Material Dialogues: An Interview Series

IOAEA is thrilled to announce a new interview series, "Material Dialogues," dedicated to showcasing the innovative work of artists at the forefront of bio art, material exploration, and sustainable practices.

About Material Dialogues

"MateriaDialogues" provides a platform for artists to share their unique perspectives on the evolving relationship between human-made materials and the natural world. We aim to explore how artists are engaging with materials, challenging traditional notions of materiality, and developing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. 

Selected artists will be interviewed by Joana Alarcão, founder of IOAEA and Tha Terra Studio, an artist and researcher whose curatorial work champions art as a powerful force for effecting positive change and reshaping the fabric of contemporary society.

Submission Details

• Eligibility: This open call is open to artists of all backgrounds, working in various mediums and styles, as long as their work engages with bio art, material explorations, and sustainable practices.

• Global Participation: We invite artists from every corner of the world to submit their work.

Submission Process

• Submission Fee: FREE Submission for applicants.

• Selection Fee: A SELECTION FEE OF €50 IS APPLIED TO SELECTED ARTISTS ONLY. This fee supports our efforts in creating your interview.

• Personalized Written Interview: Upon selection, you will receive a personal interview consisting of 10 thought-provoking questions.

• Featured Artworks: Your selected artworks will be prominently featured alongside the interview.

• Permanent Publication: Your interview and artwork will be permanently published on our digital platform. Please note that these interviews will not appear in our print magazine.

More about the curator and founder:

Joana Alarcão is a transdisciplinary eco-artist, creative director, curator, and researcher based in Portugal, passionately dedicated to merging art with social and environmental justice.

She earned her Master’s in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art in Ireland, along with a Bachelor’s in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts. Additionally, she has completed several independent courses in transdisciplinary curatorial studies and journalism for social change.

With a robust background in the arts and journalism, Joana has worked as an art writer for several magazines and NGOs before founding IOAEA, engaging with thousands of artists throughout her career.

This deep exploration of their creative journeys has enriched her insights into their processes and perspectives, informing her work as both a curator and an artist.

Currently, Joana serves as a Collaborating Researcher at CIEBA, an artistic research center affiliated with the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon. Through her multifaceted practice, she actively advocates for the transformative power of art in addressing urgent cultural and ecological challenges.

Joana's work invites us to reconsider our relationship with the environment, culture, and community, fostering a dialogue that emphasizes sustainability and social equity.