Catalysts of Change: An Art Review Series

IOAEA is excited to announce our latest opportunity for artists who are passionate about creating work with social, political, and ecological themes. We invite artists from across the globe to participate in our "Catalysts of Change" series, where your creations will be thoughtfully reviewed and featured on our platform.

About Catalysts of Change

"Catalysts of Change" provides a critical opportunity for in-depth reviews of contemporary art that challenges conventions and advocates for transformative change. This series focuses on artists whose work serves as a catalyst for social, political, and environmental awareness, offering nuanced analysis of how creative practices can reshape public discourse and inspire collective action.

Selected artists will have their work reviewed by Joana Alarcão, the founder of IOAEA and Tha Terra Studio, who is not only an artist but also a curator with a deep commitment to promoting art as a means of effecting positive change. Joana's insightful perspective will shed light on your artistic journey and the impact of your work in shaping public opinion and advocating for important causes.

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 social, political, and ecological themes and demonstrates a commitment to creating positive change through art.

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

Benefits for Participating Artists

IOAEA offers selected artists a unique opportunity to gain critical recognition, connect with a global audience, and contribute to a growing community of socially engaged creatives. Here's what you can expect:

Professional Art Review: A comprehensive, critical review of your work by IOAEA founder Joana Alarcão, an experienced curator and researcher in the field of socially and politically engaged art, offering valuable insights into your practice and its cultural significance.

Featured Artworks: Prominent display of your selected artworks alongside the review, providing a visually compelling showcase of your practice and its transformative potential.

Permanent Publication: Your review and artwork will be permanently published on the IOAEA digital platform, ensuring long-term visibility and accessibility for your socially engaged work.

Global Reach: IOAEA's influence extends across key geographic markets, including China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Portugal, Australia, Ireland, and France. Our platform is continuously expanding its reach and impact, connecting artists with new audiences and fostering a global movement for social awareness and justice.

Social Media Promotion: Reviews will be actively promoted through our social media channels, amplifying your work and expanding your reach within the community of socially engaged artists and cultural activists.

Review Process

Submission Fee: FREE submission for applicants.

Review Fee:  SELECTION FEE OF €100 IS APPLIED TO SELECTED ARTISTS ONLY. This fee supports our comprehensive review process and the creation of your featured review.

Professional Analysis: Each selected work receives a thorough, critical examination that contextualizes your practice within contemporary art discourse while highlighting its social and political significance.

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 virtual exhibitions – it's a rallying point for artists who share our passion for social, political, and environmental activism. Through our virtual talks and initiatives, we're igniting conversations that challenge norms and inspire action.

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 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.