Art for Change Prize: Meet the Judges for Europe

As part of a shared mission in making art, culture, and creativity accessible to everyone, this prize will stimulate dialogue around visual arts as a medium for positive global and social change and give exposure to emerging artists worldwide. 

Six winners from around the world have been 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, what equality means to them, and what they are looking for in our winners.

Introducing our judges for Europe: Klara Eide, partner and executive strategy director at M&C Saatchi Stockholm, Daniel Sundin, founder of Litz Art Space Stockholm and partner and account Ddirector at M&C Saatchi Stockholm, Vincenzo Gasbarro, co-founder and creative partner at M&C Saatchi Milan.

1. Describe yourself in 3 emojis.

Klara> 🚀🙋🏼‍♀️🍾

Daniel>  💨🙏

Vincenzo> 🧔🏻‍♂️🛵⛵️

2. How would you explain your job to a child?

Klara> I work with a group of people that all have different gifts and superpowers. What they have in common is that they have a great imagination, and they dare to think differently. Together we help companies reach people to discover products and services that can improve their everyday life. Or organisations to get people engaged in different causes, or to see things differently. The way I see it, my job is basically to create a positive change through creativity. To organisations, companies – or the world.

Daniel> We help people make the right choices. I, myself, make things happen. 

Vincenzo> I would say that I’m the 'architect of messages': I use strategy as the foundation and creativity as the bricks to build the rest.

3. Tell us what inspires you.

Klara> Seeing, hearing and experiencing things I’ve never seen or experienced before. Could be bigger things like visiting a distant part of the world I’ve never been to or seeing a fantastic opera piece or art exhibition. But it could also be walking down a street I’ve never walked before, admiring an outfit while on the tube, or having a conversation with my amazing kids. Things that change my perspective, my way of thinking. I constantly crave new input and inspiration. Can’t really stand the status quo. 

Daniel> Minds that work in smart and unexpected ways.

Vincenzo> My source of inspiration is all around me. It’s family, friends, colleagues and all the environment that surrounds us. Human relationships are what move us all indeed, they give us a purpose.

4. What excites you most about the Art for Change Prize?

Klara> Seeing all the art pieces from all around the world. Can’t wait. How the artists interpret the theme... And I look forward to spending hours indulging in pieces of art that not many others have seen before. What if we find the next big emerging artist to shape the art world? 

Daniel> To be fed with art, emotions, and experiences through one new and most likely fantastic channel for emerging artists.

Vincenzo> I love the fact that the prize could represent a stepping stone for some young artist out there. The art world is evolving faster and faster so, maybe, this is an opportunity to reward those who want to send a message as well as producing pure beauty.

5. This year’s theme is ‘Equality’. What does ‘Equality’ mean to you?

Klara> It means ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It is about embracing differences, breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field – giving everyone the same opportunity to thrive and to feel confident in doing so.

Daniel> The one and only right path. It's empathy, the future and the truth.

Vincenzo> While we need to continue to discuss this, the work is not finished. Therefore, 'equality' to me means having a positive outlook on the future while never lowering our guard on what we can improve day by day.

6. You’re judging entries from Europe. What will you be looking for as a judge?

Klara> Art that makes me feel and think. That stimulates my mind. But also has the power to change and ignite discussion. 

Daniel> New and original stuff that really makes me feel and experience something. 

Vincenzo> I love when the unexpected becomes instinctively understandable for people. I appreciate it when technique, research and dedication give life to an apparently simple message that speaks to people’s gut.

7. What does art for change mean to you?

Klara> I am truly honoured to be part of it. It means giving emerging artists from different parts of the world an opportunity to be seen and heard, and to highlight creativity as a medium for positive change.

Daniel> A needed positive force in dark times. An opportunity to contribute to culture in general but also, and not least, to help a striving persons dreams come true. 

Vincenzo> It’s a powerful means to influence culture and consequently the world. We should use it carefully.

8. If you could steal one artwork from art history, what would it be?

Klara> Oh, there are so many I would steal! I can see my house with all of them in it. If I must choose one, I’d choose the one I am currently obsessed with – ‘Winter night in Rondane’ (Vinternatt i Rondane) by the Norwegian Artist Harald Sohlberg. He made several versions, but the most famous and magical version is an oil painting completed in 1914 held by the beautiful National Gallery in Oslo. It draws you in. 

Daniel> A painting named ‘Foreign body in my eye’ by Futura. If I did not own it already...

Vincenzo> A Caravaggio painting, for sure.