Play: the ASIX Social Changemakers Exhibition and Art Prize 2012

Art has always had the power to make a difference – to change the way we look at things, the way we feel about things and indeed, the things we consider at all. And historically, art has played a central role in defining society and bringing about positive change.

In recognition of this, we are introducing the ASIX Social Changemakers Art Prize, whereby non-established artists with a passion for social changemaking are invited to submit artworks to a special exhibition for the chance to win $3,000.

The exhibition will be organised by the Australian Social Innovation eXchange (ASIX) as part of its Australian Social Changemakers’ Festival in April 2012 and held at Weave Arts Centre in the CarriageWorks precinct.

The participants will be selected from or through organisations and communities connected to social innovation. They will not be established professional artists, but people interested in exploring the themes of the festival in a creative manner.

The work must be connected to the creative statement and revolve around the notion of play. For more details download the Creative statement and brief.

Who can enter?

We are interested in receiving applications from creative and passionate changemakers. We are not looking for established professional artists. Nor do applicants have to be skilled in any art form.

The selection process will be based on the concept of the artwork and not the skill of the applicants. We encourage people who are creative yet not traditionally trained artists to apply. As such we envisage the predominate use of found objects, video/audio/new media, conceptually based and non-traditional materials.

We are encouraging applications from groups, or from collaborative partnerships between organisations and clients.

What to enter?

We are looking for non-didactic art. The exhibition is not a forum for the promotion of particular organisations or institutions (logos will not be allowed as part of the artwork, however modest logos will be permitted near the artwork by sponsor organisations who have supported specific artworks).

We are looking for art that is open and playful, ambiguous and engaging. Works that takes risks, and works that are challenging or provocative are also encouraged.

The works must be connected to the creative statement and revolve around the notion of “play.” Play can be explored in any manner, but should be linked to the major themes of the Social Changemakers’ Festival.

What are the festival themes?

As well as revolving around the notion of play, works should explore one of the festival’s key themes.

Click here to read more about the key themes:

Poverty and wealth – the increasing divide
Living simply, living lightly on the earth
The power of collective action – 2012 is the International Year of Co-operatives
Social inclusion and exclusion
Technology as an enabler of change
Aging, death & dying
Fixing our health system
Social entrepreneurship
Employment, unemployment and the changing nature of work
Faith as a driver of changemaking
The loss of trust in public institutions and democracy to solve the emerging problems we face – how do we fix our institutions?
The issue of violence as a response to family, community and global problem
The changing nature of families and family
Change often comes from the margins
The increasing power of business to shape political and individual decisions
The power of books and ideas to shape our thinking and lives
Journey Inward/Journey Outward – social change goes hand in hand with personal change
The power of the crowd - for good or ill
Learning from failure
Passion and inspiration, where does it come from and can we enable it
Learning from others - the state of multiculturalism in Australia
Rethinking thinking - how can we ‘think’ differently
Creativity, emotion and affect- the importance of what we can’t define
Rhizomatic communities- the possibilities of user produced and run projects

What assistance can you receive?

We are happy to provide ongoing assistance to help you meet your full potential.

Click here to read more about how we can support you:

All entrants will receive a brief, details and guidance including ideas and methods from the curator of the project, Dr Tim Gregory.

A workshop for selected artists will be held at the Weave Arts Centre on Monday, 27 February from 3-5pm.

Artists selected for the exhibition who need help completing their work will have access to up to $200. The funds will be released to social innovation organisations for the use by the artist(s).

Selected artists will also have access to the Weave Arts Centre at set times in March to develop their work.

The winner as judged by a panel will receive a $3000 acquisitive prize.

A help document to assist with producing the work. It as "steps for making a work", "key points to consider" and "an example for an artwork"

To discuss your interest in participating in the exhibition or to clarify any questions please email Dr Tim Gregory – tim.gregory@asix.org.au

What is the application process?

Click here to find out more about the applications process.

Applications are due on 15 February. They must be emailed or submitted online. Each application must contain the following:
- Entry form including an up to 150 word artist statement explaining what is the social change issue that your art is addressing and how you are going to translate this into a cross media form (eg. a sculpture with audio mpg3 files, video on a digital photo frame with found objects).
- Up to 5 images (jpeg) or 1 video (linked to vimeo or youtube). The work does not have to be completed, but a few sketches or experiments can be shown.
Applicants will be informed if they have been selected for the exhibition by 20 February 2012.
The works are to be delivered by the artist to Weave Arts Center on Tuesday and Wednesday 10-11 April. Works must be taken by the artists from Weave Arts Centre on Monday 23 April if they have not won the acquisitive prize or been sold to a buyer.
The works will be judged by a panel and the winner will be announced on the opening of the exhibition, Friday 13 April.

What are the conditions of entry?

Artworks must subscribe to the following conditions of entry

Works must be cross-media. They must contain a variety of media and must be three-dimensional. All works must be free standing and fit within a 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.800m (width, depth, height) box, max 50kg. All media will be considered (video, performance, interactive, web based etc). Works which require power must come with all the appropriate extension cords and equipment necessary.

Artist must install their work themselves on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, 10 and 11 April 2012. Please note: the Weave Arts Centre is located up 2 flights of stairs with no lift access. You will need to be able to disassemble and assemble the work on site. Whole works may not be able to fit or be lifted up the stairs. Please also keep the weight of the works to a minimum.
The curator is in charge of the placement and lighting of the works. The curator is also entitled to make minor changes to the works to maintain a consistency across the exhibition.
The curator has the right to not show a work if the work varies from the original proposal or does not fit with the other works on display.
The work which wins the acquisitive prize becomes the property of ASIX. The attached conditions of entry document details issues of ownership, copyright etc.

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Play: the ASIX Social Changemakers Exhibition and Art Prize 2012