European Prize for Applied Arts 2015

The European Prize for Applied Arts is organized by the WCC-BF, in partnership with the City Mons and the WCC-Europe. It is supported by the Ministry of  Culture of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels.

The competition is focused on artists working in the field of applied arts and design-led crafts and living in a European country (including the countries that are not part of the EU). By “design-led crafts“, the organizers mean all work designed and made by the designer himself, either one-of-a-kind pieces or small series products. Applications with work produced by industrial means will not be admitted to the competition.

The pieces chosen for the exhibition will be of a high standard in artistic & technical skill and demonstrate originality and innovation. The selected works will be exhibited from 24th October 2015 until 10th January 2016, at the Grand Hall of the Anciens abattoirs of the City Mons (Belgium).

The European Prize consists of three categories:
- The "Master Prize", Prize of the Ministry of Culture of the Federation Wallonia- Brussels : money prize of 3,500 Euros that will be awarded to the author of a masterpiece (age 36 or over on 1st July 2015)
- The "Young Talent Prize", Prize of the World Crafts Council-Europe : money prize of 3,000 Euros that will be awarded to a young artist (age 35 or under on 1st July 2015)
- The "Mons 2015 Prize", money prize of 3,500 euros, that will be awarded to an artist showing innovation in the making process of his works.

Further prizes may be given, depending on finances available at the time of the exhibition opening.

_All craft disciplines are admitted (ceramics, glass, textile, jewellery, wood, paper, furniture, accessories, etc.)
_Pieces submitted for the competition must be recent (produced after the 1st January 2013). They shall be made in accordance with the laws about environment and animal welfare.
_Their weight must not exceed 100 Kg per piece. Possible exceptions will be decided by the jury or the organizers.
_Candidates may submit either one large (eg. large furniture or wall hangings) or three medium-sized pieces (+/- 60 cm) or five small pieces (eg. jewellery, small ceramics etc.)

Awards:
The prize ceremony will take place during the opening of the exhibition.

Jury:
_A jury of experts, chosen by the partners of the event, will meet in March 2015.
_The candidates will be informed of their selection within fifteen days of the Jury’s decision.
_The jury will meet a second time the day of the opening of the exhibition to select the prize winners.
_The jury is under no obligation to award any one of the prizes.

Catalogue:
A full-colour catalogue will be published with introductory texts and at least one page with text and photograph for each participating artist.
The texts sent by the applicants are to be written in French or in English. No other language will be admitted.

Insurance:
The works will be insured by the organizers from the moment of their arrival at the exhibition premises until their leaving the exhibition space. The insurance during the transport is of the artist’s responsibility.

Transport:
The artist or, if there is an agreement upon it, the association of which s/he is a member, will be responsible for the transport costs to Mons. The works must be packed securely and in such a way as to avoid damage should they be dropped from a 1 metre height while being handled. The packaging must be strong enough as to be re-used for the return transport.

The organizers are responsible for return transport. The work will be sent back within three weeks of the end of the exhibition. Makers from countries which are not member of the European Union will be responsible for customs formalities and take in charge any costs and taxes that should arise from the transports.

Sending of the exhibitions:
The pieces chosen for the exhibition must arrive between the 12th and the 14th October 2015 at the following address:
WCC-BF
c/o Mme Gaëlle Cornut
Les anciens abattoirs
rue de la Trouille, 17/02
B-7000 MONS (Belgium)

Applications: suzannepapier@wcc-bf.org
Deposit of works: gaellecornut@wcc-bf.org
General information: wccbf@wcc-bf.org

Dates and price

Dates:
- 15th February 2015: Deadline for submission of the complete application to the WCC-BF
- March 2015: Selection of participants
- From 12th to 14th October 2015: delivery of the selected objects to the WCC-BF
- 24th October 2015: Opening of the European Prize for Applied Arts and Prize awarding
- From 25th October 2015 to 10th January 2016: Exhibition
- From 11th to 15th January 2016: recovery or return of works

Participation Fee:
Participation in the competition is free for members of WCC-Europe and members of associations belonging to WCC-Europe.
Non-members will be charged a fee of 50 Euros to cover administration costs. This fee is payable by the artist as soon as s/he is informed of selection by the organizers.