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Seeking Original Artwork

Waypoint Award: Call for Minnesota Artists

The Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MNPQC) is seeking an original piece of artwork that represents safe, respectful, and high-quality care for Minnesota families. This piece will be presented annually to the Waypoint Award recipient, an individual who has made meaningful contributions to MNPQC’s mission of improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Minnesota. The name of this prestigious award represents a stopping point along a journey, a concept that also speaks to the many stages of the perinatal experience.

Print Concept Direction: 

This piece should be a symbolic, non-literal representation (no people, faces, or figurative human forms) of the perinatal journey as a continuous system of care. The artwork should evoke connection and community while grounding itself in a strong sense of place inspired by Minnesota’s waters and landscapes.

The central concept should reflect key stages of the perinatal journey, including prenatal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, and parenthood. The design should also thoughtfully honor experiences outside of traditional pathways, including families who have experienced infant loss, substance use during pregnancy or postpartum, or extended NICU stays, ensuring all families are represented through symbolism of care, connection, and support.

Systems of care, including hospitals, public health, community organizations, and other support networks, may be subtly integrated into the piece—not as separate or literal icons, but as part of the environment that supports and surrounds the journey at every stage.

The artist is encouraged to use their creativity to shape how these ideas come to life.

Application Requirements:

This opportunity from MNPQC is on a short timeline. As such, we ask that a proposed piece of artwork be fully developed or in a near-complete stage to clearly demonstrate the artist’s overall vision at the time of application. Following selection, minor revisions may be made through a collaborative process between the artist and MNPQC during scheduled check-ins leading up to the final commission. 

  • The artist must be 18 years of age or older.
  • The artist must be local to Minnesota.

Timeline: 

  • May 29, 2026: Application form closes

Payment:

  • Total Commission Amount: $1,000

Application Submission Directions:

Complete the artist application form to be considered for MNPQC’s Waypoint Award print design by May 29, 2026. MNPQC’s Board of Directors and staff will be responsible for reviewing all submissions and deciding which print will be awarded the commission project.

Those who submit their artwork will be notified by June 5, 2026, of the final decision.

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