This exhibition explores the power of mail art as an act of resistance. Whether addressing issues of climate justice, human rights, racial and gender equality, anti-war movements, or other forms of protest, artists are encouraged to engage with the theme through diverse mediums such as postcards, collage, rubber stamps, zines, and experimental mail formats.

Submission Guidelines:

• Open to all artists, activists, and creatives worldwide.

• Any medium that can be mailed, including postcards, envelopes, artistamp sheets, small sculptures, and mixed media.

• No returns; all submissions become part of the exhibition and, potentially, a permanent archive.

• No censorship: all voices are welcome within the bounds of respect and legality.

• Submissions must include artist name, country of origin, and optional statement.

Exhibition Format:

• All works received will be displayed in a gallery setting arranged to highlight global perspectives and diverse creative voices.  (gallery details and dates are still in negotiation - will be updated) ,

• A digital archive will be created to ensure accessibility beyond the physical exhibition.

• Selected works may be featured in an accompanying zine or catalog.

• Interactive elements may include live mail-art making sessions, workshops, and discussions on art as activism.

Timeline:

• Call for Submissions Opens: April 2025

• Submission Deadline: TBD

• Exhibition Opening: TBD

• Closing Date: [Insert Date]

Venue and Location:
Richmond Virginia
Potential for touring exhibition or pop-up displays in multiple cities.

Curatorial Vision:
Elizabeth Allums, an advocate for creative activism, envisions this exhibition as a platform where art and activism merge through the intimate yet radical act of postal exchange. By reviving and celebrating the tradition of mail art, "Mail Art as Protest" will serve as a space for dialogue, disruption, and global solidarity.

Contact for Submissions and Inquiries:

[e-mail]

E Allums

1819 National Street

Richmond VA 23231 USA

[James Kellis]

Super down with this, I'm staying tuned. 

[Beth Allums]

The history of mail art is directly tied to protest. 

I do intend to participate in your call as well! 

Thank you 

[MUSEUM OF MAIL ART]

This is a dangerous story, they already want to close my profile on IUOMA for my protesting. But I will send you my "protest". I also invite you to participate in my project "Stop Sex Colonialism in Ukraine".