THE 2025 THEME WAS
The Stamford Pride LGBTQIA+ History Project is a living archive — built to honor the people who made this community what it is, and to ensure their stories aren’t lost.
During October’s LGBTQIA+ History Month — and every month of the year — we work to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, reflect on the progress we’ve made together, and keep our eyes clear on the work ahead.
This project is developed in partnership with the Ferguson Library and supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of the Library’s citywide “Tell Your Story” initiative — a community-wide effort to document Stamford’s cultural heritage through the people who shaped it.
A juried exhibition showcasing artwork in celebration and support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The available space accommodates wall-mounted work, and we can also consider digital art (such as graphic design, digital illustration, or photography) and live or recorded performance art. The show is open to artists of all backgrounds, working in any medium, and at any stage in their practice.
This exhibition is a collaborative initiative led by Stamford Pride in partnership with the Stamford Art Association, the Ferguson Library, and additional community allies. It seeks to amplify marginalized voices and offer a safe, visible, and affirming platform for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to share their stories through art. In today’s climate, that visibility is more crucial than ever.
As part of Stamford Pride’s Second Annual History Project—which documents and celebrates the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies who have lived, worked, or played in Stamford—we are especially interested in artwork that reflects queer experiences and history.
Preference given to following:
– artists who identify as LGBTQIA+
– work inspired by the Stamford Pride History Project
– Stamford Pride’s 2025 theme of Resilience.
Deadline to Submit: AUG 22, 2025
Questions? Contact us: hello@stamfordctpride.com
We welcome submissions from artists of all backgrounds, experiences, and stages of their work. Our jury will evaluate submissions using the following artist-centered and equity-driven criteria:
1. Originality & Artistic Vision: Does the artwork present a unique perspective, concept, or voice?
2. Craft & Composition: Is the work constructed and composed in a manner that is thoughtful and intentional?
3. Impact & Storytelling: Does the piece evoke emotion, communicate a clear message, or provoke thought?
4: Connection to Theme: How meaningfully does the work align with the given theme or prompt?
Each artwork must be submitted individually by August 22, 2025. Please include:
• Notifications of entries to be included will be sent by September 1, 2025.
• Accepted work must be hand-delivered either to the Auditorium on the third floor of the Ferguson Library on Thursday, September 25, between 5 and 7 p.m. or on Saturday, September 27, between 10am and 12pm.
• Late entries will not be hung (nor will artwork that is not wired for hanging).
• The show will run from Sunday, September 28, through Thursday, October 30, 2025, in the Dudley Williams III Auditorium on the third floor of the Ferguson Library (1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford) during normal library hours.
• Opening Reception: We hope all accepted artists will be able to join us, but this is not a requirement.
Friday, October 3, 2025
5pm – 5:30pm. – VIP / Artist Reception
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Public event
• Closing: All artwork must be picked up on either Thursday, October 30th between 5pm and 7pm or on Saturday morning, November 1, between 10 a.m. and 12 Noon.
*If you are unable to accommodate any of these dates, please make arrangements for a friend or colleague to ensure that your piece(s) are delivered and picked up on time.
In keeping with our commitment to uplifting and investing in the creative journeys of LGBTQIA+ artists and allies, Stamford Pride’s Art Show awards are designed to support professional development. Winners will be selected by our jury based on artistic merit, originality, and thematic connection.
By submitting, you agree:
You own the rights to your work
Stamford Pride may use images for promotion with proper credit
You insure your own artwork
All work must stay on display for the exhibit’s full duration
Tell Your Story with Stamford Pride shares stories contributed by LGBTQIA+ community members, allies and organizations who have lived, worked and played in Stamford. This effort is part of the Ferguson Library’s Tell Your Story program. This community-wide effort celebrates and documents the cultural heritage of Stamford through the stories, memories, records, photographs, and histories of individuals who made and continue to make Stamford the vibrant city it is today.
We can’t wait to hear your stories! Click the button below to share your experiences and upload your files for this on going project.
We look forward to receiving your experiences and perceptions as a member or ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
We encourage you to submit your audio or video recording as well as other materials to help illustrate and highlight your story such as Photographs, Letters, Personal Writing, Awards, Heirlooms or items of personal, community (Stamford) or familial significance.
Audio Recording Options – include using the voice memo recorder or your mobile phone.
Video Recording Options – include using your mobile phone camera, screen recording/screen capture, or recording a Zoom meeting.
Need Help? – Consider enlisting a friend or family member to help or contact Stamford Pride (hello@stamfordctpride.com) or Frank Skornia ((203) 351-8221 or fskornia@fergusonlibrary.org) to schedule an interview.
Have physical items? – Email hello@stamfordctpride.com to find out how to submit physical materials to help illustrate and highlight your story such as Photographs, Letters, Personal Writing, Awards, Heirlooms or items of personal, community (Stamford) or familial significance.
Want to interview instead? – You can also contact Stamford Pride (hello@stamfordctpride.com) or Frank Skornia ((203) 351-8221 or fskornia@fergusonlibrary.org) to schedule an interview.
