Two years ago today “The Bulls of Durham” living history book project began with $0 budget, zero established connections, and one bright idea.
Where has the time gone?
It’s flown by while I’ve been on an adventure of a lifetime interviewing 110 Durhamites, climbing all over every inch of the city, devouring history books, getting my steps in on walking history tours, cultivating meaningful connections, inadvertently creating a media outlet and taking on a team to make this project a reality.
What have I learned?
A lot. I feel like I’m getting a Ph.D. in Durham and an MBA – at the same time – from the University of Real Life.
I’ve learned that Durham, North Carolina is and always has been a place that has a way of pushing individuals into their full potential. I’ve learned that the history of Durham, North Carolina is one that needs to be recognized – nationally, if not globally. I’ve learned writing this book and capturing the happenings in Durham, North Carolina from 2016 to 2018 in reference to the city’s history is both serendipitous and necessary.
Once again, the Bull City is setting the tone on a national level – Do It Like Durham. Being the forefront of change is nothing new for Durham, nor is national attention. In these tense times of nationwide uncertainty and constant bombardment of shock, Durham is setting the tone for what happens next.
This book was created out of love for and of Durham, North Carolina, but it is nothing short of a case study of what happens when a small city undergoes rapid growth. “The Bulls of Durham” is a real-time review of race, culture, history, progress, infrastructure crisis and both sides of the gentrification coin.
Welcome to Durham. If you’re here to be here, you’re expected to leave more than hoof prints. Community involvement, advocacy and making a dent are your Bull City obligations regardless of your education, income or title.
Not only will “The Bulls of Durham” serve as a pride point on Durhamite coffee tables and as a welcome gift to newcomers, but as an invaluable resource for cities across the nation who don’t want to lose their soul to development.
We’ve heard the concerns of not being the next Asheville, North Carolina, Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and the list goes on. Gentrification mitigation and conscious development are possiBULL, but the process ain’t pretty. Fortunately, grit is more than a tagline in the Bull City.
From day one, August 2, 2016, to today, I have always said, “This is Durham’s book. I’m just lucky enough to be the medium.” And with that, I’m going to sit back and do what writers do – write. Every book needs a cover, and “The Bulls of Durham” living history book needs an incrediBULL cover, the best cover. No pressure.
CALLING ALL VISUAL ARTISTS!
As of today, August 2, 2018, through Thursday, September 6th, 2018, The Bulls of Durham is taking art submissions for the cover. It only makes sense for Durham to create the cover of its book. Public voting will open on September 10th and conclude on October 5th. Winner announced and book cover revealed on October 20th, 2018.
BULLS OF DURHAM COVER CONTEST DETAILS:
Submit any form of visual art (photography, painting, graphic design, etc.) to info@thebullsofdurham.com by Thursday, September 6th, 2018.
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS:
Front and back cover of a 10” x 10” gloss hardcover
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:
The book cover needs to be in alignment with the content of the book. Familiarity with “The Bulls of Durham” living history book project and the city of Durham, North Carolina will be necessary. Visual art may take any form. Artwork MUST include a bull.
Keep in mind this book is going into all Durham Public School libraries, historical archives and through both the Durham community and nation. Artwork must be appropriate and captivating for all ages.
DESIGN EVALUATION:
All artwork submitted will be reviewed by project creator Sheila Amir to assure it’s appropriate and in line with the project. From there voting will open up to the public through October 4th, 2018 with Sheila Amir, Creator and CEO of The Bulls of Durham reserving all rights on the final selection.
Looking for artwork that will show the world what stands out about Durham, North Carolina and includes a bull.
ELIGIBILITY:
The contest is open to individuals who live, work, play in Durham and are a current resident of the Triangle. All applicants are eligible regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
All submissions must be received by Thursday, September 6th, 2018 by 11:59 pm. No exceptions.
Send submissions to info@thebullsofdurham.com with subject line Book Cover Art Submission including the following:
- A cover letter briefly describing the artwork in relation to the project and its impact on Durham, North Carolina. Include 2 to 4 sentences briefly introducing yourself and explaining your connection to the city.
- Digital artwork. 10 MB or less. PDF, JPEG or PNG preferaBULL. Remember the final artwork selected will be submitted in high resolution.
All submissions must be the original artwork of the applicant and connect include any portion of artwork owned by or copyrighted by another entity. If artwork features photos of living individuals, their names and a signed release must be included with your submissions. Photos of individuals who have passed away must include documentation expressing permission to use the image.
SELECTION PROCESS:
- Contest Launch Date: August 2nd, 2018
- All submissions are due by September 6th, 2018 by 11:59 pm
- Public voting begins: September 10th, 2018
- Voting ends: October 5th, 2018
- Winner publicly announced and cover revealed: October 20th, 2018
Please send any and all communication regarding “The Bulls of Durham” cover contest to info@thebullsofdurham.com. Questions are welcome.
WINNER COMPENSATION:
The contest winner will receive $500.
RIGHTS AND DISCLAIMERS:
This book cover contest does not obligate the Sheila Amir and The Bulls of Durham LLC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Sheila Amir, Creator, and CEO of the Bulls of Durham LLC reserves the right to reject any and all submissions. Sheila Amir reserves the right to change the criteria and make changes to the submission procedures and timeline to best suit the needs of the project.
By entering this competition, applicant(s) agree to all terms described herein, and grant The Bulls of Durham LLC full rights and unlimited use of their submitted image (or portion thereof), in the cover artwork and for use in any Bulls of Durham promotions, including but not limited to print, digital, and social media channels. The Bulls of Durham reserves the right to determine if the artwork will be used in subsequent editions and printings.