IOAEA Ecological Practices Interview Series

IOAEA is launching an exclusive interview series focusing on artists whose work addresses ecological challenges and environmental justice. This curated selection will feature only 10 artists globally, ensuring personalized attention.

About the Interview Series

The IOAEA Ecological Practices Interview Series provides an exclusive opportunity for 10 artists to share their unique perspectives on the intersection of art and environmental activism. We aim to explore how artists are using their creative practices to address pressing ecological challenges, confront environmental injustices, and advocate for sustainable futures. 

Also, this series hopes to highlight the crucial role that artistic interventions play in raising awareness about ecological issues and advancing environmental causes.

About IOAEA

IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) is a transdisciplinary platform dedicated to showcasing the work of artists who are addressing pressing ecological and social challenges through their creative practices. Founded in 2021 by Joana Alarcão, IOAEA has evolved from its origins as an archival space into a dynamic communal hub that promotes collaboration and creativity. Based in Portugal, IOAEA operates as a digital hub for artists, curators, researchers, and activists working at the intersection of art, ecology, and social justice.

Documenting Impact Through Art

IOAEA focuses on the transformative power of art in addressing social, political, and environmental issues. Since our establishment, the organization, magazine, and podcast of the same name have aimed to create a space for creative and political discourse free from the constraints of governmental influence. Through our work, we explore the impact of art interventions on contemporary global atmospheres, highlighting artists, artistic projects, artist-led cooperatives, and activist groups committed to fostering dialogue around pressing global affairs.

Our platform is more than just a space for interviews, reviews, residencies, and exhibitions – it's a rallying point for artists who share our passion for social, political, and environmental activism. 

More about the curator and founder:

Joana Alarcão is a transdisciplinary eco-artist, art journalist, creative director, curator, and researcher based in Portugal. She is passionately dedicated to merging art with social and environmental justice. Joana earned her Master's in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art in Ireland, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts. Furthermore, she has completed several independent courses in transdisciplinary curatorial studies and journalism for social change.

With over 4 years of experience as an art writer and cultural journalist, Joana has contributed extensively to art magazines and NGOs, developing a distinctive voice in contemporary art criticism and eco-art discourse. Her writing practice has involved interviewing and profiling thousands of artists throughout her career, building a comprehensive understanding of diverse creative processes and contemporary art movements. This extensive background in art journalism preceded and informed her founding of IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) in 2021, where she continues to amplify artists' voices and perspectives.

Currently, also serving as a Collaborating Researcher at CIEBA, she integrates her writing expertise with curatorial and artistic practice, advocating for art's transformative power in addressing cultural and ecological challenges.

What's Included:

• Zoom conversation with founder Joana Alarcão

• In-depth written interview covering ecological themes in your practice

• Critical intro review of work

• Featured artwork showcase on IOAEA's digital platform

• Permanent publication and social media promotion

• Connection to IOAEA's global network across UK, US, Portugal, Australia, Ireland, and France

Eligibility:

• Artists working with ecological themes and environmental concerns

• All mediums and career stages welcome

• Global submissions accepted

• Applications in English only

Personal Zoom Conversation: Your interview includes a 45-minute Zoom session with founder Joana Alarcão. This intimate conversation allows for a deeper exploration of your ecological practice and creates a space for deep conversation that will become the foundation for the interview questions and the critical intro review.

Critical Review Component: Before the published written interview, IOAEA provides a small critical review introduction analyzing your submitted works. This preliminary assessment contextualizes your practice within broader ecological art discourse and sets the foundation for the feature.

Fee Structure:

• Standard selection fee: €100

• Emerging artists (under 30 or <3 years professional practice): €59,55

• Artists at risk: Fee waiver available upon application

For Artists at Risk: IOAEA supports artists facing persecution, censorship, or displacement. We offer complete fee exemption and prioritized consideration for those needing platform visibility for safety or career preservation.

Deadline: October 16, 2025 12:00 AM

For comprehensive details regarding our initiatives, examples of featured artists, and our publication style, we encourage you to visit our official website.