Submission deadline: December 15, 2017, 6pm HKT
Project period: June 2018–June 2019
The WMA Commission is inviting entries for proposals from artists and photographers from both Hong Kong and the international community to create new research-based photography work in Hong Kong, focusing on the theme of “Transition“. Project proposals must contextually relate to both the theme and to Hong Kong. A five-member selection panel will choose the WMA Commission Recipient, who will be awarded a 250,000 HKD grant. The grant will contribute towards the production of the successful proposal and a public event featuring the completed work, which will be given a place in the WMA Collection. The WMA Commission is a part of the WMA programme.
By facilitating and supporting original, creative interpretations of “Transition“, the WMA Commission encourages a unique perspective on how Hong Kong is affected by the theme that has global implications, while increasing public awareness and knowledge. The 250,000 HKD grant covers artist fees, creation (including such activities as research, travel and production; resources such as an assistant or translator and daily expenses) and a public event. It does not include accommodation for overseas artists or venue costs for public presentation, which are covered by the organiser. Overseas participants should ensure that they are able to stay for at least one month for the project and also set aside time for the public presentation.
The selection panel includes (in no particular order):
–John Stanmeyer, photojournalist and educator
–Kurt Chan, Adjunct Professor, Department of Fine Arts, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
–Melissa Karmen Lee, public art curator and consultant
–Dr. Linda Chiu-han Lai, Associate Professor, School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong
–But Ho Ming, WYNG Foundation Trustee
Submissions should be made directly through the WMA Commission website. The selection panel will pick out a number of finalists to submit a full length proposal. Finalists will be interviewed by the panel in spring 2018.
Previous recipients of the WMA Commission include Chan Wai Kwong (“Poverty”) who held an exhibition at the Photocrafters, Lau Ching Ping (“Air”) who published the book Thin As Air, TRES Art Collective (“Waste”) released the book Ubiquitous Trash—Hong Kong Edition and held an exhibition at the Connecting Space and Puerta Roja in Hong Kong.
Application details
Potential applicants can reside and practice anywhere in the world. This grant is meant to enable further professional development and to support the creation of work that provides additional information and perspectives on the issue addressed. A successful applicant must have experience working independently and be resourceful in the development of his/her project. Website for submission: commission.wma.hk
About WMA
WMA is a series of non-profit programmes developed to spark awareness and engage the public on socially-relevant issues of great importance to Hong Kong. They include WMA Masters, WMA Commission, WMA Open, WMA Student and WMA Film. The programmes have been encouraging dialogues through selected annual themes, including “Poverty,” “Air,” “Waster,” “Identity” and “Mobility” in the past. The theme for the current cycle is “Transition.”
For more information about WMA, please visit www.wma.hk.
