Call for Artist: Artist-Designed Art Kits for Children
Organization
Freeman Arts Pavilion · Selbyville · DERegion
RegionalCategory
YouthDeadline
Friday, March 6, 2026 · 23 days leftDescription
Call for Artists: 2026 Creative Nourishment Kit
Artist-Designed Art Kits for Children
Overview
The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation (JMFF) invites artists from the Delmarva region to submit proposals to design our 2026 Creative Nourishment Kit. The selected artist will design one complete art kit, including all required supplies and creatively presented, kid-friendly instructions for a single art project aimed at engaging children from ages 5 to 11 years old.
The kits will be distributed for free to libraries, community centers, hospitals, laundromats, and via public and private community events at the discretion of the Joshua M. Freeman Arts Foundation.
Project Goals
- The goals of this project are to:
- Encourage creativity and self-expression in children
- Provide a free but high value, accessible, fun, and age-appropriate art experience for children of all abilities
- Create an easy-to-use kit that can be completed independently or with minimal adult support
Scope of Work
The selected artist will be responsible for:
- Designing one original art project suitable for children ages 5-11:
- Submitting two different variations of the project, designed in consideration of age, is encouraged. For instance, a kit for ages 4-7 and a more challenging version for ages 8-11.
- Providing a learning element within the context of the project; an intentional goal for the participating child to gain a new skill (i.e. color theory, motor skills, an art form, or media), and/or a new perspective (i.e. hope, patience, acceptance, culture, self-awareness)
- Specifying all supplies needed to complete the project, including store-bought supplies like glue sticks, stickers, paper, and customizations needed to provide a complete kit, such as pre-cut paper, stenciled designs, etc.
- Art kits should be designed using materials that are low-cost and commonly available, with a target materials cost of approximately $1 per kit or less. JMFF will work with suppliers and partners to secure donated or discounted materials in bulk to help meet this goal. This price point should be a guideline to take into consideration; we encourage applicants not to limit their supplies list based on standard retail prices.
- Providing step-by-step instructions for assembling the kit, if needed, for internal purposes (i.e. pre-cut paper or string, bundling specific quantities of materials, etc.)
- Creating clear, easy to follow step-by-step written instructions for creating the art project, with accompanying visual instructions, utilizing color and creative presentation, fitting on an 8.5x11” piece of paper. Approximately 1 x 8.5” should be left blank at the bottom of the paper for JMFF and artist branding, feedback survey link/QR code and messaging to be added.
- Audio/Video instructions (accessed via a QR code printed on the paper instructions) are optional but encouraged. JMFF can assist with uploading the video to an appropriate platform and creating the QR code, if needed
- Ensuring the project can be completed within approximately 30 minutes
- Using materials that are safe, non-toxic, and appropriate for children
- Artists may be asked to assemble sample kit supplies and/or provide a prototype of the finished project.
Each art kit must:
- Focus on one specific art project (per above, submitting two versions in consideration of age is recommended but not mandatory)
- Include a complete list of materials with quantities (on instructions page)
- Utilize low-cost, easily sourced materials
- Include both a written and visual step-by-step process
- Be reproducible at scale
- All instructions, materials, and supplies must fit into a flat 12x14” plastic bag, provided by JMFF.
- Supplies that create more than 2” of bulk/bulge in the bag are discouraged
- Avoid specialized tools or supplies that are difficult to source or use
- Avoid steps and/or materials that require drying time (i.e. paint, wet glue)
- Provide a project that is achievable for varying skill levels
- Instructions must be provided on an editable document
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- Individual artists and artist-educators
- Artists working in any medium appropriate for children
- Artists with experience working with children are encouraged to apply, but this experience is not required
Budget & Compensation
- Artists will receive a flat rate of $1,000 for designing the kit
- The stipend should cover concept development, prototype supplies, and instructions creation
JMFF Responsibility
- Funding and acquiring supplies for 2,000+ kits
- Color-printing of instructions
- Assembling the kits
- Providing bags and labels for the kits
- Distribution
- Administrative support as needed (i.e. instructional video)
- Surveying participants for feedback and efficacy of the project
- Providing Spanish translation of visual and video/audio instructions
Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A brief artist statement or bio
- Confirmation that if selected, JMFF can interview the artist about the project for social media/storytelling.
- A statement of the intended learning goals of the project (skill or perspective)
- Project Description outlining the proposed art kit
- List of Materials with estimated costs
- Sample Images of prototype project and instructions
- Submit all materials as a single PDF to: community@freemanarts.org
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed based on:
- Creativity and originality of the project
- Age appropriateness, clarity, and creativity of instructions
- Clarity of educational or skill development and age appropriateness
- Feasibility and safety of materials
- Alignment with project goals
- Ability to engage and inspire children
Timeline
- Proposal Deadline: Friday March 6, 2026
- Notification of Selection: Friday, March 13, 2026
- Project Completion Date: Friday April 10, 2026
JMFF will review all submissions and select the artist whose proposal best supports the goals and vision of this opportunity.
Questions
Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted to:
Meg Wynes, Community Engagement Coordinator at community@freemanarts.org
JMFF will host an open, online Q&A session for anyone interested in this RFP on February 19, 2026, at 3pm. Please reach out to Meg if you are interested in joining this virtual session.
About the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation
The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation (JMFF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was established in 2007 to honor Josh Freeman after his untimely death in December of 2006. JMFF seeks to honor Josh’s passion and commitment to excellence by creating programs he would have been proud of. JMFF’s Arts Access Initiative programs include Freeman Arts Pavilion, an outdoor performance venue near Fenwick Island, which presents over 60 performances a year, and Community Access and Arts Education, which provide PreK-12 students and underrepresented families of Delmarva year-round, high-quality, diverse arts experiences at no cost. Annually, more than 120,000 individuals are impacted through our mission of creating opportunities that elevate the human spirit.