Finnish National Gallery

The Finnish National Gallery is hosting Combine24, an open generative art competition, as a part of the Digital Finnish National Gallery programme. Generative art uses an algorithm, governed by artist-defined rules and parameters, that generates dynamic variations of the chosen data.

The aim of the competition is to seek out new generative artworks that incorporate the Finnish National Gallery's CC0 licensed collection data. It includes 27,000+ copyright-free images and related metadata, such as images of artworks, artists’ sketchbooks, as well as photographs and letters. These images can be shared, edited, and used without restrictions and are visible on the Finnish National Gallery’s website. They can also be downloaded using the National Gallery’s API.

The Combine24 competition received nearly one hundred works that met the evaluation criteria for phase one of the competition. All approved submissions were then reviewed anonymously by the international shortlist committee, which included digital and generative art experts.

The final phase of the competition takes place in early October 2024, when the finalist jury convenes in Helsinki to see the artworks and to discuss their merits. The competition rules state that award winners need to demonstrate a particularly innovative use of the Finnish National Gallery’s CC0 licensed collection data both technically and conceptually. The three winners will be announced on 4 October 2024.

Shortlisted artworks can now be viewed on the competition website. The artworks can also be viewed in a temporary exhibition space in Vallila, Helsinki, from 20 September to 26 October 2024.

The Combine24 competition is a new way of using collection data, inviting the creation of new artworks that use the collection in unbridaled ways. The physical exhibition is an extension of the digital competition.

Explain in one sentence why you think the project you nominate is outstanding and could serve as an example for the entire community of modern and contemporary art museums.

Combine24 underscores the importance and merits of our collections as a source of inspiration when creating new digital generative artworks, reminding us all, that culture is an evolving continuum.

Explain why this practice or program is relevant and sustainable in creating meaningful and lasting connections with people, communities, and the museum context with a medium to long-term vision.

Combine24 is a part of the Digital National Gallery programme’s web3 project, which looks for new ways to engage with the creative community. Our aim is to understand what blockchain technology might mean for creative industries and museum work in the future.

To facilitate this project, the National Gallery launched Alusta.art to function as a low threshold, low cost platform for piloting. Different kinds of workshops have been hosted by both National Gallery staff and outside experts. We want to welcome ideas and perspectives that arise from outside the museum sphere on this learning journey. Workshops have included a starter kit for using blockchain platforms, content ideation and panel discussions.

Combine24 has been the biggest call-to-action of the web3 project, expanding beyond Alusta.art and calling on international generative artists to study our collections and create something new, based on what they find interesting and thought provoking.

combine24.alusta.art

alusta.art

kansallisgalleria.fi/en/digitaalinen-kansallisgalleria