Freedom to Create Prize

Freedom to Create was established by businessman Richard F. Chandler in 2006 to foster prosperity in the developing world by investing in the creative foundations of society. The Freedom to Create Prize was introduced in 2008 to support and recognise artists who strive for social change in places where there is no Freedom to Create. The Freedom to Create Forum was introduced in 2010 as a platform for women across the globe to identify initiatives that can unleash the untapped creative potential of millions of women who have been denied an opportunity to participate and contribute towards their own prosperity.

Freedom to Create abides by the philosophy that the arts have an innovative and unique ability to improve lives and transform communities. According to their website, they have made over 240 grants in over 80 countries, touching over 12 million lives.

Richard F. Chandler is a New Zealand-born businessman worth $3.1 billion in March 2010, according to Forbes. He was formerly CEO of the Sovereign group of companies, in partnership with his brother, Christopher Chandler. From 1986 to 2006, Sovereign invested in companies and governments in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, and in industries including telecommunications, electric utilities, steel, oil and gas, banking and oil refining.

The brothers split their assets in 2007 with Rchard F. Chandler creating Orient Global and Christopher Chandler starting Legatum Capital. Richard Chandler Corporation became the new name of Orient Global in April 2010.

The Freedom to Create Prize is an international award which celebrates the power of art to promote social justice and inspire the human spirit. Established in 2008, the Prize is open to artists in all creative fields. Each year, US$125,000 in prize money is awarded across three categories: Main, Youth and Imprisoned Artist.

There are three Prize categories which share the US$125,000 Prize fund.

This category is open to artists or groups whose participants are over the age of 18 and has a total prize pool of US$75,000. The first-place winner will receive US$50,000 which will be shared with an organisation nominated by the winning entrant to further the cause the artwork has highlighted. The second place prize winner will receive US$15,000. The third place prize winner will receive US$10,000.

This prize is open to artists or groups whose participants are under the age of 18, or organisations whose primary work uses art to involve and impact youths. The US$25,000 prize will be divided into two components. The winner will receive US$10,000 and the remaining US$15,000 will be awarded to an organisation nominated by the winning entrant to further the cause that the artwork has highlighted.

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Wikipedia