The Memory Project: Stories of the Second World War, the largest archive of Second World War oral history in Canada, launched the Art from Memory Challenge in June, 2010 to support emerging Canadian artists while celebrating the remarkable stories of Canadian veterans. Winners were officially announced November 25.
New Brunswick College of Art and Design student Rachel MacGillivray created a remarkable fabric art piece entitled Security Blanket, inspired by 86 year old Nova Scotian native Fraser Muir. She is the winner of The Historica-Dominion Institute’s Art from Memory Challenge which carries a cash prize of $5000.
The Art from Memory Runner up and Winner of $1500 is Quebec artist Natacha Mercure for her untitled animation video inspired by the theme of Memory.
Security Blanket by Rachel MacGillivray
Click here to watch the animated film by Natacha Mercure
Pieces by the finalists of Art from Memory Challenge
Click here to listen to “Honour Song” by finalist Howard Adler
MacGillivray and Mercure’s works were exhibited at gallery 44Wide in Toronto along with 10 other Art from Memory challenge finalists and 5 honourable mentions. A panel of 3 prestigious jurors (C Magazine Editor Amish Morrell, Canadian artist Scott Waters and cultural reporter Sophie Perceval) selected MacGillivray’s work as the grand-prize winner among over 50 submissions from across Canada.
Click here to see photos of the closing reception at gallery 44Wide in Toronto, on November 25th, 2010.
Art inspired by Stories of the Second World War
The Historica-Dominion Institute invites current and recently graduated art students to create an artwork inspired by a veteran story of the Second World War from our digital archive for a chance at a group exhibition and grand prize. Contest runs June 1 to October 15, 2010.
Ten finalists will be exhibited in a Toronto Gallery and two winners will win cash prizes!
To view regulations please click here.
First Prize : $ 5 000 Second Prize : $1 500
Art from Memory Challenge Regulations:
1. Participants must be current art students pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in art or design, or have graduated within the last year as of October 15, 2010.
2. Participants must be between the ages of 17 and 30.
3. Submissions must be a representation based on any aspect of a veteran profile (a transcript, audio recording or artefact) from www.thememoryproject.com.
4. All visual media are accepted, including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, fabric art, video, film, digital and new media. Sound art is also eligible.
5. Submissions must be accompanied by a one-page document (maximum 650 words) that includes an artist’s statement and a description of the artwork’s inspiration.
6. Submissions must be received between June 1 and October 15, 2010 and must include the name and contact information of the artist and a teacher or instructor from their academic institution.
7. Creativity and expression are encouraged; however, submissions should show sensitivity to subject matter, where necessary.
8. High resolution digital submissions (photographs or video of art installations and pieces too large or delicate to ship) may be sent to memory@historica-dominion.ca.
9. Clearly marked Art from Memory Challenge submissions may be sent to:
Historica-Dominion Institute
43 Front Street East, Suite 301
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1B3
For more information, call toll free 1-866-701-1867.
An initiative of the Historica-Dominion Institute, The Memory Project: Stories of the Second World War is a nation-wide oral history project that is creating an unprecedented record of Canada’s participation in the Second World War as seen through the eyes of thousands of men and women who were there. Visit www.thememoryproject.com to hear over a thousand incredible stories of service and sacrifice from the front.