Kotahitanga through creativity: Call for proposals for commissioned work
Kotahitanga through creativity
CALLING FOR PROPOSALS FOR COMMISSIONED WORK:
Creative Waikato, in engagement with our multicultural community and with the support of the Waikato Community Funders group, are calling for artists to propose creating a piece of art that expresses the importance of kotahitanga.
Within a short timeframe, a number of proposals will be selected and works commissioned as part of a regional campaign to strengthen the unity of our communities. Your proposed work will need to engage and inform people across different cultures, languages, communities and platforms.
See below for full details and FAQs.
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.” – Maya Angelou
Reports of online bullying and racism have been escalating in New Zealand for a long time, and over the past few months this has increased further as the impacts of COVID-19 have been felt. There are isolated cases and incidents of racism being experienced in our region. This is not representative of the inclusive Waikato that we believe in. Waikato has contributed to New Zealand becoming a world leader in flattening the COVID-19 curve.
Now it is also time to flatten the curve on racism.
To champion the cause, Creative Waikato is leading a Waikato response. This response will begin to shape the narrative that will inform, educate, celebrate, and generate powerful conversations about Waikato being an inclusive region where we celebrate our ethnic diversity.
Creativity and unity are vital parts of a thriving and innovative society. They are part of our core. This is true at all times, but especially now.
The pandemic has caused troubling times and it is clear the future holds ongoing economic hardship, stress, fear, and grief. Moving forward, as alert levels continue to lower the creative sector has an opportunity to rebuild our communities and encourage people back into public spaces together. We need to remind each other that we are paving a new way together, and that a diverse and inclusive Waikato is the Waikato we want to step into.
The Waikato is a diverse place and it is vital we express the value of diversity through artistic expressions of togetherness.
Together, through art, we can care for each other.
TIMEFRAME:
The 10 selected proposals will be commissioned to create their work and that work will be shared with the wider Waikato community. The sharing of this work may take a variety of formats and use a range of tools and technology. This may include online (social media and websites), printed posters, billboards, and traditional media. Final methods for sharing work will depend on the format of those works selected for commission.
Proposal submissions close: Tuesday 2 June, 5pm
Proposals selected and artists notified: Wednesday 3 June
Works completed: Wednesday 17 June
COMMISSIONED WORK SPECIFICATIONS:
- Responds to the core idea of kotahitanga: a united community
- Unique artwork
- Artists must be from or affiliated to the Waikato region
- In any medium:
- Visual Art (painting, photography, sculpture, Illustration and graphic design) (PDF/ HiRes Photo / Digital Image format)
- Video (film, theatre, dance, kapahaka, performing art – up to 2 minutes long) (MP4) (ensure if you include music that you have the rights to use it)
- Audio (music, poetry) (MP3 – or in a video format with supporting imagery – provided you have the rights to include the images)
- Copy (writing, poetry, articles) – PDF
- Commission rate for the project will be $1000 NZ (only selected proposals will receive commission).
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:
- Work should be presented in an engaging, impactful and shareable way
- We are looking for a range of creative solutions to reach audiences across different age groups, affiliations, and cultural groups
- By submitting your work to this brief you agree to grant Creative Waikato, and the Waikato Community Funders group, permission to share and feature your work. Anyone who uses the work will be asked to credit the creator.
DO INCLUDE IN YOUR PROPOSAL:
- Name and contact details
- Affiliation to the Waikato
- Affiliation to different cultural groups
- Conceptual description of the proposed work
- Medium and chosen final delivery format for the proposed work
- Demonstration of previous work (links to online gallery, selected examples of work etc)
- Please only submit work originally created by you.
DON’T:
- Include anything in your submission that you don’t have the rights to
- Include language that is or could be interpreted as discriminatory, stigmatising or inflammatory
- Engage in cultural appropriation
- Include images or a photo of particular people without their consent to use it. Obtaining consent is the sole responsibility of the artist
- Submit any completed works.
Submit proposals to hello@creativewaikato.co.nz
Proposals submitted by 5pm Tuesday 2 June
FAQs
Who has ownership of the artwork?
The artist will remain the owner of the artwork.
How will the artwork be exhibited, presented or displayed?
The sharing of works may take a variety of formats and use a range of tools and technology.
All works will be accessible to the public through an online platform, and depending on what is proposed, the works could also be presented in a physical location. Final methods for sharing work will depend on the format of works selected for commission.
Will the artwork be viewable in a public space or just online?
All works will be accessible to the public through an online platform, and depending on what is proposed, the works could also be presented in a physical location. Final methods for sharing work will depend on the format of works selected for commission.
Is there a form I need to fill out?
To send in your proposal, answer the questions outlined in the brief above. Send your answers through via email in a word document, PDF or whatever format you are comfortable with. Only written proposals will be accepted.
Do the works need to be completed by 17 June?
Yes. If you are concerned about this deadline you can outline how many extra days you may need.