Meijer announced Monday that it plans to launch a special collection in stores across the Midwest in 2023, featuring art by local artists that's inspired by diverse outlooks and communities. The retailer is encouraging artists to submit their artwork for consideration by Nov. 7.
"At Meijer, we want our products and business partners to reflect our communities, customers and team members," said Peter Whitsett, Meijer’s EVP of merchandising and marketing, in a statement. "That's what makes this collection so special. Our customers will see perspectives both similar to and different from their own reflected through art on products they can bring into their homes."
Artists who live in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin are encouraged to submit art inspired by the cultural categories below. Meijer will then select artwork to be featured on products and sold in celebration of the following cultural events beginning in 2023:
Black History Month
Women's History Month
Pride Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
Sales from the collection will benefit nonprofit organizations. Selected artists will receive a monetary prize and partner with Meijer to identify nonprofits to benefit from the sales of the products.
For the last 2 years, Meijer has partnered with Black students and artists from the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology to sell limited edition shirts honoring Black History Month and Juneteenth. However, this is the first time the retailer is recruiting artists from communities it serves to partner on such a large scale.
Related: Diverse-Owned Brands Attract Consumer Interest, Gain Retail Support; Buyers' Picks: Diverse Food Brands.