Call for Artists!

Theme: Self-Emancipation

Deadline to Submit Proposals: June 9, 2025

The Menokin Foundation is opening up opportunities for artists in preparation for America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. We encourage artists based in Virginia to apply so that we may highlight the Commonwealth’s unique artistic and cultural perspectives.

A two-part honorarium totaling $1,000 will be rewarded to the selected artists.

Menokin’s History & Mission

Menokin was the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Lightfoot Lee. Construction began on the house of the same name in 1769. Menokin (the land) is the ancestral home of the Rappahannock Tribe who occupied the area before colonization. Under Francis Lightfoot Lee and later owners, Menokin was a tobacco plantation reliant on enslaved labor, a striking contradiction to the ideals the Declaration of Independence possessed. 

Our mission is to use the historic Menokin ruin and the surrounding built and natural environments to transcend the traditional house museum experience. We use contemporary methods to create opportunities for the public to contemplate and explore the building of America. Our creative approach reimagines how individuals connect to history and promote provocative dialogue around our nation’s founding ideals and realities.

Theme: Self-Emancipation

The Menokin Foundation is seeking artists to propose & create an outdoor art installation to be temporarily displayed for 1 year on Menokin’s grounds that revolves around the theme of self-emancipation. Proposed artwork meant for indoors will also be accepted.

Menokin defines “self-emancipation” as an act where one exerts autonomy over their lives under oppressive circumstances. 2026 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which can be considered a self-emancipatory act where colonists proclaimed their freedom from British rule, but it did not include every person. Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, called Menokin home. Menokin is the ancestral land of the Rappahannock people, and it was a plantation that enslaved hundreds of individuals and families. Daniel West Gordon and Richard Gaines, both formerly enslaved at Menokin, self-emancipated via running away from Menokin during the Civil War. Menokin is a National Historic Landmark, and it is a wildlife refuge with over 300 acres of its land being under a conservation easement. 

Many identities and histories are housed on Menokin that the artist may use as inspiration to explore the theme of self-emancipation. Menokin’s natural landscape and built environment should be considered in the artist’s proposal. The artist may also reflect upon their own identity, personal history, & connections to America and what liberty, equality, & sovereignty means to them.

Environmental Conscientiousness

Over 300 acres of Menokin’s land is under a land conservation easement that enables the land and its wildlife to be forever protected. The outdoor art piece should have minimal impact on Menokin’s landscape and not use hazardous materials that can negatively affect the flora & fauna in the area. It should also be durable, being able to reasonably withstand Virginia’s changing weather for at least 1 year after its installation.

The landscape, sustainability, and durability are important considerations when proposing an outdoor art installation.

Indoor Art Proposals

Menokin’s Visitor Center has wall panel space available for artists whose work is meant for indoors. The 3 panels are ~78 inches in width and ~82 inches in height. We do not have table space available, but if the selected artist(s) have a small table of their own, then accommodations can be made.

There is limited space for indoor works.

Outdoor Installations

For outdoor installation artists, below are some photos and descriptions of Menokin’s landscape to provide inspiration and location awareness. Artworks will not be installed in or on any of Menokin’s historic structures. We always encourage artists to visit Menokin in-person to explore the landscape. Our grounds are open daily and free to the public! You can also schedule a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of Menokin’s history and its people.

Refer to this map of Menokin to see the proximity of sites and locations of our trails.

Below are reference photos to give an idea of Menokin’s space. Please click on the images to see the full picture.

Near & Around the Visitor Center

Around the Visitor Center is the brickyard that has Menokin’s original bricks and stone, the Heritage Gardens, & picnic seating. The Heritage Gardens highlight the sustainable practices and traditions learned from Indigenous Teachings, African American traditions, and contemporary Regenerative Gardens based on this historic knowledge.

The Descendant Tree Grove leads to the Remembrance Structure, an abstracted representation of an enslaved dwelling. It sits atop the archaeological footprint of an 18th century dwelling. Two 19th century footprints are marked by the flagstones in the ground. The Remembrance Structure has solar powered lights and glows during nightfall.

Trail leading to Cat Point Creek

There are several miles of trails of Menokin, the main one leading down to Cat Point Creek. Going down the trail and to the left into the woods is what’s left of a tenant farmer’s house. Only its brick chimney remains. There are also the tobacco rolling roads where hogshead barrels packed with tobacco would be rolled down to the creek to be shipped.

Menokin Ruin

The home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, Rebecca Tayloe Lee, & subsequent owners, now in a ruinous state. On the south side are terraces where there was once a terraced garden. The ruin is currently being rehabilitated and stabilized in what is known as the Glass House Project which uses innovative display techniques to reveal the historic fabric of the ruin in its current state with missing portions of the original house to be replaced with architectural glass.

We’re excited for what proposals will come! The deadline to apply is June 9, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions