To celebrate its 40th year, conservation charity, the John Muir Trust (JMT) is inviting writers, photographers, sculptors, videographers, podcasters, and outdoor enthusiasts to share their creative vision of freedom for wild places.
The best entries will have their work featured in an exhibition at the Wild Space visitor centre in Pitlochry during spring 2024. The overall winner will receive a week-long artist in residence opportunity at a JMT site, working on a project in collaboration with the Trust for a future exhibition.
Speaking about the exhibition, wildlife photographer and judge Andy Howard said: “As someone that spends so much time in wild places, I’ve come to appreciate the need to protect and nurture these wild places for all. This is not only for the visiting public, but for the local people who live and work in these areas and, like me, make a living from these precious and fragile lands.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be able to work with the Trust as a judge for this prestigious multimedia exhibition, and look forward to and relish the opportunity to work alongside the other judges to select what we feel are the best entries. I can’t wait to see and read the entrants’ work, of which I have no doubt will be of the highest quality, thought-provoking and exciting.”
Ross Brannigan, the Trust’s Membership Officer and lead in the Creative Freedom call, explained more about the project: “As the year of our 40th anniversary comes to an end, we wanted to look ahead to future years when the next generation and their creative visions will be crucial to the survival of our wild places.
“We wanted to provide a space for people to think into that space. We also want to ensure as many people as possible can be involved, so we’ve kept the entry prices as low as possible to encourage a diversity of creative voices.”
There are five categories: writing, photography, 2D, 3D and multimedia (video and audio). As well as this, there are Adult, Junior and Group and the JMT hopes everyone of all ages and backgrounds will get involved. Those undertaking their John Muir Award are encouraged to enter as a group, and entries are also encouraged from languages other than English. Entries will close at noon on 30 November. Winners will be announced in February 2024, with selected pieces exhibited in at the Wild Space visitor centre from 16 March until end of April 2024.
For further information visit the competition website.