From the organizers:

"CADD FUND is a fun, fast paced event of sharing innovative ideas about potential artistic projects that will make possible a high-impact idea that needs the support of the DFW arts community.

Since 2014, CADD has hosted six exciting events surrounding the annual CADD FUND. During the virtual event on Sunday, January 17th, the finalists present short proposals for original and yet-to-be-realized new projects. Members of the audience have an opportunity to ask questions and then vote for their favorite project. The finalist with the most votes is declared the winner!

With the money for the prize being funded by generous donors rather than ticket sales as in previous years, the event will be free to all to watch and vote, which we hope will energize and bring together our North Texas art community. This year, in addition to the cash prize, the winner will also receive an exhibition opportunity to help realize their project. While CADD FUND is about raising much-needed cash, we hope that it will also be a forum to discuss the many other needs and resources that help make projects happen.

CADD FUND 2021 FINALISTS

Christopher Wright Evans - MFA, UNT, 2020

Stephanie Gerhart - MFA, UNT, 2020

Jihye Han - MFA Candidate, UNT

Abby Pfaff - BFA, UNT 2019

Shayna Sutton - BFA Candidate, UTA

Audrey Travis - MFA, TCU, 2019

The finalists below have been selected from over 25 submissions, by three esteemed jurors; Katherine Brodbeck – Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, Dallas Museum of Art; Kristen Gaylord – Assistant Curator of Photographs, Amon Carter Museum of American Art; and Frank Hettig – Director of Modern and Contemporary Art, Heritage Auctions

Last year’s winner, Melissa Gamez-Herrera, will give a short presentation. The work of Gamez-Herrera investigates and grapples with issues of human rights, humanity, spirituality and identity, primarily using photography as a medium. She earned a BA in Art and Art History from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, and an MFA in Photography at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX in 2020.

Special Thanks to Judy Vetter, Karen Weiner, Gail Sachson, and Andrea Perez

for their support of CADD FUND 2021.