America House Kyiv is pleased to announce a call for artists for an exhibit “B POSITIVE.” The “B POSITIVE” exhibit supports the 2017 “Positive Life” campaign organized by Small Heart with Art, in partnership with the East Europe & Central Asia Union of PWLH.
This exhibit will be based on a contest for Ukrainian artists. Artworks should be created purposely for the project and address HIV/AIDS in Ukraine. The competition will be judged by a distinguished jury, members of which will be announced later. The works of shortlisted candidates will be presented in an exhibit at the America House Gallery in Kyiv on December 1, 2017 – World Aids Day. The winner will have an opportunity to create a solo exhibit at America House.
Since being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. In Ukraine, 54 people are infected with HIV/AIDS every day, and 43255 deaths from AIDS have been registered in Ukraine to date.
World Aids Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and commemorate people who have died. The goal of the “B POSITIVE” exhibit at America House and the “Positive Life” campaign is to join the efforts of World Aids Day, combat discrimination and overcome public stereotypes about HIV-positive people, connect people through art to reduce stigma and discrimination, and show support to and solidarity with people living with HIV in Ukraine.
“B POSITIVE” exhibit curator: Alina Komisar
“Positive Life” campaign organizer: Evgenia Smirnova
The Selection Committee will:
- Consider all applicants consistently, objectively, and professionally
- Attempt to create a balance of recognized and emerging artists
- Attempt to create a balance of diverse artistic mediums (digital, sculpture, installation, photo, collage, painting, graphic art, etc.)
- Evaluate artists based on submission materials using the review criteria
Review Criteria:
- Does the work demonstrate professionalism, commitment, and command of the medium?
- Does the artwork demonstrate excellence in originality, creativity, imagination, strong conceptual skills with innovative and effective approaches?
- Does the artist have a unique or appropriate perspective?
- Is the artwork appealing, appropriate and relevant to goals of the exhibit?
- Does the artwork fit the mission of America House?
- Is the application complete with effective communication of artistic concept?
Selection Process:
- Applicants must submit the application form via email by October 15, 2017.
- A maximum of 15 artists will be selected by the selection committee.
- Selected artists will be notified by October 31st, 2017 by email (only selected artists/groups will be contacted)
- December 1, 2017 – final exhibit opening, announcement of winner
Terms and Conditions:
- Ukrainian citizens are eligible to apply.
- The contents of materials are owned by the author.
- Participation in the contest is free.
- The terms and dates of installation will be agreed with each artist/group separately.
- One artist / art group can fill in only one application.
- Incomplete or incorrectly formatted proposals will not be considered.
Application Form Sample
Personal and Contact Data:
Name:
Organization (if applicable):
Country, City:
Birthdate:
Telephone:
Email:
Website (if you have):
Artwork Description:
Describe the concept of the artwork you are entering into the B POSITIVE Contest. Insert images of your work and provide title, size, and medium of artworks. For audio or video files, please include 1-10 links to your works.
The forms must be sent electronically to the following address: amhousebpositive@gmail.com
Fill in the information required and send the form in PDF with the file name: Lastname_Firstname_application_form (ivanov_ivan_application_form.pdf)
Information about Exhibit Organizers:
America House Kyiv is a welcoming, dynamic space that fosters discussion and debate, provides opportunities for professional and personal skill-building, and sparks creativity and collaboration around shared Ukrainian and U.S. values. America House supports U.S. public diplomacy in Ukraine by creating a place for innovative, direct engagement with Ukrainian audiences, promoting open dialogue, counteracting negative preconceptions, and building cultural bridges to deepen mutual understanding.
Information about Partner Organizations:
East Europe & Central Asia Union of PWLH is an international charity organisation that units community of people who live with HIV from 15 Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries in order to increase approaches to treatment access, care and support via strengthening organizations’ potential and advocational activities on national and international levels.
Small Heart with Art is a NGO and a charity art project. The main goal is to support HIV-positive children and children with AIDS. The organization has 2857 fellows all over Ukraine. The activities include the support of children who are on medical treatment at National Children’s Hospital “Okhmatdyt”, art auctions, art exchanges, medicine purchases etc. The Small Heart with Art became the best NGO in 2015 and 2016 according to the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine.