Toto funds the arts

TFA invites submissions for its 8th annual arts awards for young photographers, writers, musicians and bands. There are six awards to be won – one for music (Rs 50,000), two for photography (Rs 25,000 each), two for creative writing in English (Rs 25,000 each), and one for creative writing in Kannada (Rs 25,000).

All submissions must be original and must be received before 10 September 2011 . Young Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 29 are eligible to apply.

Music (What we’re most interested in): Toto’s first love and TFA’s first award recognises exceptionally talented bands and individuals making any kind of music, in any language, from rock to folk or metal to jazz. The only constraint is that applicants must be under 30 years of age, and their submissions must be original compositions.

In 2008, TFA tied up with Counter Culture Records, and winners of the TFA Music Award now get the unique opportunity to record a full album at the CCR studio, which will then be released by this independent music label.

Myndsnare (2005)
Demonic Resurrection (2006)
Lounge Piranha (2007)
Shefali Alvares (2008)

All TFA awards are judged by external juries composed of leading practitioners of and experts in the particular arts. All submissions are sent to them anonymously, and TFA does not, in any way, influence their final decision. So far, the Music Award has been judged by Luke Kenny (VJ, Programming Head Channel V), Vishal Dadlani (Pentagram, Vishal-Shekhar), Jitin Abraham (Programming Head Vh1) and Arjun Sankalia (Sony BMG). Add rest of names.

Overall the juries have agreed that it is “good to see so much talent. The number of entries was astounding and most of them were of a very high quality. We now have a serious talent bank that can be tapped in the future.” [TFA Music Award Jury, 2007]

For details, log on to the official website.

TOTO FUNDS THE ARTS
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