The deadline for submissions has passed. Thanks to all those who entered the contest! Stay tuned — we’ll be announcing the finalists in March.
Since Stephen Harper cancelled the National Portrait Gallery, we decided to create our own in his honour. We’re inviting artists to submit their portrait of Canada’s Prime Minister for inclusion in the Stephen Harper Portrait Gallery, and their chance to win (minor) fame and riches!
The Conservative Party has made many, many cuts to the arts, so our jury will be looking for portraits that best embody Stephen Harper’s “commitment” to the arts and culture in Canada.
Our favourite entry will win $1000! There is no entry fee, and we encourage everyone to participate. Selected works will be put on display in an exhibition in Ottawa and Montreal with possible shows to follow in other Canadian cities.
The winner will be chosen by a jury composed of Canadian cultural luminary, including:
- Sheila Copps, former Canadian Heritage Minister
- Mary Walsh, comedian, This Hour Has 22 Minutes
- George Littlechild, west coast visual artist
- Yung Chang, filmmaker
Stephen Harper may hate art, but art loves Stephen Harper.
Submission guidelines
You may create your portrait using any media. Oil paint, video, soapstone, sound, macaroni and pipe cleaners… anything goes.
Please send the following to editor@artthreat.net:
- Your name, email and postal address, and phone number.
- Either a link to your work or an attachment (2MB max — contact us for larger files).
- If your piece isn’t digital, snap some photos and send those to us instead.
- A written statement and a brief bio.
The deadline has been extended to March 1, 2009. There is no entry fee, and no limit on the number of works you may submit.
The contest is open to all Canadian residents except employees of the federal government, who are not only eligible but are especially encouraged to enter. Submissions from non-Canadians actually interested in our politics are also welcome.
Fund the Stephen Harper Portrait Gallery
We’re going to need your help to make this project a success. We don’t receive any government funding, and rely on contributions from individuals to keep on truckin’. If you would like to help out, you can support Art Threat with an online donation by clicking below, or send a cheque in the mail.
Download the call for submissions.
Download the press release.
Image credits: heycartsten, sashamd, jcbear2, Urban Mixer.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Amazing Idea!
Go Art Threat! Let’s hope that Canadian artists step up to the plate with plenty of submissions. Who is on the jury? Fantastic work, keep it up!!
I can wait to participate. I’ve got several ideas. The topic is great.
Phil.
Harper a side, we are witnessing times of political decadence that asks for a reform of a political system that can’t relay on the democratic concept of majority votes.
While all western countries are asking to be guided them by an economist, we have already forgotten how Paul Martin fitted the bill.
Vittorio
Hey folks,
I just wondered — what if Harper gets kicked out of office next January: are you still going to have a “Harper portrait gallery” competition? Let me know soon, so that I can know whether to begin doing my own bit of ‘playing with his head,’ okay? Thanks.
No offense to the winner, but may I suggest locating the portrait in one of Toronto’s older and seedier bathroom-tile subway stations? Or in one of those wonderful back alleys lined with graffiti where Rick Mercer does his harangues?
@redstarcafe: We’ll do our best!
Love it! GREAT idea!! Boo Stephen Harper…
Oh great! Now I hear about this…. what am I supposed to come up with in an hour and a half? I coulda nailed this sucker! Oh well…
Some News folks?
I cant wait to see some of the submissions
He certainly gives an artist a ton of inspiration involved with his constant poor decision making.
mmm… it's May now, WHO ARE THE FINALISTS!
Any update ? Any results ?
I saw the 23 finalists on flickr.com; now I am waiting to find out who won; anyone know who won???
and when will the show be in Ottawa or Montreal?