Awards – Creative Conscience

Open Brief Background

If you have an issue that you are passionate about, that you believe could help change the world in a positive way you could enter it under our Open Brief. You could identify something that isn’t working for you about the world around you and look for a solution. We’re interested however big or small your ideas are. We are looking for solutions and provocations that will call people to action and can lead to genuine impact. Projects can be conceptual or have the potential to develop into real life-changing solutions. The themes you might wish to explore can be broad and varied. Past projects have included design solutions for food waste, humanitarian aid, education, water shortage, energy efficiency, inclusivity, campaigns & products against FGM, bullying, inequality, poverty, homelessness, child abuse, over-consumption, mental illness, urban living – to list just a few subject areas.

Open Brief Challenge

The Open Brief is your chance to create a project that deals with any issue you’re passionate about solving. Identify something that isn’t working in the world around you and look for a solution, however big or small. We’re looking for solutions and provocations that have the potential to provoke action and have a genuine impact. Projects can be conceptual or have the potential to develop into real life-changing solutions. Past projects have included creative solutions for food waste, humanitarian aid, education, water shortage, energy efficiency, inclusivity, bullying, inequality, poverty, homelessness, child abuse, over-consumption, mental illness, urban living and much more.

Mental Health Background

Negative experiences happen in all of our lives: difficulties with work or finances, the breakdown of a relationship, overwhelming family responsibilities, or a significant setback for example. Mental health can affect anyone. There are many ways we can cope with mental illness: establishing and maintaining relationships, discussing our issues and taking action when possible, however there are stigmas surrounding mental health that we unfortunately need to tackle.

Mental Health Challenge

How can you use your creative skills to aid those with mental health issues? If your life or the life of those around you has been touched by mental health issues, then use these experiences as possible entry points into the brief and as a means of research to explore potential routes and solutions. The challenge really is boundless in however you want to approach it, all we ask is that the outcome is optimistic and empowering towards the audience. Let’s open up and tackle this issue head on to create some real positive change in the world. Here are some useful links to start you off: Movember, One mind institute, Centre for global mental health, mind.org.uk

Equality Background

Equality is a human right. Both men and women are entitled to live with dignity and with freedom from want and from fear. Whether this be gender equality as a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty: empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole communities, improving the prospects for the next generation. Or more general human rights for minorities, those under threat of being suppressed or living in fear because of who they are or what they believe.

Equality Challenge

Can you think of a way to change current behaviours and inspire people to understand the value brought by treating everyone equally? You may simply want to raise awareness, or perhaps you can think of a way to actively change human behaviour and understanding. Here are some useful links to start you off:

Conscious Consumption Background

We can’t continue to consume and buy ‘stuff’ at our current rate without serious consequences. ‘The story of stuff’ tells us why.

Conscious Consumption Challenge

The Conscious Consumption brief is an opportunity to create solutions to help re-direct our worlds trajectory towards self-destruction. This could explore themes on not just what we consume, but how and why. Where do the things we consume come from, and what are their impact e.g. environmental, psychological and/or societal. What methods could we use to design products that are sustainable and have a minimal or even positive ecological impact? And what would these products be? How could mindsets be shifted (especially in first world countries) away from misguided, and damaging purchasing habits? Why do we consume, and what are the often overlooked motivations for consumption – and are there ways we can nurture or redirect these energies? The solutions to these questions should aim to educate, inspire, excite and encourage new behaviours, so we can consciously consume.

Examples

Creating materials/products that do not cause harm to us and our environment (e.g. cradle to cradle)
Designing new systems (Donut and sharing economies are examples of this)
How can we educate and inform people about their choices in a fun, exciting and positive way.

Reference brands: Patagonia, Fairphones and Rubymoon

Climate Crisis Background

Extinction Rebellion is an international apolitical network using non-violent direct action to persuade governments to act justly on the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

We have three demands in the UK:

TELL THE TRUTH
Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.
ACT NOW
Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
BEYOND POLITICS
Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

Climate Crisis Challenge

Context

It’s frustrating for many of us who understand the urgency of the climate crisis – the good news is we can all make a difference and have the power to create change.

Here are some ideas that will inspire you to be part of that change using the skills and talents you already have as a creative.

The challenge

Build films, animations, motion graphics positively educating what we can each do as individuals but more importantly as part of a global movement for the Youth Climate Strike and Extinction Rebellion who we support.

A piece of tech/software/digital solution to support these organisations.
A product/object that can support positive action in our lives or to support these organisations.
A repurposed uniform/garment, iconic accessory to help raise awareness and interest supporting the cause for change.
A shelter, building or structure to house teams of positive climate activists. Repurpose an old or decaying community building or environment – breathe life into an area and raise attention to the issues we face.
Engaging and positive designs, campaigns & social media messaging to encourage behavioural change and engagement.
Illustrated materials for these organisations. Powerful posters, banners and messaging to empower local or global communities.
New systems of service design to educate behaviour change e.g. how we protest/consume smarter and new economic models.
Impact – organise and document your own event to build change and encourage positive creative thinkers in your own community.
Audio – make a short film, motion graphics, animation, visual edit to the one or more of the following audio clips.

Johnathon Porritt – Governments

Johnathon Porritt – Creatvity

Extinction Rebellion Audio

As creatives we have the tools to change things. We can touch the lives of people and make a difference. We can have fun and change things for the better. So get on it and support XR communities too.

The Briefs