Invitation to Participate in the IIW 2025 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition: Progressing Biodiversity
Weld Australia and HERA invite Indigenous artists from Australia and New Zealand to contribute their welded art projects to the IIW 2025 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition: Progressing Biodiversity.
This exhibition aims to highlight the deep cultural significance of biodiversity through Indigenous perspectives, showcasing artworks that represent heritage, traditions, and the connection between people and the natural environment.
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on earth, including flora, fauna, and their habitats. Indigenous cultures have long been stewards of biodiversity, embedding sustainability within their traditions and practices. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), reinforcing the urgent need to protect and restore our ecosystems.
Background
Since 2019, IIW has successfully hosted five welded art photographic exhibitions, fostering global appreciation for welding as both an artistic and technical discipline. This exhibition is a non-competitive, informal platform that encourages participation from artists of all levels, including professional welders, hobbyists, students, blacksmiths, and educators.
Why Participate?
- Celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage through welded art
- Showcase your artistic vision on a global platform
- Contribute to biodiversity awareness and environmental sustainability
- Be part of an international initiative that highlights the creative potential of welding
- Gain exposure through IIW’s global networks and digital promotional channels
- Receive a certificate of participation and full credit for your artwork
- One winner from Australia and one winner from New Zealand will be selected to represent the region at the IIW 2025 competition
- Winners will have the opportunity to collaborate on a joint submission to the IIW
Exhibition Details
The IIW 2025 Digital Collection will be launched at the IIW Annual Assembly in Genoa, Italy, from June 22-27, 2025. The exhibition will feature 40 selected photographic exhibits displayed at the Congress Centre venue and promoted worldwide. As a digital exhibition, artists are not required to be physically present, nor are there logistical concerns such as shipping physical artwork.
Who Can Apply?
This call is open to Indigenous individuals from Australia and New Zealand who engage in welded art, whether as a career, hobby, educational pursuit, or research project. Submissions are welcome from individuals or teams. Artists are encouraged to incorporate elements of their cultural heritage and traditions, illustrating the importance of biodiversity within Indigenous knowledge systems.
Assessment and Future Opportunities
A panel from Weld Australia and HERA will assess all submissions. One winner from Australia and one winner from New Zealand will be chosen to represent the region at the IIW 2025 competition. The winners will have the unique opportunity to collaborate on a joint submission to the IIW, further showcasing Indigenous creativity and environmental awareness on a global stage.
Submission Guidelines
Interested artists should submit the following by 5pm Friday 25 April 2025 via the online entry form:
- A high-resolution photograph (minimum 20 megapixels) of their welded art exhibit.
- A 200-word description detailing the objectives, methods, techniques, materials, and unique aspects of the artwork, including its relevance to biodiversity and Indigenous heritage.
- A photograph of the artist (minimum 8 megapixels) and a short (100-word) biography, including contact details (email, website, social media links, etc.).
- Any additional insights on the artwork’s connection to biodiversity, Indigenous culture, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Further Information
For further information, please contact Weld Australia via office@weldaustralia.com.au