Freedom to Create Prize

I came across this and thought I should post it. It's essentially two huge prizes for for artists who use their art courageously for social justice, including one prize for an artist imprisoned because of it. Sounds amazing on one level yet I can't help but think that this prize money would be better spent helping with the social justice itself rather than rewarding an individual's efforts in this way. What do you think?

About the Freedom to Create Prize

Launched in 2007, the Freedom to Create Prize is a celebration of the courage and creativity of artists, and the positive influence of their work to promote social justice and inspire the human spirit. The Prize is open to all forms of art, in any creative field and any individual or group of any gender, religion or nationality.

In 2010, nearly 2,000 artists entered from more than 100 countries.

In 2011, a total prize fund of US$100,000 will be awarded to the winning artists and their nominated advocacy organisations to further the cause their artwork has highlighted.

Opportunities for Artists

The Freedom to Create Prize offers a range of opportunities and platforms for artists across the world. In addition to competing for the Freedom to Create Prize, all entrants are also considered for selection to:

Perform at the Freedom to Create award festival in November 2011. This year's celebrations in Cape Town, South Africa will reveal the 2011 Prize winners and celebrate the courage and creativity of this year's participating artists.

Showcase their work as part of the international Freedom to Create Exhibition - a touring exhibition of selected work entered for the Freedom to Create Prize. In addition to recent exhibitions in Mumbai and New York, Freedom to Create Exhibitions have also been held at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, the Queen’s Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Enter 2011

The Prize has two categories: the Main Prize, open to individuals or artistic groups in all creative fields over the age of 16 and the Imprisoned Artist Prize, focusing on artists who are currently imprisoned for their artwork.

The 2011 Freedom to Create Prize is now open for entries via our website until 30 July 2011 (deadline extended). Please seehere for further information on how to enter the prize.

Judging Panel

Read here about the Judging Panel for this year’s Freedom to Create Prize and read more about the members of the 2010,2009 and 2008 Judging Panel.

Award Ceremony

Winners of the 2011 Freedom to Create Prize will be unveiled in November 2011, at the Freedom to Create Award Ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.