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Call for Submissions: The 6th AbbVie Art Project 'PERSPECTIVES'

AbbVie G.K., headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo, has announced the launch of the 6th AbbVie Art Project titled 'PERSPECTIVES', aimed at individuals impacted by immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. This initiative encourages patients to express their experiences, thoughts, and newfound hopes as they navigate their health journeys through art. The project serves to increase awareness and understanding of these conditions among the public.

Theme: Art as Expression of New Possibilities

The theme for this year's project is 'Art as Expression. My New Possibilities'. AbbVie invites participants to create artworks reflecting their personal perspectives on coping with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Submissions can explore a variety of creative forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, calligraphy, and crafts.

Artworks should not only exhibit creativity but also include the artist's narrative, detailing the emotions and stories that inspired the piece. The project aims to connect with a wider audience and foster empathy towards those dealing with chronic health issues.

Since its inception in 2013 in the USA, this art project has grown to encompass contributions from over 200 artists portraying autoimmune diseases through their unique perspectives. The initiative began in Japan in 2015, expanding its reach to patients with various immune-mediated inflammatory conditions by its 4th iteration. In the previous five events, a total of 582 artworks were submitted from participants aged 3 to 90.

Submission Period and Guidelines

The submission window for this art project spans from July 6, 2026, to December 11, 2026. Artists must reside in Japan and consent to the potential media representation of their works. There are specific guidelines for submissions, including:

• - Eligibility: Patients diagnosed with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and more.
• - Artwork Specifications: Must be original, unpublished, and within certain size and weight limits (maximum dimensions of 1 meter in width, height, and depth, and a weight limit of 20 kg).
• - Submission Process: Participants must fill out an application form, available for download on the project’s website, and send it together with their artwork via mail or courier.

Judging Criteria

The evaluation process will be conducted by an impartial panel consisting of artists, medical professionals, and representatives from relevant patient organizations. Judging will focus on aspects such as artistic expression, originality, and the heartfelt message conveyed through the artwork.

Selected award-winning artworks will be announced by the end of May 2027. Various prizes will be awarded to encourage continued artistic endeavors, including:

• - Grand Prize: 100,000 yen gift card
• - Excellence Award: 50,000 yen gift card
• - Jury Awards: Three recipients will receive 10,000 yen gift cards
• - Honorable Mentions: Five recipients will each receive a 5,000 yen gift card

Conclusion

AbbVie believes that sharing the experiences of patients through their artistic expressions can deepen societal understanding of these conditions, encouraging a supportive environment. Artists interested in participating can view past award-winning pieces through the AbbVie Art Project archive available on their website. By fostering creativity and connection, the AbbVie Art Project continues to highlight the importance of empathy in healthcare settings.

For detailed information and to download the application forms, visit AbbVie Art Project.