Invitation

I, Bakri Mahmoud, invite you to exhibit your photography and short-form video works at The Henderson House Footscray Community Arts, focused on the theme of Joy and Revolution.

What is Joy and Revolution

Joy and Revolution began as a collective of three West Side photographers, exploring community resistance and the human need for joy and connection. This theme examines the intersection of political activism and moments of happiness, especially in the current climate of Naarm.

This exhibition does not shy away from the harsh realities of resistance. It embraces the full range of human emotions, highlighting the necessity of joy in sustaining our struggles. Joy in/and Revolution can manifest in various forms—from the empowerment of breaking rules to the camaraderie among organizers and the pride of existing despite systemic oppression. What fuels our fight for a better world? Are there existing manifestations of our vision?

I seek images that tell a story, capturing genuine, powerful emotions. Observational yet deeply moving photography or short videos are ideal.

How this invitation works

As one of ten personally invited artists, you can submit 10-15 pieces of pre-existing work, with optional summaries. You will receive $50 for your submission by 7 October 2024. From these submissions, three artists will be selected to exhibit their works at Footscray Community Arts. Exhibiting artists will be compensated fairly as per NAVA rates. Curatorial decisions will be collaborative, but I retain executive curatorial approval.

Outcomes 

Three selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their pre-existing works at Footscray Community Arts for three months, starting in February 2025. We are not commissioning new works but seeking pieces that align with the theme.

Disclosures

Footscray Community Arts has assured us there will be no censorship of ideas, particularly regarding solidarity with Palestinians and their sovereignty and resistance. This exhibition is funded through Creative Victoria and Creative Australia, with no Zionist-linked funding involved. Footscray Community Arts remains accountable to their Statement of Solidarity and has divested from past funding sources inconsistent with their activism roots.