Launch at #BitBasel Miami Beach on December 2, 2024
The global challenges we face today demand bold and creative responses. The Social Art Award 2024, launched by the Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI), calls on artists worldwide to contribute their visionary works under the theme: “Planetary Healing – Blue Tribes for Ocean Health.”
This year, we invite creatives to explore and address the urgent need for ocean restoration, biodiversity protection, and fostering harmony between humans and other species. Inspired by the UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) and the EU Mission to Restore Our Oceans and Waters, we believe art has the power to bridge gaps, spark dialogue, and inspire meaningful change.
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About the Theme
“Planetary Healing – Blue Tribes for Ocean Health” centers on the concept of Blue Tribes—communities that respect the interconnectedness of all life and collaborate to protect our oceans and planet. Submissions should highlight innovative ideas, compelling narratives, and creative visions that foster coexistence and planetary resilience.
We encourage artists to address themes such as:
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- Human-nature relationships and coexistence
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- Ocean restoration and water conservation
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- Ecosystem recovery and biodiversity
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- Climate resilience and sustainable living
Through art, we can amplify intangible connections, support shared ideas, and build holistic perspectives that inspire action. This year’s Social Art Award aims to be a beacon for collective imagination and commitment to regenerative futures.
How can Social Art empower communities for transformation and regeneration?
How can art respond to the growing urgency for planetary and ocean health? How do social artists empower communities, support the transition to sustainable futures, and inspire action toward achieving the UN-SDG 14?
With the Social Art Award we seek answers to these questions and want to learn more about:
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- Where does art take place in times of transformation?
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- What forms of art foster connection, empowerment, and resilience?
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- How can art embolden the understanding of planetary healing at societal levels?
All artists and cultural actors are invited to submit their work. There are no restrictions based on gender, age, training, or nationality.
Selection Process
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
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- Impactful contribution to the theme of Planetary Healing – Blue Tribes for Ocean Health, catalyzing transformation and awareness.
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- Collaborative approaches with ecologists, technologists, and changemakers (not mandatory but encouraged).
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- Participatory practices and audience engagement.
The selection process will be as follows:
Online Gallery
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- All accepted artworks will be featured in an online gallery.
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- For series submissions, only one image per series is required for display.
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- Artists may provide a link for the jury and audience to explore the full series or additional details.
Top 100 Submissions
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- The jury will select the top 100 submissions.
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- These will be featured in the official Social Art Award 2024 Book to celebrate the diversity and impact of Social Art.
Shortlist of Finalists
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- From the Top 100, the jury will nominate a shortlist of 10 finalists.
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- An additional 2 wildcards will be selected via public online voting.
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- All selected finalists will receive recognition and exposure through the Social Art Award platform.
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- The shortlisted 10+2 artists will also receive jury feedback.
Winning Artists
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- From the 12 finalists, the jury will select the 3 winning artists, honoring their exceptional contributions to this year’s theme.
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- The first winner will receive a 1,000 EUR prize.
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- The work of the 3 winning artists will be highlighted through interviews and showcased at events such as BitBasel, with additional opportunities being explored, including touring exhibitions like COP 30 in Belém, Brazil.
Networking
Social Art needs more recognition. All artists will have opportunities to connect through events like symposia, panels, and social art meetups.
Timeline
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- Open Call: 02 December 2024 – 31 March 2025
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- Selection Process:
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- Top 100: 01 April – 14 April 2025
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- Public Voting (selecting 2 wildcards): 22 April – 28 April 2025
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- Finalists (10+2): 01 May – 20 May 2025
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- Winners: 01 June – 15 June 2025
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- Selection Process:
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- Symposium: June 2025
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- Publication: ready by August 2025
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- Exhibitions: BitBasel (Miami), COP30 (Belém), and more.
About the Organizer
The Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI), founded in 2017, fosters transformative projects at the intersection of art, science, and technology. As an independent, not-for-profit NGO, IFAI drives impactful collaborations and amplifies creative solutions for social and environmental change.
For more details, visit the FAQ section on www.social-art-award.org/faq
Join us in shaping preferable futures where creativity inspires collective action and planetary healing. Together, let’s make waves for better todays and tomorrows!