WYNG Masters Award Commission: International Call For Entries WASTE in the spotlight for 2014/2015 grant The WYNG Masters Award Commission (WMA Commission) invites entries for proposals from artists and photographers from both Hong Kong and the international community, to create new photo-based work in Hong Kong, focusing on the theme of WASTE. A three-member Selection Panel will choose the WMA Commission recipient, who will be awarded a HKD$250,000 grant which will contribute towards production of the successful proposal and a public event featuring the completed work. Recognised as an issue of critical importance to Hong Kong and its people, WASTE is the nominated theme for the 2014/15 grant. With a commitment to programmes and activities that foster deeper understanding of issues facing Hong Kong, the 2014/2015 WMA Commission brings the issue of WASTE to the forefront. By facilitating and supporting original, creative interpretations of a significant environmental concern, 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. “Hong Kong is a natural stage for this type of programme,” explains Belinda Winterbourne, CEO of the WYNG Foundation and organiser of the WMA Commission. “As a dynamic, international city, Hong Kong faces challenges that resonate with other metropolitan centers around the world. When we see the impact of issues such as poverty or waste on Hong Kong, we also see how they will play out in other urban areas. What happens in Hong Kong has global relevance.” With an issue as complex as WASTE, the WMA Commission provides the means for a more focused commitment to the subject through a visual approach. Ultimately, the aim is to bring clarity and understanding on an issue which has serious consequences for Hong Kong, and the rest of the world. The newly-designated WMA Commission (formerly the WYNG Masters Award Project) better reflects the diverse and multidimensional nature of the WMA programme which has evolved in recent years to include the grant, the WYNG Masters Award, a series of professional development workshops, a talks programme and student engagement projects. First launched in 2012/2013, the inaugural theme of the programme was POVERTY, in recognition of Hong Kong’s struggle with a yawning income gap. AIR was the theme in the second year, where Hong Kong’s deteriorating air quality was the topic for contemplation. The mission of the WYNG Masters Award, and its related activities, is to stimulate discussion and encourage the development of social responsibility in Hong Kong. Collectively, they aim to support and encourage the evolution of photography as an art form in the territory, while at the same time using the medium to consider and discuss pressing social issues facing Hong Kong. The WMA Commission is open to experienced and professional photographers and visual artists who reside and practice anywhere in the world. Entries must be submitted by January 31, 2015 and will be reviewed by a selection panel which determines a shortlist of applicants to be interviewed in March 2015. The grant recipient will be chosen soon after. The Selection Panel includes: Fung Ho Yin, Assistant Professor, School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Dr. Charles Merewether, Visiting Professor, School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University Singapore and member of Commissioning Panel for Venice Biennale Singapore Pavilion 2015; and a trustee from the WYNG Foundation. About WASTE Waste relates contextually to the way we behave in this materialistic, consumptive society, as well as to the material generated in the process. Effective and efficient waste management has become an important environmental justice issue. There is a growing market in the trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries, a result of the not in my backyard attitude. Waste is a global problem making awareness-building and education essential goals. A study released by the United Nations in 2013 predicted that by 2017 the number of electronic equipment and appliances being disposed of will triple. Meanwhile, our modern Throw Away’ society has contributed to the creation of the world’s most well known marine landfill – the Pacific Trash Vortex. Here in Hong Kong over 6 million tonnes of municipal waste is disposed of each year - a 20% increase over the past 10 years. This increase has occurred much faster than anyone expected, placing Hong Kongs landfills under enormous pressure. Its three landfills are expected to be full by the end of this decade, making it clear that Hong Kong needs a more sustainable waste management policy. There are many options available from prevention, re-using, recycling, energy recovery to disposal. It is time for Hong Kong to take ownership of its waste, for its people to alter their waste generation habits and effective solutions for waste disposal adopted. About the WYNG Masters Award (‘WMA’) Programme The WMA Programme is multi-dimensional and includes the WYNG Masters Award [wyngmastersaward.hk], the WMA Commission, the WMA Open Photo Contest [photocontest.hk], a series of professional development workshops, talks programmes and student engagement projects. The WMA programme is a non-profit series of events and programmes that were developed to generate awareness and engage the public on socially-relevant issues of great importance to Hong Kong. The WYNG Masters Award’s 2012 inaugural theme was POVERTY. The theme was chosen as Hong Kong grapples with a yawning income gap, one of the worlds worst. The theme AIR followed, the implications of, and attitudes towards, Hong Kong’s deteriorating air quality were considered in the second year of the award. In the current 2014/2015 cycle, the focus of the WYNG Masters Award is on the theme of WASTE. And the upcoming theme to be launched June 2015 for the 2015/16 cycle will be IDENTITY. The International New York Times is the exclusive media partner of the WYNG Masters Award; Widerhall Fine-Art Photographic is the official exhibition partner; and Panorama is the virtual tour partner. For more information on the application process and grant details, please visit wyngmastersaward.hk or email [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 13:06:00 +0000
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