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Mbulelo [email protected]

CURIOUS Shapes, a dynamic multidisciplinary creative studio renowned for its collaborations with leading global brands, is turning its focus toward a critical and timely initiative: a call for African artists, creatives, musicians, storytellers, and performers to transform pressing debates around technology into powerful art. This initiative seeks to amplify voices on vital digital rights issues affecting communities across Africa, Zimbabwe included.

In an era where online privacy, surveillance, censorship, and harassment are increasingly relevant, Curious Shapes invites talented individuals to visualise these concerns through diverse artistic mediums. The studio is offering funding for selected proposals that will culminate in a gallery exhibition scheduled for September 2025.

Curious Shapes is specifically looking for innovative works that address four key themes:

1. Privacy and Surveillance: Investigating corporate data practices, state surveillance, and the importance of online privacy.

2. Online Censorship and Internet Shutdowns: Highlighting administrative restrictions on internet access and the effects on free expression.

3. Gender-Based Online Violence and Targeted Harassment: Focusing on cyberbullying, online harassment, and creating safe digital spaces for marginalised groups.

4. Internet Access and Affordability: Examining barriers to internet access, the digital divide, and economic challenges.

Artists are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect their experiences and insights on these topics, utilising any medium—from painting and photography to multimedia installations and digital art.
Selected artists will receive funding to support their commission and production efforts throughout 2024 and 2025. The initiative aims not only to create impactful artwork but also to ensure that these pieces resonate with audiences beyond the exhibition, fostering ongoing discussions about digital rights and technology’s role in society.

Proposals must be submitted by January 15, 2024. The selection process will take place from February to August 2025, leading up to the exhibition in the fall.

Artists interested in participating must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes:

– An artist statement detailing past work and motivations for exploring these themes.
– A concept description outlining the proposed artwork and its relation to the thematic topics.
– A budget estimate, including labor and material costs.
– A production timeline.
– A portfolio of previous works and an artist CV.

Proposals should be sent to [email protected].

Curious Shapes is not just seeking artists; they are inviting a community of creatives to engage with and reflect on the intricacies of technology and society. This initiative represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital conversation, using art as a medium for social commentary and change.

As technology continues to evolve and challenge our notions of privacy and freedom, Curious Shapes stands at the forefront, championing the power of art to provoke thought and inspire action. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu