Writing and Photography Contest
OPEN THE DOOR
HOUSTON 2013
In the spring of 2013, twelve professional artists from France and Texas, along with
students and professors from educational and artistic institutions, have turned one side of a door
into a work of art. They are part of the groundbreaking public art project called OPEN THE
DOOR, originated by the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts and the Paris art collective 9eme
Concept, a project that seeks to break down cultural stereotypes while focusing on intercultural
understanding.
OPEN THE DOOR stems from the idea that every new experience we encounter, be it a new
phase of life, learning about a new culture, or meeting new people, can be represented by the
image of a door. The 60 doors, created by the visual artists, are now installed in 19 locations,
citywide. The final door designs are curated into six themes modeled after the idea of cultural
transformation and exchange. The project’s symbolism does not stop at the interaction of French
and Texan cultures, but rather explores what happens to all of us when we find ourselves on the
verge of a threshold. We invite you to respond to this theme …
After the launching of OPEN THE DOOR, Texan-French Alliance for the Arts now invites you
to participate. As photographers and writers (professionals and aficionados), we invite you to
explore the theme of an open door throughout personal experience or as a witness of such
events in somebody else’s life.
Participants are encouraged to interpret it broadly and innovatively, and respond to the question:
“How do we open the door to another culture, to a new phase in our life, to someone, to a
dream, even when the door is closed? What happens to us when we find ourselves on the
verge of a threshold? ”
With this contest, we want to encourage the participants to think about what a door symbolizes for
them and how stepping across the threshold can open the door to a personal discovery and
create bridges with others. We want to give the participants the opportunity to get involved in this
project as an important piece of the puzzle, so they can be inspired and inspire others, which is
one of the best ways to break down barriers.
GET YOUR CAMERAS AND/OR PENS!
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For more info, please find us on Facebook (Open the Door) or visit our website
openthedoor-houston.com
When is the deadline?
Return this form and requested materials before 5pm on October, 30th 2013.
How do you send us your photo (along with its explanation)?
File name should read: name_firstname_title.jpg. & the document for the explanation of your
photo name_firstname_title
How do you send us your writing?
If handwritten, please send us the original either by mail or email, with an English translation
attached (with or without an illustration).
Document name should read: name_firstname_title_type of writing
Please send your file(s) to the following email address:
submissions@openthedoor-houston.com
What are the conditions of sending?
Each category of submission has specifications, so please respect the following requirements:
Format
PHOTOGRAPHY
JPEG
Size
No bigger than
18”x24”
Types of writings
allowed
WRITING
 Poetry (slam, songs,
poems, etc.)
 Short story
 Essay
 Skits
Entry
1
(Free)
What else?
Please write an explanation of your
photo (no more than 150 words)
Format
1- Handwritten or typed
(.pdf)
(if handwritten please join a
typed copy of your essay in
.pdf)
Language
Length
Entry
Native
language with
English
translation
500 words
max.
Free
2- Illustrated or not.
Please understand that if any submission doesn’t meet the above requirements,
it won’t be admitted.
What is going to happen after you will have submitted your work?
Two juries (one for the writing and the other for the photographs) of eminent professionals
(Inprint, Fotofest, Houston Center for Photography, Houston Public Library, etc) will review the
submissions and choose up to three winners per category. The winners will be awarded various
prizes including cash, gift certificates, etc.
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For more info, please find us on Facebook (Open the Door) or visit our website
openthedoor-houston.com
Once the contest will be finished, several events will be organized along with our partners
(reading sessions, performances of winning entries, etc.), at different doors’ locations to highlight
the winning and most inspiring written entries. The project will culminate in a public and traveling
exhibition in Houston starting in February to showcase the winning photographers en writers.
Participants in the project will benefit from national and international exposure, as well as help
expose Houston's vibrant cultural scene, quality of life, and its wonderful diversity to the world.
ARTIST SUBMISSION FORM
Photography & Writing Contest
OPEN THE DOOR PUBLIC ART PROJECT
HOUSTON 2013
Return this form and requested materials before 5PM on October 30th, 2013
(mailed submissions must arrive by October 30th; this is not a postmark date).
Final Submission DUE DATE: October, 30th 2013
Jury Review: October 31-November 5, 2013
Winners Announced: November 7th, 2013
TFAA is not responsible for any copyright issues resulting directly or indirectly from the internet
exposure.
The organizers reserve the right to make a selection of the content/material resulting of the work
of the artists involved on “Open the door” and to use this content/material for the catalog, DVD,
scenography and conferences.
The products of these discussions and documents collected on this occasion could be replicated
to promote the project in all contemporary forms of distribution: posters, catalogs, press releases,
internet, radio, TV, smart phones, social networks, etc.
The final decisions or actions concerning the “Open the door” project (legal, financial,
organizational and communications) belong to the producer/organizer, TFAA. No personal
expense will be reimbursed unless previously agreed to in writing by TFAA or its designee.
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For more info, please find us on Facebook (Open the Door) or visit our website
openthedoor-houston.com
ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION AND SIGNATURE:
Artist’s
Signature:
Print:
Date:
Submissions, whether figurative or abstract, must be appropriate for public viewing/reading as
determined by OPEN THE DOOR jurors.
Artist contact information:
University/School/Organization
Name
Age
Address
Phone Contact
Email Address
Website
Category in which competing (either one or both):
Photography
Writing
If writing, which type of writing did you choose?
Poetry
Essay
Short story
Skit
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For more info, please find us on Facebook (Open the Door) or visit our website
openthedoor-houston.com
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:




Submission (1 per category)
Written Explanation if competing in the Photography category (up to 150 words)
Artist Signature
Artist Contact Information
Please send submissions to the Texan French Alliance for the Arts
Via email:
submissions@openthedoor-houston.com
Or via mail:
Texan French Alliance for the Arts
777 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77056
For more information please visit our website:
www.OpentheDoor-Houston.com
Email us with any questions at questions@openthedoor-houston.com.
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For more info, please find us on Facebook (Open the Door) or visit our website
openthedoor-houston.com