Arts Collaboratory Rationale on Visual Arts and Social Innovation

In current contemporary arts practice the role of artists and arts organizations as agents of change is getting more recognized. During many moments in history artists and arts organisations have addressed social, cultural, economic or political issues. In current contemporary practice this role is further developed and the artistic practice focuses more often on research on societal issues, facilitating relationships and the development of new perspectives on social, economic and/or climate isues.

Hivos and DOEN believe in the potential of artists to question what often might seem unquestionable truths or status quo. Culture can potentially be a driving force or trigger in processes of social innovation. This type of innovation aims at challenging and changing the social interaction of people, and their interaction to their environment. It triggers innovation that does not decide on or define the whole process of change, but is the starting point of it. Equally important is the potential artistic processes have to include and facilitate relations with the people that are affected by this change both in the set-up and process of change. And thus, enlarging the possibility that this change is meaningful and becomes sustainable.

Long term support for independent visual arts organizations focusing on collaborative art practices and social innovation

Independent visual arts organisations from Africa, Asia and Latin-America that are actively promoting artistic quality, collaborative arts practices and social innovation, were invited to propose their 28 month-programme for support. Selected organisations will receive financial support towards their programme and will participate in the Arts Collaboratory knowledge and exchange platform. This call is closed as of April 15th 2013.

Project Fund for ‘Visual Arts and Social Innovation’

This project fund finances artistic projects that focus on research on societal issues, facilitating relationships and the development of new perspectives on social, economic and/or climate issues.

Amount of funding
The Project Fund for Social Innovation consists of project focused contributions with a maximum of €15.000 per project.

Selection
Organisations interested in this fund can apply throughout the year, taking into account that only a limited number of projects can be supported. Decisions will be made during the Arts Collaboratory Steering Committee meetings with Hivos and DOEN representatives that will take place every three months.

The projects will be judged on the following aspects:

  • Artistic quality of research and/or output
  • What innovation or new perspectives does the project aim to develop. Innovation, for example: a new perspective on a specific social issue, an exploration of an entirely new idea that can positively contribute to a more open, or sustainable society; a new and creative approach to problems defined in the proposal; a radical rethink of a current approach.
  • Approach: how is the research/project set-up, in which way are co-operations between artists and/or with individuals/groups/organisations from other sectors/ communities organized.
  • Feasibility: relevance, probability of successful implementation, financial viability and sustainability of impact

Download the application form here:

AttachmentSize
ARTS COLLABORATORY - PROJECT FUND FOR VISUAL ARTS AND SOCIAL INNOVATION - APPLICATION FORM.pdf169.36 KB
ARTS COLLABORATORY - PROJECT FUND FOR VISUAL ARTS AND SOCIAL INNOVATION - APPLICATION FORM.doc25.21 KB