Cover Art Competition Now Open to All MacEwan Students!

Calling all artists!

In the spirit of MacEwan’s long history of artistic collaborations, Bent River Records (BRR) is offering an opportunity to have your design featured on collaborative original work.

This competition honours the continued support of MacEwan’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Craig Monk. His generous contributions to Bent River Records have made student opportunities like this possible. This contest is open to all currently enrolled (Winter 2022) MacEwan students.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION: Artists will submit original cover artwork for the second volume of the Bent River Special Release series. The two pieces featured on the release are the result of our recent Songwriting and Composition competitions with MacEwan Department of Music students, featuring lyrics by Esther Forseth, and compositions by Aaron Addorisio and Esther Forseth. Please see the full lyrics for “Preacher’s Daughter” below:

Preacher’s Daughter
Written by Esther Forseth

Gentle, rocking motion
Like a baby that you’re holding
Keeping it subtle as you’re towing
Me out farther in the ocean

You’re the creature in the water
I’m the preacher’s youngest daughter
Find me swimming with the fishes
Free from breathing old traditions

Weighted wicker basket,
They see freedom as a casket
We’re meant to be one with the water
seeping, swelling into wonder

Shallow breath, a heavy chest
There’s a world that’s under
Heavy fire of promises and guilt to uncover
Diving deeper I’m a seeker
Searching for other ways to live
That let us into what we discover

You’re the creature in the water
I’m the preacher’s youngest daughter
Find me swimming with the fishes
Free from breathing old traditions

Shallow breath, a heavy chest
There’s a world that’s under
Heavy fire of promises and guilt to uncover

You’re the creature in the water
I’m the preacher’s youngest-

A downloadable PDF of “Preacher’s Daughter” is available here:
https://bentriverrecords.macewan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/EstherForseth_PreachersDaughter_Lyrics.pdf

SPECIFICATIONS: Each artist may submit up to two (2) original art pieces for consideration as 300 ppi jpegs. The final output of the vinyl release will be 7.75” x 7.75” (7.5” square plus 0.125” bleeds), CMYK, at 300ppi. However, entries may be submitted in RGB format and, if selected, the artist will work with an advisor to colour correct for print.

The selected artwork must meet these specifications, but the artist may otherwise determine their chosen medium and format. Use of conventional art mediums and mixed media are encouraged, as well as concepts that are open-to-interpretation and can appeal to a wide audience. Use of popular comic or anime genres are not sought for this call. The artist will also submit a one paragraph rationale (maximum of 150 words), explaining their process and how their submission connects to the songs provided.

Please, DO NOT include your name or signature on the art works and rationales since the final selection will be completed by an independent panel.

The winner will be announced on the Bent River Records social media and contacted individually.

PRIZE: $750.00 honorarium

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 4:00 pm MST on March 28th, 2022.

SUBMISSION LINK: https://forms.gle/eAur4rU1XXuNvP7GA

TERMS & CONDITIONS: The author will retain all intellectual property, and BRR will only have the right to print a limited run of the music department CD as well as a single version, both of which will be for promotional purposes only.

Adjudication will be completed by a panel of jurors selected by BRR, and will contain members of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communication and representatives of BRR. The anonymity of entrants will be maintained; judges will not know the identity of the artists they are evaluating until after adjudication is complete.

Bent River Records values, promotes and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its work. We recognize the systemic barriers that have led to many artists being underrepresented and will continue to do work to amplify and uplift voices that reflect Edmonton’s diverse communities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that represents diverse backgrounds.

Please contact bentriverrecords@macewan.ca if you have any questions.