The State of the ART(ist) – Cultural Diplomacy and the Freedom of Art Prize aims to provide creatives living at risk with concrete financial support and visibility to artists living in oppressed political systems.
State of the ART(ist) is a collaborative project between the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ars Electronica, which was established in 2022. Two winning projects are selected and will each receive 3,000 euros in prize money. Furthermore, eight honorary mentions will receive 750 euros each as a presentation fee. In addition and new this year, the Digital Deal Award endowed with 2,000 euros in prize money will be presented, recognising art projects that specifically address the nondemocratic use of technology or attempts to undermine its use and stand up for freedom of expression.
Projects can be submitted by artists whose livelihoods are severely affected by the effects of the threatening situations, which are defined as:
- Trouble spots, political interference, and warlike aggression
- Lack of freedom of expression or social repression of individual lifestyles
- Natural disasters or consequences of the climate crisis, leading to radically changed living conditions
- Consequences of global trade and economy: Social injustice through production and working conditions, as well as exploitation of raw materials and environmental pollution
Individuals as well as collectives can submit their works, projects and actions at the intersection of art and human rights with no restrictions regarding formats.
All award-winning projects will be presented in the virtual Kunsthalle, an online documentation and action space that will be freely accessible during the festival and beyond. A selection of the award-winning projects, including the two main prizes and the Digital Deal award, will be presented in a curated physical exhibition within the 2024 Ars Electronica Festival, September 4-8, in Linz, Austria.
Find more information on this open call here.
Deadline: 20 May 2024
