Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Calling creative veterinarians

kitten playing action image
Cats. There is something constantly aesthetically pleasing about them, ergo they must be living art (this is Moisie the masterpiece playing on her favourite rug, oblivious to her own perfection).
Is there such a thing as an animal perspective? If so, how might it look? How do humans and animals interact? How do humans impact on the animal world? What sentiments are stirred within and between humans and animals?

Veterinarians and nurses who think they might be able to answer these questions in an artistic form are invited to submit works for potential inclusion in the University of Melbourne’s Artful World of Animals exhibition.

The exhibition celebrates 50 continuous teaching years of the school, and will be curated by artist Purnima Ruanglerbutr. Sculptures, paintings, photographs, drawings - all will be considered.

A maximum of three entries may be submitted. Entry forms must be submitted by August 20 (not long), with artworks to be delivered on September 23. Entries will be judged in categories of medium and winners announced at a reception on October 5 (Saturday). [For those Melbournites I know it would be a GREAT day out!].


A modest ($10) entry fee applies. For details on entering, email Purnima Ruanglerbutr at purnima.r@unimelb.edu.aunor visit facebook.com/PurnimaCreations

If you need some inspiration, don't forget to revisit this post on dogs in Australian art, by clicking here.

And while we are talking creativity, the HARN (Human Animal Research Network) annual Vox Animalia Student Prize is now open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Sydney.

The deadline is 5pm, Friday, October 5. 
This year's topic is:

“Public discussion about animal welfare and ethics is increasing in Australia. What do you believe should be the main issues for debate in the future, and why?”

Its encouraging to see plenty of avenues for veterinarians and budding veterinarians to express themselves.

THE FINE PRINT

Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis, as undergraduates or postgraduates, at the University of Sydney. Students may submit only one essay for consideration. All submissions must conform to standard principles of academic honesty and scholarly referencing. The essay can be a piece of writing already submitted as part of study at the University of Sydney but it cannot be previously published.

Application
       Cover sheet with the applicant's name, SID (student identification number), Faculty where currently enrolled, mailing address, telephone and e-mail address. Students are responsible for keeping the prize coordinator updated with current contact information. If a student cannot be contacted, the prize is forfeited.
       The essay must be between 2,000-2,500 words long. Applicants must also include a one paragraph abstract.  The abstract and any references or bibliography are not included in the word count  (we accept all scholarly referencing systems).
       The first page should include the title of the paper and the author's name.
       The essay should be submitted electronically as an attachment, a WORD document, to Dr Fiona Probyn-Rapsey, at fiona.probyn-rapsey@sydney.edu.au.
       The email submission must contain ‘Vox Animalia Student Essay Prize’ in the subject heading.  An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent.

Selection
The selection committee will be comprised of the members of the Executive Committee of HARN: Human Animal Research Network, at the University of Sydney.
       The winning essay will receive a cash prize of $1000 and a Certificate of Award.
       Runners-up (2 places available) will each receive $500 and a Certificate of Award.
       The winning paper will be considered for publication in Animal Studies Journal (ASJ).
       The selection committee may decide that no entry is worthy of a prize or that only a first prize will be awarded.
       The decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.