CIRCA PRIZE 2024
WELCOME TO THE CIRCA PRIZE
<< BREAK FREE >>
Like the instant before an arrow breaks free from the bow, we find ourselves in a moment of nervous anticipation.
Today (5 June, 2024), Marina Abramović and Ai Weiwei announce the return of the CIRCA PRIZE 2024, with an open call for artists to win £40,000. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the prize aims to discover, platform and champion the future visionaries who are shaping our world for the better.
The CIRCA PRIZE is searching for emerging and mid-career artists aged over 18, of all nationalities and from every location across the planet. To enter, artists must submit a 2.5 minute video work in response to the CIRCA 20:24 manifesto << Break Free >> Time’s Arrow Flies Forever Forward.
As the CIRCA 20:24 manifesto predicted, we are together facing a gathering storm: political, social, and ecological. So far, this year has unfolded from unfamiliar beginnings toward uncertain futures. As much as we may fear the edge of all that is known, we take a lead from Abramović and from Yves Klien, who once invited us to join him in dreaming of a departure from the cold certainty of the past and leap with him into the “marvellous void”.
Introducing the CURATORS CIRCLE for 2024
In the crises of today, we see a chance to break with the repeating rhythms of the past. But, we know, these cycles do not break themselves. We ask: who will be today’s instigators, insurgents, and inventors, prepared to herald a new era of liberation?
Throughout September, 30 international artists will see their work appear at 20:24 local time on the iconic Piccadilly Lights and across the CIRCA global platform of digital screens in Milan and Berlin, chosen by a jury made up of CIRCA artists and collaborators including Marina Abramović, Lisa Anderson, Nicoletta Fiorucci, Michèle Lamy, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Josef O’Connor, Kembra Pfahler, Sir Norman Rosenthal, Slawn, Nadya Tolokonnikova and Ai Weiwei.
The CIRCA PRIZE 2024 launches Wednesday 5 June at 20:00 BST on Piccadilly Lights with a special 10-minute screening of ‘Departing’ by CIRCA PRIZE 2022 winner, Mary Martins. The CIRCA PRIZE 2024 award ceremony will be held LIVE! in Piccadilly Circus, London, during Frieze Week on 8 October 2024.
The winning artist will receive £30,000 to help support their practice and develop a new CIRCA commission, alongside a trophy designed especially by Ai Weiwei. The life-changing award is entirely funded by the work of CIRCA exhibiting artists. As part of the #CIRCAECONOMY, artists have produced affordable art prints, purchased by CIRCA supporters around the world. Previous CIRCA PRIZE winners include Joseph Wilson (2021), Mary Martins (2022) and Cemile Sahin (2023).
READ BEFORE APPLYING
↓ CIRCA PRIZE 2024 is a free-to-apply-open-call for emerging and mid-career artists of all ages over 18, nationalities and locations.
↳ Boil a kettle and read the Terms & Conditions carefully before applying;
To apply, scroll down and fill out the submission form before midnight on 15 July 2024;
⇢ Artists must submit a 2.5 minute piece of work in response to the CIRCA 20:24 manifesto, << Break Free >> Time’s Arrow Flies Forever Forward;
We encourage and appreciate considered applications. Please (!) do not send in abrupt cut downs of previous work. Applications longer or shorter in length than 2.5 minutes will immediately be disqualified;
🏹 The 30 finalists will be notified in mid-August. Their work will be exhibited on Piccadilly Lights and across the CIRCA global platform of digital screens throughout September 2024;
The CURATORS’ CIRCLE will deliberate with the Jury to decide an overall winner of the £30,000 main prize. In keeping with the spirit of public art, throughout September an online public vote will decide the winner of an additional £10,000, powered by Piccadilly Lights;
💘 Save the date! The CIRCA PRIZE 2024 award ceremony will be held LIVE! in Piccadilly Circus, London, during Frieze Week on 7 October 2024.