AUSTRIA, May 29 - Artists whose political or social circumstances make it difficult or impossible to pursue their activities can now submit their projects for the State of the ART(ist) call of proposals until 30 June 2022.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine demands a strong commitment and true solidarity with artists whose political or social circumstances make it difficult or impossible for them to pursue their activities. With the "State of the ART(ist)" call for proposals, the Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica are now creating a virtual art gallery to offer a safe space for artistic freedom. This is intended to support artists in Ukraine and around the world for whom making a stand for peace, freedom and self-determination is impossible locally or only possible at great risk to themselves. 

With State of the ART(ist), we are creating an instrument for artists around the world that will make visible what their normal circumstances would not otherwise allow to be seen. This is a commitment to the universal right to freedom of speech and creative expression. Together with the leading festival in the field of art, new technologies and society, we are creating an innovative initiative for supporting and showing oppressed art. After all, that is what the work of the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs stands for,

 commented Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

All submitted State of the ART(ist) projects will be presented online as part of the Ars Electronica Festival 2022 "Welcome to Planet B: A different life is possible. But how?", making them accessible to a global audience. In addition, an international jury of experts will select several works and curate three virtual exhibitions in connection with this year's festival motto. 

In 2022, Ars Electronica will welcome visitors to 'Planet B'. A large continent on this planet designed by artists will focus on the question of how we can live together peacefully and respectfully across borders of states, culture, language, religion and gender. The virtual 'State of the ART(ist)' exhibition will be the focal point of this endeavour,

explained Martin Honzik, Managing Director Ars Electronica Festival and CCO Ars Electronica. 

Submissions for art and cultural projects are now open online until 30 June 2022.

Project management and curation: Christl Baur, Martin Honzig, Simon Mraz