Overview:
The Institute for the Future (IFTF), in collaboration with a global development bank, is accepting proposals for provocative representations of the future of climate action, as part of a broader research project designed to catalyze more effective action across a broad set of global stakeholders. This request for proposals (RFP) is open to all individuals and organizations. All artistic representations will be considered. Global-minded projects are highly desirable. Proposals will be accepted from March 26th-April 9th 2018. Selected projects will be announced by April 13th. Artists must attend a workshop in Palo Alto, CA from May 10-11, 2018 and will have until July 31, 2018 to complete works.

Benefits to artist:
A stipend of US$2,500, along with travel costs to attend the workshop
May 10th – Spend a day with world-renowned climate experts
May 11th –  Spend a day with researchers and designers in a creative workshop designed to further inspire your work.
Your work will be part of a public campaign about inspiring climate action among global stakeholders.

Black Mirror/White Mirror and climate action. What does that mean?
Although humanity has gone through decades of climate-related issues (ozone depletion and extreme climate change and weather), these issues may seem too overwhelming and ominous for people to really consider at a personal level (how does it affect me? What could I possibly do to help?). This, in turn, makes it hard for people to act. Climate action is about more than climate change — it’s about the triggers needed to spark widespread change in human behavior.

These changes will need to take place at multiple scales, from national policies to multilateral diplomacy, from municipal programs to grassroots social movements and civic organizations.

Black Mirror is a compelling original television series that imagines techno-inspired dystopian futures, often in disturbing ways. While Black Mirror provokes the public’s imagination, we also want to represent the “White Mirror,” the positive, but also provocative, views of the future of climate action. Artists are invited to present a positive view, a negative view, or both, provided they fit into the eligibility criteria.

Why an RFP

This RFP sits within a larger research project on the future of climate action. As part of that project, we would like to include creative visions from the artistic community to provoke the public’s imagination in ways that pure research may not.
Imagining climate action

For this project, we’re looking for artists who can put us into the future of climate action, whether from a personal or humanity-level point of view, with the hope that your art will spark a change of mindset and of action.

Questions to consider:
What does climate action look like?
What new kinds of climate action might be emerging?
What will the result of climate action look like in 2028?
How can art be used to spark climate action?

Eligibility criteria:
Funds are designated for one-time use and not for the ongoing support of an organization or individual.
Funds must be used to support the artist’s development of a future of climate action related work.
Applicants can be at any stage of their careers, but must have a track record of developed work that demonstrates their capacity to complete the proposed project and to manage the level of funds requested.
Artists must be over the age of 18.
Artists must be fluent in English.
This process is open to all artistic disciplines.
Artists may reside in any country.
Artwork must be original.
Artwork may be physical but must be digitally shareable in a meaningful way (photo or video). The proposal should describe how this work would be shared.

Review process:
Applications will be reviewed by IFTF staff and collaborators on the basis of the quality of the project concept in relation to the future of climate action Focus on the future 10 years out Aesthetic rigor and artistic excellence The artist’s (or organization’s) ability to complete the project and use the financial support effectively.

Deadlines:
The process closes Monday April 9th at 11:59 p.m. (PST). We will not accept applications after this time. IFTF will announce awardees by Friday April 13th.

How to apply:
Proposals will be accepted through email submission to [email protected] beginning March 26th, 2018, subject line: [First name, last name] proposal

In the email body or as an attachment:
Overview (up to 50 words): Please describe the project or idea in one or two brief sentences

Detailed project description (up to 500 words): Describe the proposed project, its genesis, and its stages. Describe how the project addresses climate action and how people will interact with it
Artistic practice (up to 300 words): Describe the artist’s history and experience working with future related content

Impact (External) (maximum 400 words): Describe your intended artistic and community goals, and the project’s arc of change from start (status “A”) to finish (status “B”), however modest or ambitious, based on your own criteria. Use active verbs that provide a realistic sense of what you hope the project can accomplish. How will you know if your goals have been achieved?

Impact (Internal) (maximum 300 words): What impact would this project have on you (or your organization)?

Work samples: Please submit three representative work samples with a short explanation (up to 100 words each) of how each relates to the proposed project. If available, please include any relevant links to portfolios, articles, etc.

Questions may be directed to [email protected]