WMA Commission 2017/18

(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.