Twitter Art Exhibit: Uniting Artists Through Social Media
Entries are open for the Twitter Art Exhibit, which marks its eighth birthday this year.
The Twitter Art Exhibit (@twitreartexhibit on Twitter) is an innovative concept that aims to feature original, postcard-sized art by artists all around the world. The artists create these custom pieces as a donation to the show, with 100% of the profits going directly to a local charity.
The Twitter Art Exhibit, or #TAE, was founded in 2010 by David Sandum, a Swedish-born artist and social-media influencer in the field of fine arts. In the first year, the prize surpassed its aim of 140 entries (a number symbolic of Twitter’s 140 character limit) by almost double, reaching a total of 260 entries all up.
Opening night of TAE17 in the UK.
Since then, the show has grown considerably larger. The last #TAE, held in the UK earlier this year, received over 1200 entries from 63 countries. This included entries from prominent celebrities Sir Ian McKellen, Gok Wan and renowned UK artist Norman Ackroyd RA. It raised 18,000 GBP for the nonprofit organisation, Molly Olly’s Wishes.
The 2018 exhibition is being held here in Australia, at the Strathnairn Arts Gallery in Canberra. Excitingly, the show is being curated by Bluethumb artist Kylie Fogarty.
The #TAE17 UK exhibition, with all proceeds donated to Molly Olly’s Wishes.
“I am very excited to be bringing, for the first time, the International Art Exhibition, Twitter Art Exhibit, (#TAE) to Australia. The #TAE has been delivering, through the coming together of artists, assistance to not-for-profit charities from across the globe for over 7 years.”
“#TAE brings artist together from across the globe to make a difference to small community charities, while being a part of an International Art Exhibition. It has also created a community where artists can connect with other artists, collectors and in some cases, provide opportunity for further exhibition possibilities.”
#TAE16 NY benefiting Foster’s Pride.
“When you talk to a lot of practicing artists,” Kylie continues, “you often hear comments on how isolating being an artist can be, with many artists needing to travel to find mentors, groups or art hubs such as Strathnairn Arts Gallery to engage with other likeminded creatives. #TAE provides an international avenue for artist to come together, enabling artists to find other art practitioners to connect, share, discuss, and encourage each other along the creative pathway.”
This year, Kylie has chosen to raise money for Pegasus – Riding for Disabled of the ACT. Pegasus is the the only non-profit organisation in the ACT that provides horse-riding related therapeutic programs for people living with a disability.
5 year old Mieah is blind, and goes to riding lessons at Pegasus. Image by Jane Dempster, courtesy of Pegasus ACT.
Every aspect of #TAE is carried out by a group of volunteer team of artists and organisers. Much like the Bluethumb Art Prize, there is no entry fee, and artists at all levels of their careers are encouraged to participate. The exhibition aims to display emerging talent alongside seasoned professionals. #TAE will also be presented online, allowing art lovers all over the world access to the original postcards.
Artists wishing to submit work may register their expression of interest here, via the Twitter Art Exhibit website.
This is a wonderful concept and it is great that Bluethumb is supporting it. I was one of the original exhibitors in 2010, when David Sandum started the idea to raise books for the children’s library in Moss, Norway. I have been in every Twitter Art Exhibit since and wouldn’t miss it for anything. So wonderful to have the opportunity to give through your art. I urge all fellow Bluethumbers to get on board.
Thank you for the wonderful write up on the Twitter Art Exhibit Bluethumb.
Art Vaughan – I am pleased to hear that you have enjoyed being a part of this global Art Exhibition, and still return each year to participate.
I hope that your comment inspires and encourages others to register, with over 57 different countries now being represented in this year’s Art Exhibition, it promises to be a wonderful event in benefit of Pegasus RDA of the ACT. ~ Kylie Fogarty Curator TAE18 AUS