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Call for Participation 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

Getting Started

Who can submit a story or artwork to the People's Museum?
Anyone anywhere any age and from any background who has a Prince story that is personally meaningful. We welcome professional artists, writers, community members with personal stories, people with artifacts, and first-time storytellers. Both Minneapolis-based and international contributors are welcome.

Can I record my story instead of write it?
Yes. Record on your phone in a quiet space - Tell us your name, location, and Prince memory - Upload via registration form - Final exhibition format determined together.  Contact us if you need more help or prompts to guide you.

I want to tell my story but I need help working out how.                                                                         

During the registration process, share your story in whatever form you can (bullet points, rough draft, voice memo notes). The curatorial team will work with you to develop it into exhibition-ready format, which might include: - Helping refine your written story - Conducting a recorded interview with you - Filming you sharing your memory We'll figure out the best approach together based on your story and comfort level.

Do I need to be from Minneapolis?
No. This is a global community project. We welcome international contributors. Physical artwork can be shipped, and we're exploring ways to include distant contributors.

What if I'm not a professional artist or writer? What if I don't have any art to share?
Perfect. We want to include authentic personal stories alongside professional artwork. If Prince touched your life, you have something worth sharing.

What happens at the workshops?

Free, informal sessions (virtual + possibly in-person in Minneapolis) to help develop your submission—refining stories, recording tips, artwork feedback. December 2025-January 2026. No obligation to attend.

Do I need to have my final work completed before submitting the registration form?
No. Think of this form as registering your contribution and sharing a draft or work-in-progress. We want to know what you're working on so we can support you through workshops and curatorial feedback. Your rough draft, partial story, or work-in-progress images are welcome at this stage.

The Process

Once I've registered, what's next?
The curators will look over your materials and be in touch to discuss your proposal and provide information and support on next steps, including inviting you to a workshop if of interest. We aim to be in touch within 2 weeks of your submission as we prefer to review as submissions are received rather than wait for deadline.  We encourage you to submit early!

What if I register now but need help finishing my work?
That's exactly what the workshops are for! Register with your draft or work-in-progress by January 31 then attend workshops to help you further develop or put final touches on your submission.

Can I update my submission after I register?
Yes. Email us at exhibition@peoplesmuseumforprince.org with updates or revisions anytime before the January 31 deadline.

When are final exhibition materials needed?
We will work with all participants whose submissions are accepted to develop final, exhibition-ready materials by early March 2026. Timeline and details will be discussed directly with each participant.

Selection & Exhibition

How will submissions be selected?
The curatorial team reviews all submissions based on artistic quality, story authenticity, diversity of perspectives, and exhibition design. We understand there are many different ways to be an artist and we welcome you - whether self taught, amateur, professional, whether contemporary artists or craft maker.  We recognise authentic expression takes many diverse forms! We aim to create an exhibition that honors Prince's multidimensional impact through varied voices and art forms.

Will my submission be included?
Gallery space is limited, so not all submissions will be in the physical exhibition. Selection is based on artistic quality, story significance, and exhibition design. Priority goes to early submissions (by Dec 15). However, we aim to honor all meaningful contributions through our online community archive.

Will my submission be shared publicly before the exhibition?
Only with your permission. We may feature previews of early submissions on our website and social media.

Can I submit more than one piece?
Yes. You may submit multiple stories, artworks, or artifacts.

Will my work be returned?
Yes. Physical artwork and artifacts will be returned after the exhibition. Shipping details provided to selected participants.

Fees & Costs 

Is there a fee to participate?
No. Participation is completely free. The exhibition is free to visit. All workshops are free.

Are there any costs involved for participants?
The museum is a labour of love created by artists and community members. It is currently unfunded, so we will likely need to ask participants to cover the costs of shipping their final confirmed materials to Minneapolis. This will be discussed closer to the deadline. The museum will cover return shipping.

I have a question not answered here.
Contact us via contact form or directly at exhibition@peoplesmuseumforprince.org. We're happy to hear from you.