WMA Commission 2017/18
Call For Proposals: “Transition” Deadline for Submission: 15 December
- Deadline: 15 December 2017
- Entry fee: Free
- Website: http://commission.wma.hk

(Hong Kong: 16 October 2017) The WMA Commission, one of the most recognised commissions focusing on photography, is inviting entries for proposals from artists and photographers from both Hong Kong and the international community to create new research-based photography work in Hong Kong, focusing on the theme of “Transition”. Project proposals must contextually relate to both the theme and to Hong Kong. A five-member selection panel will choose the WMA Commission Recipient, who will be awarded a HK$250,000 grant. The grant will contribute towards the production of the successful proposal and a public event featuring the completed work, which will be given a place in the WMA Collection. The WMA Commission is a part of the WMA programme.
By facilitating and supporting original, creative interpretations of “Transition”, the WMA Commission encourages a unique perspective on how Hong Kong is affected by the theme that has global implications, while increasing public awareness and knowledge. The HK$250,000 grant covers artist fees, creation (including such activities as research, travel and production; resources such as an assistant or translator and daily expenses) and a public event. It does not include accommodation for overseas artists or venue costs for public presentation, which are covered by the organiser. Overseas participants should ensure that they are able to stay for at least one month for the project and also set aside time for the public presentation.
Submission period: Oct 15 2017 00:00 HKT (GMT+8:00) - December 15 2017 18:00 HKT (GMT+8:00)
Project period: June 2018 - June 2019 (1 year)
The selection panel includes (in no particular order):
1. John Stanmeyer, photojournalist and educator
2. Kurt Chan, Adjunct Professor, Department of Fine Arts, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
3. Melissa Karmen Lee, public art curator and consultant
4. Dr. Linda Chiu-han Lai, Associate Professor, School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong
5. But Ho Ming, WYNG Foundation Trustee
Submissions should be made directly through the WMA Commission website. The selection panel will pick out a number of finalists to submit a full length proposal. Finalists will be interviewed by the panel in spring 2018.
Previous recipients of the WMA Commission include Chan Wai Kwong (“Poverty”) who held an exhibition at the Photocrafters, Lau Ching Ping (“Air”) who published the book “Thin As Air”, TRES Art Collective (“Waste”) released the book “Ubiquitous Trash—Hong Kong Edition” and held an exhibition at the Connecting Space and Puerta Roja in Hong Kong.
Prizes:
The HK$250,000 grant covers artist fees, creation (including such activities as research, travel and production; resources such as an assistant or translator and daily expenses) and a public event. It does not include accommodation for overseas artists or venue costs for public presentation, which are covered by the organiser. Overseas participants should ensure that they are able to stay for at least one month for the project and also set aside time for the public presentation.
Eligibility:
Entries are open to both residents of Hong Kong and other countries. The call for submissions is open to all nationalities. All applicants should go through the online website: commission.wma.hk Submissions can be made in English or Chinese.
Copyrights & Usage Rights:
The entrant must be the author and owner of copyright, intellectual property and all other proprietary rights in all images entered. You will retain copyright and all other rights to any images you submit. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to submit a full proposal, followed by an interview with the judges. The images you submit may be used for the following purposes:
Inclusion within the WMA Commission website, WMA website, WYNG Foundation website or similar print or digital media published by the WYNG Foundation for the promotion of the WMA Commission
Inclusion within marketing and promotional materials (including emails, websites and press packs) for any WMA Commission related programmes
Distribution of the entries to the press for reproduction in connection with the WMA Commission and related programmes
All entrants must be able to supply high-resolution images suitable for printing in media. All usage will be for non-profit and promotional purposes related to the WMA Commission and related programmes. There will be no monetary compensation for usage.