social activism

The theme for the Arts Annual 2025 will be Artist as Activist and we will request work that reflects artistic thoughts and responses to that concept. Artist as Activist is an artist who harnesses the power of creativity to inspire social and political action. Unlike traditional activism that primarily uses direct action or advocacy, artists engage in activism through various forms. In this case visual art. They use their work to challenge norms, raise awareness about issues, and inspire audiences to think critically about the world around them.

The Gallery is a new kind of cultural institution without walls that challenges traditional models of viewing art. A major project, The Gallery exhibits contemporary art in public spaces traditionally reserved for advertising, to stimulate debate about the important questions of our time.  

Launching September 2023, Season 3 of The Gallery will continue this mission, inviting artists from around the world to respond to the theme: No But Where Are You Really From?  
“We live in a globalised world of international travel and mass migration. Over the centuries peoples, animals, plants and pathogens have continuously crisscrossed the Earth’s oceans and continents. So, what part does place still play in identity?”