M&C Saatchi Group and Saatchi Gallery Announce Hiba Baddou as Overall Winner of the Art for Change Prize

M&C Saatchi Group, the global creative solutions company, and London’s renowned Saatchi Gallery have announced Hiba Baddou as the overall winner of their international Art for Change Prize. This initiative invited emerging artists worldwide to creatively respond to the theme ‘Tomorrow’ing: Visions of a Better Future’, with a grand prize of £10,000 awarded to the top entry.

Last night, Hiba was announced as the overall winner of the Art for Change Prize by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries and Chair of Judges, at the exhibition unveiling at Saatchi Gallery. The Grand Jury, which included Justine along with leaders from M&C Saatchi Group and Saatchi Gallery, selected Hiba from a shortlist of six regional winners. Hiba, who was also the regional winner for Middle East and Africa, will receive a £10,000 cash prize. Her artwork will be featured in a special exhibition at Saatchi Gallery from 29 November 2024 to 12 January 2025, alongside the five other shortlisted regional winners, who will each receive a £2,000 cash prize.

Hiba is a Moroccan filmmaker, artist, and art director who creates work inspired by her homeland, exploring themes of identity, ritual, and language. Her winning short-film, Paraboles, is a multidisciplinary project that addresses themes of immigration and belonging by exploring ideas of exile and rootedness. It follows a family captivated by foreign images, whose desire for a new life abroad ultimately draws them back to their origins. The film highlights the complex nature of identity and roots its story in both the social and spiritual dimensions of belonging.

2024 Art for Change Prize Shortlisted Regional Winners:

• Americas: Paola Boyance (Mexico)
• Asia: Wincy Kung (Hong Kong)
• Australia & New Zealand: Jo Mellor (Australia)
• Europe: Ana Monsó (Spain)
• UK: Lulu Harrison (UK)

This year’s prize saw a 56% increase in entries, resulting in 4,667 submissions from 140 countries, and over 53% coming from developing nations across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The regional winners, representing Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain, Morocco, and the UK, were selected for presenting works that explore critical issues such as humanity's relationship with the Earth, the impact of industry on sustainability, and the hopes and fears for future generations.

The artworks span a variety of media including painting, photography, video, and mixed-media installations. Through their art, the artists highlight urgent global issues, offering creative solutions and raising awareness about the challenges of our times.

The regional winners were selected by a distinguished panel of business and creative leaders from M&C Saatchi Group, along with esteemed guest judges from the arts and creative sectors.

Richard Thompson, global chair, talent, Sport & Entertainment, PR and global head of corporate development, M&C Saatchi Group, commented, "As a global creative solutions company, M&C Saatchi Group is committed to identifying and supporting the next generation of creatives, particularly as they face rising barriers to entry in the creative industries. This year’s winning works remind us of the profound role contemporary art plays in reflecting and shaping how we live today. A huge congratulations to this year’s overall winner, Hiba Baddou, whose work embodies the transformative power of creativity and stands as a beacon of inspiration for us all.”

Justine Simons OBE, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries and Art for Change Prize chair of judges, said, “Hiba Baddou is a worthy winner of this year’s Art for Change Prize. Hiba’s powerful film, Paraboles, is both epic and intimate. A visually stunning journey from the humble couscous pot to a vast celestial desert landscape. A family’s longing to explore other worlds while honouring local roots and cultures. As Chair of Judges this year, it was a privilege to see so many outstanding and moving projects from around the world, raising awareness of the global challenges we are facing together.”

Paul Foster, Saatchi Gallery director, added, "The winning work by Hiba Baddou is a consummate piece of filmmaking exploring big ideas in an enthralling and innovative way. Hiba has produced a high-quality film that blends sci-fi aesthetics with social commentary. It is a disarmingly impactful work that encourages the viewer to reflect on what is important in life and to embrace a positive future." 

The overall winner and shortlisted regional winners’ work will be exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery from 29 November 2024 until 12 January 2025.