June 16, 2026 — The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis invites submissions of visual-based artwork(s) from Memphis-area artists for the 2026 Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award and Exhibition. This third year of the annual event explores the theme “Embracing Firestorms, Envisioning Futures.” Submitting artists must be Memphis-based and at least eighteen years of age.
Artists can submit up to two pieces with no application fee. Along with the award, the winner will receive $700. The winning artwork, plus 10 to 15 of the top-scoring finalist pieces will be exhibited in the Ralph L. Faudree gallery of the Hooks Institute offices in Wilder Tower on the Central Campus of the University of Memphis.
“Embracing Firestorms, Envisioning Futures,” calls artists to explore the difficult and sometimes painful circumstances and challenges in social change that act much like a wildfire — a destructive force that must ultimately burn itself out, leaving space for regeneration and growth. This theme invites artists to consider both the firestorm and the future. What burns away and what comes next? What do you embrace and envision?
For more information on on eligibilty, artwork specifications and how to apply, visit the Hooks Institute website. Artists may submit up to two pieces for consideration. There is no submission fee.
About the Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award and Exhibition, “Embracing Firestorms, Envisioning Futures”
Named in honor of the late Mrs. Frances Dancy Hooks, the award and exhibition is in its third year, and is designed to acknowledge the importance and impact of artists in the work of social change.
“Wildfires can be devastating, causing devestation and heartbreaking loss. However, many cultures, including indigenous peoples of North and South America, embrace the idea of fire as a pathway for cleansing and rejuvenation,” says Amy Ruggaber, assistant director of the Hooks Institute. “What is true for the forest can also be true for society. The blaze makes space for the future, but there is a real and sometimes terrible cost. Resilience is necessary for change and growth, both from an ecological and societal perspective.”
The Institute will be hosting multiple public events in October specifically to showcase the exhibit and feature the selected pieces of art.
For additional information, visit memphis.edu/benhooks.
About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of advancing social change and strengthening democracy through research, service and historical preservation. Other Institute programs and initiatives include the Hooks Policy papers, the Benjamin L. Hooks National Book Award, the Hooks Academic Achievement and Mentoring Inititive (HAAMI), documentary films, funding faculty research initiatives on community issues; implementing community service projects; hosting conferences, symposiums and lectures; and promoting local and national scholarship on civil and human rights. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis. Contributed revenue for the Hooks Institute, including funding from individuals, corporations and foundations, is administered through the University of Memphis Foundation, a 501c(3) organization. Visit memphis.edu/benhooks for more information.
About Amy Ruggaber, assistant director, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
Amy Ruggaber, MPA is a public policy expert in the arts and culture sector with more than 25 years of experience as a performing artist, educator, administrator and advocate. At the Hooks Institute, she launched the Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award and Exhibition and developed two major exhibits — Uplift the Vote and The Fayette County Civil Rights Movement and the Photos of Art Shay, the latter currently displayed at Memphis International Airport. She previously served as the Arts and Culture Social Policy Consultant for the More for Memphis initiative, leading community-based research and policy analysis to advance economic mobility for Memphis artists and culture-bearers. Her earlier roles include managing the award-winning ArtsMemphis Fellows Program and collaborating with organizations such as Tennesseans for the Arts, Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Company, and Hattiloo Theatre. A committed arts advocate, she has led statewide and national advocacy efforts highlighting the essential role of the arts in community life.
Media Contact:
Amy Ruggaber
Assistant Director
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
University of Memphis
krggaber@memphis.edu
901.678.3655
