social art award 2025: planetary healing
The global challenges we face today demand bold and creative responses. The Social Art Award 2025, launched by the Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI), calls on artists worldwide to contribute their visionary works under the theme: “Planetary Healing – Blue Tribes for Ocean Health.”
This year, we invite creatives to explore and address the urgent need for ocean restoration, biodiversity protection, and fostering harmony between humans and other species. Inspired by the UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) and the EU Mission to Restore Our Oceans and Waters, we believe art has the power to bridge gaps, spark dialogue, and inspire meaningful change.
“Planetary Healing – Blue Tribes for Ocean Health” centers on the concept of Blue Tribes—communities that respect the interconnectedness of all life and collaborate to protect our oceans and planet. Submissions should highlight innovative ideas, compelling narratives, and creative visions that foster coexistence and planetary resilience.
We encourage artists to address themes such as:
- Human-nature relationships and co-existence
- Ocean restoration and water conservation
- Ecosystem recovery and biodiversity
- Climate resilience and sustainable living
Through art, we can amplify intangible connections, support shared ideas, and build holistic perspectives that inspire action. This year’s Social Art Award aims to be a beacon for collective imagination and commitment to regenerative futures.
How can Social Art empower communities for transformation and regeneration?
How can art respond to the growing urgency for planetary and ocean health? How do social artists empower communities, support the transition to sustainable futures, and inspire action toward achieving the UN-SDG 14?
With the Social Art Award we seek answers to these questions and want to learn more about:
- Where does art take place in times of transformation?
- What forms of art foster connection, empowerment, and resilience?
- How can art embolden the understanding of planetary healing at societal levels?
All artists and cultural actors are invited to submit their work. There are no restrictions based on gender, age, training, or nationality.
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Impactful contribution to the theme of Planetary Healing – Blue Tribes for Ocean Health, catalyzing transformation and awareness.
- Collaborative approaches with ecologists, technologists, and changemakers (not mandatory but encouraged).
- Participatory practices and audience engagement.
The Social Art Award seeks to invigorate social art and strengthen recognition for social artists. From the 12 finalists, the jury will select the 3 winning artists, honoring their exceptional contributions to this year’s theme.
The first winner will receive a 1,000 EUR prize.
The work of the 3 winning artists will be highlighted through interviews and showcased at events such as BitBasel, with additional opportunities being explored, including touring exhibitions like BitBasel (Miami), COP30 (Belém), and more.
All finalists and selected artists will gain global exposure through the book (scheduled for August 2025), online gallery, and various media channels.