Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage are calling out for visual artists to apply to be part of an exciting project, 100 Black Women Who Have Made Their Mark. The project will celebrate the stories of one hundred Black British women who have made a positive change whether it be across arts, education, technology, science or community activism. 100 Black women will be nominated by the public and selected by guest panellists and representatives from Serendipity. Those selected will offer a reflection of women across a range of professions and occupations who are deserving of recognition, whether they are a familiar face on stage or screen, a pioneer in research breakthroughs or have worked quietly behind the scenes to make a positive change to their community. Those selected will have the opportunity to tell their story.

Serendipity are looking to commission five visual artists across any artform, for example; photography, illustration, painting, sculpture, however their practice must have a strong focus on portraiture. Successful artists will then be asked to create a likeness of a selection of up to 20 Black women in their chosen medium. Collectively the artworks will be shared in a citywide exhibition at Leicester Gallery from October 2024 – January 2025 and to be part of a publication and documentary short that brings the stories and art together.

Applications are encouraged from artists from the African, African Caribbean and Latinx Diaspora based in the UK and who identify as women or people from marginalised genders. Artistic styles from traditional portraiture to more experimental or abstract forms are welcome.