Call For Artists 105 views2 applications

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through unarmed civilian protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence and protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath and to help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AMONG ARTISTS

Calling all artists who would like to contribute their boundless imagination, mindful aesthetics and activist spirit. Here is an opportunity to make a difference in South Sudan.

Nonviolent Peaceforce is looking for individuals or groups who love to visualise powerful messages about transformative futures. We would be happy to work with those who are committed to end gender-based violence (GBV) especially against women and girls in situations of conflict and displacement; advance positive masculinities among men and boys who can be allies towards gender equality; promote women’s substantive political participation; and support community-based protection mechanisms.

These powerful images and messages will appear in modest billboards/ sign posts on strategic public places, where there are significant foot traffic in Aburoc, Aweil, Bentiu Protection of Civilian Site (POC), Juba POC and Rumbek. At least five billboards/ sign posts will be installed in these places.

JOB PURPOSE: The challenge is to spark the imagination of people in an otherwise volatile and patriarchal context towards a future where there is just and sustainable peace; where women and girls are free from violence; and where men and boys become partners in advancing gender justice, women’s leadership and community protection.

However daunting the task may be, we need not look too far from inspiring stories among the communities NP has been working with. We have seen the formation of women protection teams; the appointment of grassroots women into formal leadership; strategies towards GBV prevention and response mechanisms; and efforts of young men in countering otherwise harmful practices.

Interested? Send us your expression of interest (EOI), along with a portfolio of works on or before 26 July 2019 to [email protected] with a reference on the heading: “EOI-artworks”

This call is open to artists around the world. South Sudanese, both in the country and the diaspora are encouraged to submit their EOIs. Thank you.

The EOI must have the following pieces of information:

(1) Name/s of the proponent/s

(2) Contact details of the proponent/s

(3) Cost – ideally done per collateral/ work (use NP’s proposed costing guide, as explained in the Creative Brief)

(4) Links to at least three samples of previous work

(5) Resume of the proponent/s

Please read the creative brief before sending an EOI. The creative brief can be found below:

CREATIVE BRIEF: ARTWORKS FOR BILLBOARDS IN SOUTH SUDAN

What: A collection of artworks – mostly illustration – that depicts transformative gender relations in a situation of conflict through girls who are able to maximise their full potentials towards achieving their dreams instead of being subjected to child marriage; men and boys who challenge patriarchy themselves, including gender roles; women and girls who are able to access protection from the community itself against all forms of gender based violence; and women and girls who are able to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes on peace-building.

Target audience: The public – Some of these are pedestrians and motorists who ply major dirt roads, which barely have traffic signages. These also include residents of Protection of Civilian (POC) sites, especially where there is a concentration of foot traffic such as water points, distribution centers and gates.

Key messages:

Gender justice is a prerequisite to just and sustainable peace. As such:

(1) Everyone, especially women and girls must be free from any form of gender-based violence (GBV) and have recourse to access to justice. Further, we advocate to an end to rape and other sexual abuses which are endured by women as they collect firewood, water and access other goods and services for their families and communities. Girls must also have the same opportunities as boys.They must be protected from further abuse particularly child marriage, that sometimes happens as a settlement for assets and even crimes such as rape.

(2) Men and boys can be allies in transforming attitudes, norms and behaviour by being conscious of their privilege and power, as manifested in the gender division of labour especially the concentration of unpaid care work on women and girls, GBV, decision-making processes beginning in the households, policies, practices and culture.

(3) Women have proven their leadership in protecting communities from the impacts of conflict. They must have conditions through which they can meaningfully participate in decision-making processes on peace-building.

What kind of artworks do we want?

We would like a series of artworks which are empowering. While these are informed by the horrible realities of rape, domestic violence, exploitation, child marriage, and patriarchy with ethnic divisions and armed conflict as a backdrop, we would like to the artworks to express a hope for just and sustainable peace, transformative gender relations, and inclusion and diversity.

We would like the artworks to convey the key messages with clarity, groundedness and sophistication. From the artworks, the key messages must be easily understood. The artworks must be accessible to people of all ages.

If it helps, the artist/s may use elements which tend to re-present South Sudan, without resorting to stereotyping and privileging one ethnic group over another. The artworks for every one of the five field sites, must also be rendered like they are a collection. The artworks must be impactful.

How many artworks are needed?

We are considering 15-30 artworks which will be featured in billboards and sign posts where there is a high traffic of people.

What are our pegs for the artworks?

We are keen to give room for the artist/s to suggest any styles with a popular and substantive impact. It may be useful though to think of firewood, tukul, water, and cattle as elements. As all artworks will be accompanied with messages in Nuer, Dinka, Arabic and Shiluk, kindly be mindful in playing with letters/words as Wordle-like elements.

How long will the production process be?

Once the artist/s is/are selected, we expect the artworks to be finished in two weeks. This will include two revisions and finalisation per artwork.

When will the billboards and signposts be put up?

We would like the artworks to be printed and installed in billboards and signpost by the second half of August 2019.

How much is the budget and how will it be disbursed?

The budget is reasonable. It will be disbursed upon the satisfactory production of the final output/s.

How shall the proposed budget be prepared?

For each artwork, we expect at least three studies. We ask that prospective artists follow this format as they make a bid, along with the submission of their portfolios.

(a) Three studies – (Timeline – No. of Days) (Cost)

(b) Feedback revision cycle for chosen study (maximum of 2 revisions) – (Timeline) (Cost)

(c) Finalisation of the artwork – (Timeline) (Cost)

Total – a+b+c