COAL Prize 2025: Freshwater – A Call for Transformative Art
DR. RABIU RABIU 
Water has always been at the heart of life, yet its importance is often overlooked. The COAL Prize 2025: Freshwater seeks to change this narrative by calling on artists to highlight water’s significance, advocate for its protection, and explore its symbolic and sacred roles. Open for applications until April 20, 2025, this prestigious prize invites artists to develop projects that address the ecological, political, and poetic dimensions of water.
The Urgency of Freshwater Conservation
Water is essential to all life forms, yet only a small fraction of Earth’s water is freshwater. While some regions experience its abundance, others face scarcity. Human activities—industrialization, intensive agriculture, and urbanization—are disrupting natural water cycles, leading to droughts, floods, and pollution. The COAL Prize 2025 urges artists to reimagine the future of freshwater, restoring its cycles and ensuring equitable access.
An Artistic Call to Action
The COAL Prize 2025 invites artists to explore water’s role in shaping landscapes, sustaining ecosystems, and defining cultures. The initiative seeks to elevate water to the center of public consciousness through art, storytelling, and community engagement. The selected projects should embody the theme “Being Transformative”, demonstrating new perspectives and innovative approaches to freshwater conservation.
Key Details
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Application Deadline: April 20, 2025
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Nominees Announced: Summer 2025
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Winners Announced & Award Ceremony: Autumn 2025 at Sans Réserve, an event dedicated to creative ecological engagement
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
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Artistic Value: The depth and originality of artistic expression
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Relevance: A strong understanding of the theme “Being Transformative”
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Innovation: The introduction of new perspectives on water and its role in ecological balance
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Educational Impact: The ability to communicate urgent issues and inspire change
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Community Engagement: Social and participatory dimensions of the project
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Eco-Design & Feasibility: Consideration of sustainability in execution
Awards and Opportunities
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COAL Prize Winner: €12,000 and a residency at Domaine de Belval, guided by the François Sommer Foundation
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Jury’s Special Prize: €3,000
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Ateliers Médicis Prize: Residency in Clichy-sous-Bois/Montfermeil
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Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles/Paris Mention: €2,000 and an exhibition opportunity
How to Apply
Artists must submit their applications in a single PDF file named NAME_Firstname_2025_Project-Title (max 30 MB) via the COAL server at upload.projetcoal.org.
The application should include:
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Completed Application Form
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Detailed Project Description (artistic vision, relevance, technical feasibility, and estimated budget)
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At Least Two Visuals illustrating the project
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CV and Portfolio
A Platform for Artistic and Environmental Advocacy
Since its inception in 2010, the COAL Prize has been a leading platform for artists tackling ecological issues. Supported by the French Ministry of Culture, the Office Français de la Biodiversité, and other key institutions, the prize amplifies the voices of artists committed to environmental transformation.
A Shared Responsibility
Water sustains all life, yet its future is uncertain. The COAL Prize 2025: Freshwater invites artists to rethink our relationship with water, advocate for its protection, and contribute to a shared global vision for sustainable water management.
For more details, visit COAL’s official website.
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