Invitation to Contribute Creative Work
The Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts (CCCA) at Biola University invites artists to submit original works of art for consideration in our upcoming projects, including but not limited to the Advent Project, Lent Project, and other CCCA initiatives that integrate faith, theology, and the arts.
Selected works will be featured in digital and/or print formats as part of our devotional experiences and other artistic or educational endeavors.
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility
Open to artists whose work reflects Christian themes, theological reflection, or spiritual beauty consistent with the mission of the CCCA.
Acceptable Media
Submissions may include, but are not limited to:
- Painting, drawing, or illustration
- Photography or digital art
- Mixed media and textile works (submitted as high-resolution digital images, for which you also hold permissions)
- Sculpture or installation art (submitted as high-quality photographs, for which you hold permissions)
- Poetry, liturgical writing, or spoken word
- Original musical compositions or performances, submitted as audio files or video links
Content Standards
All submissions must reflect the values and mission of the CCCA. Works containing sexually suggestive content, profanity, violence, or imagery deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with Christian faith and community standards will not be considered. The CCCA reserves the right to decline any submission at its sole discretion.
Submission Requirements
- High-resolution digital image(s) of the work (less than 1 megabyte)
- Title, medium, and dimensions of the work
- A brief artist statement (100–200 words) about the artwork, describing how the piece connects to Christian faith or the liturgical season
- Artist’s biography (100-200 words)
- Artist’s full name, contact information, and website or portfolio link (if applicable)
- Artists submitting work affirm that they hold the rights or have obtained all necessary permissions for the submitted artwork and grant CCCA permission to reproduce, publish, and use the work for exhibition, promotional, educational, and related organizational purposes.
Selection Process
Artwork will be reviewed by the CCCA editorial and creative teams based on:
- Theological depth and faithfulness
- Artistic excellence and originality
- Appropriateness for the devotional and educational context
Selected artists will be notified by email and credited wherever their work appears. Submitted works may be retained in the CCCA archive and considered for current or future projects, including projects occurring years after submission.
Compensation
The Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts deeply values the generosity of artists who contribute their creative gifts to our ministry and academic projects.
Please note that no monetary compensation will be provided for artwork, music, poetry, or other creative submissions selected for use by the CCCA.
By submitting work, the artist acknowledges that participation is voluntary and uncompensated, and that inclusion in any CCCA publication, project, or media channel is offered as an opportunity for artistic and spiritual collaboration rather than paid engagement.
Artists will receive full attribution whenever their work is used, and their contributions may be featured across a variety of CCCA platforms.
Usage Rights and Permissions
By submitting artwork, the artist acknowledges and agrees to the following:
- Copyright Ownership
- The artist retains full copyright to their work.
- Submission does not transfer copyright ownership to the CCCA.
- License Grant
- The artist grants the Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts (CCCA) a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to reproduce, distribute, display, and otherwise use the submitted artwork (in whole or in part) for:
- The Advent Project and Lent Project
- CCCA-related publications, websites, promotional materials, and educational initiatives
- Archival and future uses related to the mission of the CCCA
- This license includes the right to crop or resize the image for formatting purposes, or make minor technical modifications necessary for publication, accessibility, or platform compatibility, without altering the integrity of the artwork.
- This license includes the right to use the artwork for nonprofit and fundraising purposes, provided that the artwork itself is not sold, commercially reproduced as a standalone product, or otherwise used for direct commercial profit.
- The artist grants the Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts (CCCA) a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to reproduce, distribute, display, and otherwise use the submitted artwork (in whole or in part) for:
- Attribution
- The CCCA will credit the artist’s name alongside any reproduction of the artwork whenever reasonably possible.
- Representations and Warranties
- The artist warrants that the submitted artwork is their original creation and does not infringe upon any third-party rights (including copyright, trademark, or privacy rights).
- The artist agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Biola University and the CCCA and their trustees, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) against any claims arising from a breach of these representations and warranties.
- Withdrawal of Consent
- Artists may withdraw permission for future uses with 30 days’ written notice, but such withdrawal does not affect uses already published or in production.