When art becomes dissent, the studio transforms into a site of political resistance. Insights of an Eco Artist (IOAEA) launches Voices of Dissent: Art and Politics, an interview series examining how contemporary artists deploy creative practice as social commentary and transformative intervention.

About the series

Unlike platforms that amplify 'the biggest, loudest, most visible' voices, this series spotlights 10 artists globally—a deliberate curation prioritising depth over visibility.

The selection criteria centre on artists whose practices challenge power structures, address political urgency, and advocate for justice through visual language.

Voices of Dissent investigates not whether art can be political, but how: through what methodologies, aesthetic strategies, and conceptual frameworks do artists intervene in public discourse?

The series positions artistic practice as neither decoration nor illustration of politics, but as a distinct mode of political thought—one that operates through form, materiality, and the disruption of conventional seeing.

About IOAEA

IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) is a transdisciplinary platform dedicated to showcasing the work of artists who are addressing pressing ecological and social challenges through their creative practices.

Founded in 2021 by Joana Alarcão, IOAEA has evolved from its origins as an archival space into a dynamic communal hub that promotes collaboration and creativity with editorial work, residencies, exhibitions and live talks.

Based in Portugal, IOAEA operates as a digital and physical hub for artists, curators, researchers, and activists working at the intersection of art, ecology, and social justice.

Documenting Impact Through Art

IOAEA focuses on the transformative power of art in addressing social, political, and environmental issues. Since our establishment, the organisation, magazine, and podcast of the same name have aimed to create a space for creative and political discourse free from the constraints of governmental influence.

Through our work, we explore the impact of art interventions on contemporary global atmospheres, highlighting artists, artistic projects, artist-led cooperatives, and activist groups committed to fostering dialogue around pressing global affairs.

Our platform is more than just a space for interviews, reviews, residencies, and exhibitions – it's a rallying point for artists who share our passion for social, political, and environmental activism.

More about the curator and founder:

Joana Alarcão is a transdisciplinary eco-artist, art journalist, creative director, curator, and researcher based in Portugal.

She is passionately dedicated to merging art with social and environmental justice.

Joana earned her Master's in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art in Ireland, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Furthermore, she has completed several independent courses in transdisciplinary curatorial studies and journalism for social change.

With over 4 years of experience as an art writer and cultural journalist, Joana has contributed extensively to art magazines and NGOs, developing a distinctive voice in contemporary art criticism and eco-art discourse.

Her writing practice has involved interviewing and profiling more than 400 artists throughout her career, building a comprehensive understanding of diverse creative processes and contemporary art movements.

This extensive background in art journalism preceded and informed her founding of IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) in 2021, where she continues to amplify artists' voices and perspectives.

Currently, also serving as a Collaborating Researcher at CIEBA, she integrates her writing expertise with curatorial and artistic practice, advocating for art's transformative power in addressing cultural and ecological challenges.

What's Included:

• Zoom conversation with founder Joana Alarcão
• In-depth written interview covering social and political themes in your practice
• Critical intro review of work
• Featured artwork showcase on IOAEA's digital platform
• Permanent publication and social media promotion
• Connection to IOAEA's global network across UK, US, Portugal, Australia, Ireland, and France

Eligibility:

• Artists working with social and political themes.
• All mediums and career stages welcome
• Global submissions accepted
• Applications in English only

Personal Zoom Conversation: 

Your interview includes a 45-minute Zoom session with founder Joana Alarcão. This intimate conversation allows for a deeper exploration of your practice and creates a space for deep conversation that will become the foundation for the interview questions and the critical intro review.

Critical Review Component:

Before the published written interview, IOAEA provides a small critical review introduction analysing your submitted works. This preliminary assessment contextualises your practice within broader political art discourse and sets the foundation for the feature.

Fee Structure:

• Standard selection fee: €100
• Emerging artists (under 30 or <3 years professional practice): €59,55
• Artists at risk: Fee waiver available upon application

For Artists at Risk: IOAEA supports artists facing persecution, censorship, or displacement. We offer complete fee exemption and prioritised consideration for those needing platform visibility for safety or career preservation.

For comprehensive details regarding our initiatives, examples of featured artists, and our publication style, we encourage you to visit our official website.