As the world anticipates the critical discussions at COP28, M&C Saatchi Group and Saatchi Gallery have unveiled the six regional winners of their prestigious annual international art initiative, the “Art for Change Prize.” This initiative invited emerging artists from across the globe to creatively respond to the theme of ‘Regeneration’ for a chance to win a grand prize of £10,000.
This year, the climate-focused prize celebrates the power of global creativity to reshape the discourse around the climate emergency. The six winning artworks inspire a conversation that examines this critical issue from diverse global perspectives. They aim to craft new narratives of a livable future and empower individuals and organizations to take action. It serves as a powerful call to action, recognizing that there is no art on a dead planet.
The competition saw a remarkable 20% increase in entries compared to the previous year, with a total of 3,000 submissions from artists representing 130 countries. Notably, over 56% of the entrants hailed from developing nations in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This highlights the importance of addressing climate-related challenges, which are exacerbating inequalities and injustices worldwide. Additionally, cuts to arts education funding, alongside pre-existing structural barriers, have limited opportunities for students and underrepresented groups to engage with contemporary art. The prize was launched as part of a joint mission by M&C Saatchi Group and Saatchi Gallery to break down barriers in the creative industry and promote art and creativity as viable career choices worldwide.
The six regional winners, representing M&C Saatchi’s key global regions (UK, Europe, Americas, Asia, Australia, and Middle East & Africa), were chosen by an esteemed panel of judges from M&C Saatchi Group and guest judges. Each of these winners will receive a cash prize from the total fund of £20,000, with five winners receiving £2,000 each. The overall winner, set to be announced at the exhibition launch on November 29, 2023, will receive the grand prize of £10,000. All the winning artworks will be displayed in a dedicated exhibition at Saatchi Gallery from November 30, 2023, until January 7, 2024.
The overall winner will be selected by a Grand Jury led by Chair of Judges, Justine Simons, London’s deputy mayor for culture and creative industries, and founder and chair of the World Cities Cultural Forum. Saatchi Gallery Director, Paul Foster, along with one M&C Saatchi Group judge from each region, will also contribute to the decision. The winner’s announcement is eagerly anticipated on November 29, 2023.
Richard Thompson, M&C Saatchi Group UK Chairman, expressed his delight at the growth of the Art for Change Prize and emphasized the company’s commitment to identifying the next generation of artists who can tackle the increasing barriers to entry in the creative industry. “Regeneration” is viewed as a critical theme for driving positive and social change worldwide.
Paul Foster, Saatchi Gallery Director, praised the diversity and quality of the winning works, highlighting their relevance in expressing important messages about contemporary life and the climate crisis.
UK Judge, Sophie Morgan, lauded the caliber of entries and the use of visual storytelling to address one of the most critical issues of our time.
The Art for Change Prize embodies the transformative potential of art and the urgency of the climate crisis, offering a platform for emerging artists to make a meaningful impact on global conversations.