Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen (PDF)
Application Form, english (PDF)
Art. 1 - AIM
The Blob ART Cultural Association announces an art prize aimed at promoting and enhancing Contemporary Art. The contest entails the selection of 80 artworks from five different categories - Painting, Photography, Graphic Arts, Video Arts, Sculpture and Installation, - and will culminate in the exhibition of the finalists' works, the publication of a catalogue, the awarding of prize money, the awarding of a special prize by the Comune di Livorno and four special prizes by Lucca Art Fair. The exhibition, as well as the Jury's vote and the award ceremony, will be held in Livorno, Italy, at the "Museo Civico G. Fattori, ex Granai di Villa Mimbelli", from 22th June to 13th July 2019.
Art. 2 - ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
This competition is open to all contemporary artists worldwide. There are no age restrictions or thematic constraints. The five categories are:
PAINTING CATEGORY
The selection of the artworks will be based on the key criteria of quality, research, originality and contemporaneity. There are no restrictions regarding the subject, technique or style. However, all submissions should be paintings. A painting is defined as any use or manual application of oil, tempera, acrylic, industrial paints, ink, etching, graphite, watercolors or vinyl on any media, including pre-printed media; collages and multi-material works are also accepted. Artworks must not exceed 200 x 200cm.
GRAPHIC ARTS CATEGORY – ON PAPER
This category is only open to artworks that are realized on cardboard or paper. The selection of artworks will be based on the key criteria of quality, project development, research, originality and contemporaneity. In this category, the use of the following techniques is allowed: drawing, watercolor, gouache, collage, various forms of engraving and printmaking in plain, digital, in relief, cable (Giclée, offset, xylography, etching, lithography, serigraphy, etc.), computer graphics and other mixed technics. Artworks must not exceed 152x122* cm.
*The Graphic Arts category artworks selected for the final stage can be sent rolled up or without a frame. The Blob ART Cultural Association will undertake any assembly or framing at no additional cost.
PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
The selection will be based on the key criteria of formal quality and conceptual originality of the artwork. There are no thematic restrictions. Media accepted for the competition are digital and analog photos, color and b/w photos; and all the expressive means of photographic art. Artworks must not exceed 150 x 150 cm.
SCULPTURE and INSTALLATION CATEGORY
The selection of the artworks will be based on the criteria of quality, research, originality and contemporaneity. In the Sculpture and Installation category, the use of raw or manipulated materials, media, objects and expressive means, both traditional and innovative (sound art, kinetic art, video and sound installation, etc.) is allowed. The artworks may include interactive elements which can be moving electrical or mechanical parts, sounds, lights and videos, used individually or combined. Artworks should be registered by sending photos, videos or audio files. Artworks must not exceed 4 x 3m and a height of 3m.
VIDEO ARTS CATEGORY
The Video Arts category allows video artworks and experimental animations, video research, video dance, video theatre, music videos, abstract videos, video portraits, city portraits and similar, excluding fiction. Videos should have a minimum length of 1 min. and a maximum length of 30 min. For the final exhibition, please submit the original artworks recorded on HQ DVD and make sure their format is compatible with the most common reading devices.
Art. 3 - TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ENROLLMENT
Artists wishing to submit an artwork must register by 13th April 2019 4th May 2019 using one of the following methods:
a) ONLINE The registration form is accessible at: http://www.premiocombat.it/register. The form allows you to select the category and upload your artwork(s). Choose: Painting Category - Photography Category - Graphic Arts Category to upload IMAGES; Video Arts Category - Sculpture/Installation Category to upload IMAGES, AUDIO or VIDEO.
b) SHIPMENT BY POST (applications postmarked after deadline will not be accepted) The APPLICATION FORM - available on the website or on request from Associazione Culturale Blob ART, Via Luigi Boccherini, 22 - 57124 Livorno, Italy - Tel. +390586 88116, or by email, info@premiocombat.it, - must be completed in all parts.
Applicants should also attach a CD-ROM containing a brief curriculum vitae or a short biography detailing the artist’s training and experience and any exhibitions; a picture of the submitted artwork in JPG or TIFF, 300 dpi, RGB; a description of the artwork including name, surname, country, the title of the work, year, technique, dimensions (Height x Base x Depth (where applicable)); copy of proof of payment of the registration fee.
As an alternative to the CD-ROM, applicants can send a photograph of the artwork (size: minimum 10x15 cm, maximum 21x30 cm) with name, surname, country, the title of the work, year, technique, dimensions (Height x Base x Depth (where applicable)) written on the back. If registering in the Video Arts and Sculpture/Installation categories, it is possible to submit a DVD with a video of a maximum length of 30 min. The video should be in a format that is compatible with the most common reading devices (wmv, mpeg, mp4, avi, mov, flv).
In order to apply by post, all the material should be sent at entrant’s expense in a closed envelope and sent exclusively by post, courier or delivered by hand directly to:
ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE Blob ART
Via Luigi Boccherini, 22
57124 LIVORNO – ITALY
(please specify PREMIO COMBAT PRIZE)
Art. 4 - REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee, which covers part of the organizational costs, is Euros 50 (fifty) for the 1st artwork submitted, and Euros 40 (forty) for each additional artwork. It is possible to enter more than one artwork in one or more categories. Entrants will need to fill in a new, separate registration form for each submitted artwork. Where more than one artwork is submitted, a cumulative payment should be made. Artworks presented in support of the main entry will not require any registration fee (see art. 5). The registration fee should be paid in Euros, and applicants are responsible for paying any bank fees or commission.
Fees are not refundable. The acceptable methods of PAYMENTS are:
- Online by credit card via PayPal on http://www.premiocombat.it/register (if the card is not registered in the artist's name, please write both the name of the holder and the name of the artist at info@premiocombat.it)
- Bank transfer to: Blob ART ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE with the reference 'PREMIO COMBAT PRIZE and artist’s name and surname. Bank details: Banco Posta, filiale di LIVORNO, ITALY - IBAN IT67 A076 0113 9000 0009 7568 935 - Bic/Swift BPPIITRRXXX
- Western Union: to: Name: Paolo - Surname: Batoni - Address: Via Luigi Boccherini, 22 - City: Livorno - Country: Italy.
The transaction code must be stated on the application form.
Art. 5 ARTWORKS IN SUPPORT
For a better comprehension of the artist’s poetics and without incurring any additional costs, it is possible for artists to add a maximum of three more pictures (see art. 3) in support of the artwork submitted to the contest, showing other works or the same artwork submitted to the contest. Artworks in support will not be entered into the competition.
Art. 6 - VISIBILITY AND PUBLICATION OF ARTWORK
Entrants’ artworks in the Painting, Photography, Graphic Arts, Video Arts, Sculpture and Installation categories will be published online on the Combat Prize website. At no additional cost, each artist will have a personal page containing the artwork in the contest, up to three other artworks in support of it (sent by post or online) and their descriptions. Artists who do not wish to appear on the site can choose the option "I do not agree" when registering: the artworks will not be publicly visible, and will only be accessible to the Jury.
Art. 7- JURY AND SELECTION
The selection of the works will be carried out by an artistic Jury of six members. After the initial short-listing of the submissions, selected artists will be asked to send their original artworks to be included in the collective exhibition. The selected shortlist will consist of 30 works from the Painting category, 10 from the Graphic Arts category, 20 from the Photography category, 10 from the Video Arts category, and 10 from the Sculpture and Installation category. All transportation costs (delivery of the artwork to the Organization premises and its return to the artist) are at the entrants' expense. The jury will select the winners of the five different categories and the winners of the Special Prizes. The Jury’s decision is final.
Art. 8- PRIZES
Prizes will be distributed as shown below:
Euros 6000 (six thousand) to the winner of PAINTING category
Euros 6000 (six thousand) to the winner of the PHOTOGRAPHY category
Euros 4000 (four thousand) to the winner of the GRAPHIC ARTS category
Euros 4000 (four thousand) to the winner of the SCULPTURE and INSTALLATION category *
Euros 4000 (four thousand) to the winner of the VIDEO ARTS category *
* (the winning artwork will remain property of the artist)
Special Prize Fattori Contemporaneo - awarded by the Comune di Livorno - site-specific project and relating publication at the Musei Civici di Livorno (Museo della Città - Luogo Pio Arte Contemporanea and Museo Giovanni Fattori)*
Special Prize Poliart - The company, leader in the processing of expanded polystyrene, will award an artist selected among the finalists, supporting the production of an artwork.
Special Prize Art Tracker - Four artists will be selected from the Combat Prize finalists to be included in the calendar of the Lucca Art Fair with a curatorial project that will be exhibited during the event in 2020.
As required by the law, a tax of 25% will be withheld from all prize money. The winning artworks of the Painting, Photography, and Graphic Arts categories will become property of the Associazione Culturale Blob ART. The winning artwork of the Fattori Contemporaneo Prize will become property of the Comune di Livorno. All the other artworks, including the winners of the Video Arts category, Sculpture and Installation category, and Special Prize Art Tracker will remain the property of the artists.
Art. 9 - SPECIAL PRIZE - FATTORI CONTEMPORANEO
The Musei Civici di Livorno, Museo della Città - Luogo Pio Arte Contemporanea and Museo Giovanni Fattori, will promote the winner artist of the Fattori Contemporaneo Prize within its 2020 calendar of events through a personal site-specific project and relating publication. The winning artwork of the Fattori Contemporaneo Prize will remain the property of the Comune di Livorno.
Art. 10 - SPECIAL PRIZE – Poliart
The company, leader in the processing of expanded polystyrene, will award an artist selected among the finalists, supporting the production of a work. The maximum format can be 200 x 60 x 80 cm. The technical specifications of realization are visible on the special prizes page. The artwork will remain the property of the artist.
Art. 11 - SPECIAL PRIZE – ART TRACKER – LUCCA ART FAIR
Four artists under 35 will be selected from the Combat Prize finalists to be included in the calendar of the LUCCA ART FAIR with a curatorial project that will be exhibited during the event in 2020. The project will be coordinated by a curator (under 35) with the general supervision and organisation of the exhibition team.
Art. 12 - STAGES AND DEADLINES
Registration Deadline - 13th April 2019 4th May 2019
Announcing of the selected 80 finalists - the 27th May 2019
Finalists Exhibition - from 22th June to 13th July 2019 at "Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori ex Granai di Villa Mimbelli" Livorno, Italy
Award announcement and Ceremony - Saturday 13th July 2019
Art. 13 - CATALOGUE
The catalogue, published by Sillabe publishing house, will contain 120 pages, 160 illustrations and critical texts written by the Jury in Italian and English. A free copy will be available to each of the 80 finalists, while participating artists will receive a discount. Copies of the catalogue can be bought at the final exhibition, or online from the publisher at www.sillabe.it.
Art. 14 - RESPONSIBILITY
The organization, Associazione Culturale Blob ART, will ensure the greatest care of the artworks in its custody. However, it will not be liable for theft, fire or any damages to artworks or people that might occur during the organization of the event. Any insurance request should be submitted directly by the entrant.
Art. 15 - AGREEMENT
Entrants authorize Associazione Culturale Blob ART and its legal representative to use their personal data according to the Italian privacy law (Legislative Decree 675/96 et seq. 196/2003), including the entry into databanks managed by the above organization. Entrants will grant any reproduction rights of the artworks and texts submitted, free of charge, to the Associazione Culturale Blob ART and its legal representative, given the editing of the catalogue, the relevant publication on the Prize website and any other forms of communication, promotion and activity by the Organization. Any material submitted will not be returned. The Prize organizers have the right to make a final decision on any matter that is not specified in these competition rules. The Organization reserves the right to amend these competition rules whenever required. Participation in the Prize implies the knowledge and total acceptance of these competition rules.
