The WMA Commission, one of the most recognised commissions focusing on photography, invites 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 “Opportunity”. Project proposals must contextually relate to both the theme and to Hong Kong. A selection panel will choose the WMA Commission Recipient, who will be awarded a HK$250,000 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 “Opportunity”, the WMA Commission encourages a unique perspective on how Hong Kong is affected by an issue that has global implications, while increasing public awareness and knowledge. The HK$250,000 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.
Submission period: 1 June 2018 00:00 – 14 September 2018 23:59 (Hong Kong Time; GMT +8:00)
Project period: March 2019 – March 2020
The selection panel includes (in no particular order):
- John Stanmeyer, photojournalist and educator
- Jacqueline Francis, Associate Professor, California College of the Arts
- 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 winter 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”) who released the book “Ubiquitous Trash—Hong Kong Edition” and held an exhibition at the Connecting Space and Puerta Roja in Hong Kong, Ducky TSE Chi-tak who held the exhibition “All. That Doesn’t” at the Exhibition Gallery of Hong Kong Central Library and Lee Kai Chung whose project is going to study the intertwining concept of transition in the context of Hong Kong through archival research and photography .
Who Should Apply
This is a grant for experienced and professional photographers and visual artists. 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.
Submission website: commission.wma.hk
