artsinitiates writer - Orient Global Freedom through ArtAction, a philanthropic organisation established  in 2007 to improve lives by harnessing the unique powers and properties of the arts is calling for artistic works for this year's US$125000 prize competition.

Last year, the inaugural prize was won by playwright Cont Mhlanga who pipped 900 others who wanted to lay their hands on the money.

Artists in all creative fields, using any artform, are urged to enter. The prizes are as follows:

Main Prize. For individuals or groups. The winner receives US$50,000. Second prize, US$15,000. Third prize, US$10,000. Award monies will be divided evenly between the artist/group and a nominated advocacy organisation.

Imprisoned Artist Prize. For artists currently imprisoned for defending human rights. The winner receives US$25,000 to support family, pay legal costs and promote advocacy.

Youth Prize. For individuals or groups under the age of 18. The winner receives US$10,000 for an educational scholarship and US$15,000 for help with advocacy.

Commenting at the launch of the prize, Orient Global Chairman, Richard F. Chandler, said: "History shows that prosperous societies are founded upon creativity. Societies that encourage artistic expression build strong foundations for economic, political and cultural development. They will lead tomorrow’s world."

He added "The Orient Global Freedom to Create Prize celebrates the talent of artists who bring messages of hope to places of turmoil and despair. It also recognises their courage to confront injustice in circumstances where there are visible costs and less visible rewards. They inspire the human spirit and nourish the creativity needed for progress."

The 2008 Prize winner, Cont Mhlanga is a controversial Zimbabwean playwright known to many. He has risked his life challenging the Mugabe regime for over 25 years. His winning submission was the politically charged satire ‘The Good President’, which presents a fictionalised account of a ruthless dictator, but closely mirrors recent events in Zimbabwe.

The 2008 Imprisoned Artist Prize winner was Burmese satirist Zarganar, imprisoned for 35 years for mocking the Burmese government in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. The Youth Prize was awarded to City of Rhyme, a hip-hop group from the Brazilian favelas.

The closing date for entries is 14 August (2009). A shortlist will be announced at the beginning of September and judging will take place over the following weeks. This year’s Prize will be judged by a panel of high profile artists, opinion leaders, and human rights lawyers. Details of these panellists will be announced shortly. The award ceremony will take place in London in November 2009.

 Since inception, ArtAction has supported over 200 projects in more than 80 countries, improving the lives of an estimated 12 million people.