Art for Change: Meet the Judges for Asia

The 2024 theme, ‘Tomorrow’ing: Visions of a better future’, invites emerging artists to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues and act as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of a better tomorrow.

Six winners from around the world will be decided by some of the best business and creative minds from the M&C Saatchi Group globally and eminent guest judges. 

In this Art for Change series, we hear from our regional judges. Find out what makes them tick artistically, why this year’s theme is so critical, and what they are looking for in our winners

Introducing M&C Saatchi's judges for Asia: Raania Durrani, creative director (Culture, Arts & Music), Shakeel Hasan, chief creative officer, M&C Saatchi World Services Pakistan, Henry Yap, executive creative director, M&C Saatchi Malaysia.

Q> An alien lands on earth and asks you to explain your job. What would you say?

Raania> All my various interests and jobs lead me to community building in some shape or form.

Shakeel> Welcome to our planet, let me tell you what you will need to survive this planet, and the best brands that will help you do it.

Henry> “ ∑ V ^ß ∂ƒ ∆ ¬Ω ≈ ç√∫˜µ ≤≥ :D ”.

Q> Is there a piece of work that you believe has changed the game in your industry?

Raania> Coke Studio Pakistan in its original form when it was first released was mind blowing and marking for music in Pakistan.

Shakeel> Coke studio is one piece of work that comes to the mind, as it has not only changed the game locally but has commanded global recognition for Pakistani music. 

Henry> Plenty. Works by content creators on digital platforms has certainly changed the game in our industry. They get a lot more freedom to create content that sees limitless possibilities, therefore it brings out the hidden creative talents even from ordinary people who were not formally trained in the arts.

Q> What inspired you to join the judging panel for this year’s Art for Change Prize?

Raania> To have a moment to connect with an innovative scape of artists and to be a part of changemaking.

Shakeel> To connect with future artists and understand their point of view—not just on our world today, but on where we are headed. It will hopefully be a reassuring experience, demonstrating that art still reigns supreme when it comes to the expression of both individuals and society.

Henry> To see some real art by real people in the age of AI.

Q> If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?

Raania> Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan // Shoji Hamada.

Shakeel> Syed Sadequain, a Pakistani artist par excellence, would be my only choice.

Henry> Artists that champion surrealism through irrational dreamlike topics.

Q> This year’s prize theme is ‘Tomorrow’ing: Visions of a better future’. What do you hope to see from the entries?

Raania> I look forward to seeing work that addresses empathy and the marriage of climate and culture.

Shakeel> I hope to see in the sea of polarity today, glimmers of a future that instils more than hope. It will be comforting to know that ‘Tomorow’ing’ will be better than ‘Today’ing’.

Henry> I like surprises. But I do know what I don’t want to see and the list is long…

Q> Why do you believe it is important for society to support and invest in the arts?

Raania> The cultural and social scape of a community depends on the soft awareness, kindness and empathy art inculcates; art is the building block of civilisation.

Shakeel> For me art belongs to society and there is a dire need to make art accessible to everyone. Art is not just for the opinion leaders/makers, but for everyone whose opinion is being shaped. Art comes from society and will flourish with it.

Henry> So that it continues to inspire society both emotionally and culturally. Already it is the fundamental practice cultivated at a very young age to foster imagination and expression which should be preserved.

Q> What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering this year’s prize?

Raania> Be free and honest in the work you put out, fair and unapologetic.

Shakeel> Please be true to yourself, express without inhibitions and show us the real strength of art which can lead to real change for our collective future.

Henry> Be daring.

Q> What does ‘Art for Change’ mean to you?

Raania> A change in the narrative, highlighting the full potential of the unconventional path.

Shakeel> The word ‘change’ doesn’t necessarily induce a feeling of comfort, but with art next to it, the phrase takes on a meaning of change for the better. Art for Change, for me, represents what history teaches us. Art determines and depicts where we go from here as a collective species.

Henry> It’s a time and place that gives opportunities for artists to express their views on complex topics in ways we’ve never seen or imagined before.