The Alabama Fire College is seeking artwork submissions for a non-commercial wall display that celebrates the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and rescue workers. This exhibit aims to capture the heart and spirit of our first responder community.
What we’re looking for: Artists are invited to submit artwork inspired by the experiences, challenges, or triumphs of first responders. Your work could depict:
- Scenes of firefighters in action, rescue operations, or EMS at work.
- Symbolic representations of service, courage, or sacrifice.
PROJECT OVERVIEW: The Alabama Fire College invites artists to submit copies of their artwork for a non-commercial wall display celebrating the lives and service of firefighters and emergency medical personnel. This display aims to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of these heroes, reflecting the spirit of Alabama’s first responder community.
- Selected artworks will be showcased at the Alabama Fire College’s discretion in a designated indoor space on our campus, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- This is a volunteer opportunity; neither the Alabama Fire College nor the artists will receive payment.
- All submitted art will be used exclusively for a digital wall display at the Alabama Fire College and will not be reproduced or distributed elsewhere.
- This project offers artists a chance to contribute to a meaningful tribute and gain visibility among first responder communities.
ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS: Artwork must depict or be inspired by the experiences, challenges, or triumphs of firefighters, rescue workers, emergency medical personnel, or other first responders, such as scenes of firefighting, rescue operations, EMS in action, or symbolic representations of service and sacrifice.
- Submissions should be digital photographs or digital prints of the artwork.
- Content must be appropriate for all audiences, respectful, and non-political; depictions of bodily harm will be considered at the discretion of the Alabama Fire College staff.
- At this time, there is no deadline; this is an ongoing project.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Submit electronically. Physical submissions are not accepted at this time. Include:
- Artist Bio (200 words max): Brief background and connection to the theme.
- Artwork Description (150 words max): Title, medium, dimensions, and a short explanation of how it relates to first responders.
- Images: 1–3 images of the completed artwork (.jpg, .png, or .pdf). (You will receive an upload link once your artwork proposal form is accepted.)
- Contact info: name, email, phone, and city/state
- Online portfolio link (optional)
ELIGIBILITY: The Alabama Fire College welcomes submissions from all artists, with preference given to Alabama residents or those with ties to first responder communities; no prior exhibition history is required, and both emerging and established artists of any age are encouraged to apply.
- Artists retain ownership of their work but grant the Alabama Fire College permission to display it indefinitely, exclusively at our facility.
- All artwork must be the artist’s original creation and solely their own work; AI-generated art or works not created by the submitting artist will not be accepted.
EVALUATION/SELECTION: The College reserves the right to select display locations and duration. No guarantee all submissions will be displayed. A panel of Alabama Fire College staff and local first responders will review submissions based on: relevance to the theme, artistic quality, and suitability for display.
Questions? Email Diana Hewlett at dhewlett@alabamafirecollege.org.
This is a non-profit initiative to honor first responders. No commercial use or reproduction of artwork will occur. We look forward to your creative contributions to celebrate Alabama’s first responders!