CALL FOR ENTRIES: Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize 2015

The Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize returns for the third year, inviting locals artists to submit entries on the theme of human rights. Launched by non-profit human rights organisation Justice Centre Hong Kong, the platform aims to raise awareness of issues among new audiences through the medium of visual arts. Last year attracted over 40 entries from Hong Kong based artists originating from countries as diverse as the Philippines, UK, Australia, USA, Hong Kong, South Africa and India. Photography student Katie Vajda scooped the Prize for her piece, Can you see me yet?, a series of two photographs examining the neglect, abuse, and obscurity of domestic workers within Hong Kong’s social fabric. [caption id="attachment_36154" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Can you see me yet? by Katie Vajda[/caption] Among those shortlisted for the Prize was Xyza Cruz Bacani, a former domestic worker who was awarded the Justice Centre Choice Award for her photograph BURN, depicting a domestic worker whose back was burnt after a pan of soup fell on her, and was denied medical attention by her employer. Bringing to light issues that are underreported and unknown is a key objective of the platform, as Bacani tells us. "Through this Prize I could plant seeds of awareness among the public, so they can’t ignore the abuse that happens behind closed doors. By raising awareness, slowly we can bring about change. I would encourage artists to enter the Prize as it is a way of focusing on the issues they care about, and making them mainstream.” [caption id="attachment_36157" align="aligncenter" width="618"] BURN by Xyza Cruz Bacani[/caption] Entries will be judged by an eminent panel of prominent art experts and human rights specialists, and the winner will be awarded $30,000 to support their work. Shortlisted artists are requested to donate their artwork to be sold at a charity auction in December to raise funds to help Justice Centre Hong Kong protect the rights of refugees and survivors of human trafficking. The deadline for entries is 11.59pm on September 20, 2015. Click here to see rules and information on how to enter, and to complete the online application form. You can also follow Justice Centre Hong Kong on Facebook.

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