The Rotunda Gallery “Shaping a Better Tomorrow: The Joy of Giving” Exhibition

Written By TTRCS

A display of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and political heritage

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Artists & Collectors

 

The Rotunda Gallery is inviting submissions for our exhibition titled “Shaping a Better Tomorrow: The Joy of Giving” in commemoration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day which is celebrated on May 8. The exhibition will be held from Monday 6th May – Friday 24th May, 2024.

Inspirational Tags

World Red Cross Day; The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; Giving Back; Be Kind; Bring People Together; Red Crescent Day; HIV/AIDS Awareness; Helping Others, Make the World a Better Place; Humanitatem ad pacem; Inter Arma Caritas; Humanitarian Efforts; Charity; Through Humanity to Peace; Henry Durant; The International Red Cross; Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society; Volunteers; Joy is the Reward; Saving Lives Together; Empathy Matters; Supporting Communities; Give With Joy; Global Solidarity; Compassion In Action; Humanitarian Spirit; Red Cross Heroes.

The Vision

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network of millions of members, staff, and volunteers. They aim to be on the frontlines where there is disaster, conflict, health, or social problems and to help those in need.

Their purpose is: “To help without discrimination those who suffer and thus contribute to peace in the world.” The organisation consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide.

The Red Cross seeks to alleviate and prevent human suffering wherever it may be found. This vision, inspired originally by the founder Henry Durant, is further promoted through the celebration of his birth anniversary and humanitarian work annually on World Red Cross Day commencing on May 8th. The Red Crescent Day holds significance through its recognition of the importance of humanitarian aid, the promotion of core values and compassion, and, the importance of raising awareness about various humanitarian crises in an effort to mobilize many to act. In 2024, the theme reads “I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward” which highlights giving and helping with a sense of happiness and understanding that the joy experienced is the reward.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Their secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers for the good of humanity. Strategy 2023 includes five priorities:

1.     Climate and Environment

2.     Disasters and Crises

3.     Health and Wellbeing (includes mental health)

4.     Migration

5.     Values, Power and Inclusion (includes protection and gender)

This day is intended to commemorate the hard work that volunteers and workers do and highlight the many areas in which they work. These people will often be the first to provide disaster relief, preparation for anticipated disasters, and education for the public. “Humanitatem ad pacem”, which translates to “Through humanity to peace,” expresses the ideals of the Red Cross. This motto further reinforces the significance of World Red Cross Day 2024, which is, through humanitarian efforts we shall witness positive change globally and successfully mitigate human suffering.

Important Notes

  • All visual art genres are acceptable (painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, prints, fabric art, collage, installation art, digital art).

  • Submissions for this call are open to citizens/residents of Trinidad and Tobago.

  • There is no submission fee, but artists and collectors will be responsible for framing, transport, and insurance of their artwork.

  •  No nudity, sexual content, violence, hatred, or propaganda allowed.

  • The final decision on whether your artwork will be exhibited is at the sole discretion of the Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee.

  • Artists and Collectors may be invited to exhibit by the Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee or solicited through a call to artists.

  • The Office of the Parliament will, at the Artist’s request, make contact information available to persons interested in purchasing the artwork. All sales and related negotiations are the sole responsibility of the Artist.

Important Dates

  • Call for Submissions

    • Thursday 11th April, 2024

  • Email Submission deadline of artwork and other supporting documents to rotundagallery@ttparliament.org

    • Sunday 28th April, 2024

  • Selection Notification via email

    • Tuesday 30th April, 2024

  • Submission of artwork at the Rotunda Gallery, Red House

    • Saturday 4th May, 2024

  • Deadline for collection of  artworks from the Rotunda Gallery, Red House

    • Thursday 6th June, 2024

Submission Guidelines and Requirements                                                                                                                 

  • Proof of Trinidad and Tobago citizenship/residence (National ID/DP/ Passport).

  • Contact information (name, phone number, email address).

  • A brief Artist Statement (not exceeding 300 words).

  • An explanation of each piece submitted (not exceeding 150 words per piece).

  • Images (at least 300 dpi) of up to three (3) pieces of work.

  • Documents must be submitted electronically to rotundagallery@ttparliament.org in MS Word format and images of work must be in JPEG format. See title examples below on how to name files:

    •  John Doe_National ID

    • John Doe_World Red Cross Day_2024_24x44inches

    • John Doe_Artist Statement_2024

  • Collectors must submit proof of ownership of the artwork being submitted.

  • All artwork submitted must be authentic, original and done by the artist submitting the work.

You are required to submit the title, medium, year, size, and price of artwork.

The Selection Process

The Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee will judge the selection process for “Shaping a Better Tomorrow: The Joy of Giving” Exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions for Exhibitions at the Rotunda Gallery

1.     WHO CAN SUBMIT WORKS? Any citizen/resident of Trinidad and Tobago.

2.     WHAT CAN I SUBMIT? Artists and collectors can submit up to three (3) pieces of work in any medium of visual arts which includes painting, photography, drawing, prints, fabric art, collage, installation art, digital art or other. No nudity, sexual content, violence, hatred, or propaganda. Unsuitable works will not be accepted.

3.     I CANNOT COMPLETE ARTWORK BY THE DEADLINE, ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES? Yes, the Rotunda Gallery exists as an exhibition space to display Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and political heritage. Follow the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and Rotunda Gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future Call for Submissions.

4.     HOW MANY WORKS CAN I SUBMIT? Artists may submit up to THREE (3) pieces of artwork unless specific permission has been granted to submit a collection.

5.     WHAT IS THE SIZE LIMITATION? The maximum size is 60 inches in height and 72 inches in width.

6.     WILL THE ARTWORK BE INSURED? It is the responsibility of the artist or the collector to arrange all insurance. While every effort will be made to ensure that artworks submitted are handled carefully and well protected, all artworks should be insured door to door by the participating artist or collector.

7.     HOW WILL I KNOW WHETHER MY WORK HAS BEEN SELECTED? You will receive an email informing you of the status of your submission.

8.     DO I HAVE TO FRAME MY ARTWORK? For the initial electronic submission, the artwork can be unframed. Once you receive the email advising of the selection of your piece(s), you may proceed to the framing phase to prepare your work for submission day. All selected works must be professionally/tastefully mounted and ready for hanging or installation in the Rotunda Gallery.

9.     WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON FINAL SUBMISSION DAY? Artists are required to bring in their work(s), ready to hang or display. The labels and submission form will be provided in the notification email. All documents should be completed in advance and submitted with artwork.

10.  WHAT ARE THE GALLERY HOURS? The gallery is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to facilitate walk-ins or scheduled appointments. The exhibition will also be shown online @rotundagallerytt on Facebook and Instagram. To book an appointment, call 624-7275 ext. 2365/2314 or 701-6133.

11.  I CANNOT COLLECT MY ARTWORK IN THE WINDOW PROVIDED CAN I AUTHORISE SOMEONE TO COLLECT ON MY BEHALF? Yes. We DO NOT have a facility to store unclaimed works. Please arrange to collect your works within the window provided. If you are designating someone to collect your artwork you must send us an email with the person’s name, and they must provide photo ID on arrival.

TTRCS
Next

Red Cross steps up Wilderness and Psychosocial First Aid training as Hurricane season approaches