Introduction to the 2024 Global Open Call

This year’s Global Open Call is not just a search for visual talent; it’s a heartfelt plea to artists worldwide to foster compassion, respect, and admiration for our natural world and its diverse inhabitants. With the theme “Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature,” this initiative seeks to promote a fundamental shift in our interaction with our planet, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms.

The Philosophy Behind the Theme

Drawing inspiration from “Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations,” this year’s theme resonates with the idea of a shared community of life. It’s a call to recognize and appreciate the deep emotional capacities of often overlooked animals and their essential roles in preserving the ecosystem. Through this, we aim to foster a greater sense of kinship with our natural world.

Collaboration with Parley for the Oceans

In our commitment to safeguarding our planet’s beauty, we are honored to announce our collaboration with Parley for the Oceans. Known for their active fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, Parley enhances our mission to protect the natural world and encourages artists to engage deeply with environmental stewardship.

Call for Submissions

We welcome artists who express themselves through photography and video, embracing all genres from wildlife documentaries to environmentally conscious fashion shoots. We’re looking for works that inspire change, celebrate our bond with nature, and focus on its beauty and resilience.

Opportunities and Awards

• Chance to be featured at the 2024 Festival in Milan and potentially in a renowned fashion magazine.
• Two artists will receive a $5,000 grant each to support their artistic growth.
• Opportunity for 1 on 1 virtual sessions with industry experts.
• Support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and various initiatives throughout 2024.

How to Submit Your Work

Submissions are free and open from February 15th to April 29th at midnight. Open to everyone aged 18 and above, we encourage new projects even from previous participants. Our diverse panel will evaluate submissions, looking for works that provoke empathy and positive action towards our natural world.

Submission Guidelines

For a detailed guide on how to submit your work, including technical requirements and deadlines, please visit the official submission platform, Picter.

A Call to Action

“It took nature billions of years to make human existence possible, and it took humans only five decades to bring our planet to the brink of collapse,” says Cyrill Gutsch, CEO of Parley for the Oceans. This Open Call is more than an artistic endeavor; it’s a mission to end the destruction through creativity, collaboration, and eco-innovation.