Download The Declaration Towards a Global Ethic:
   - view in new window (HTML document)
   - download .DOC file
   - download .PDF file
   - download .SWF file (Flash Paper)

The Declaration towards a Global Ethic is an urgently needed response to the fundamental economic, environmental, social, and political global crisis. As a proposed addition to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that demands more be remedied, it states that a global problem necessitates a global solution. Therefore, a solution is impossible without a sort of communal "spiritual awakening" that will lead to the development of a global ethic- a collective consciousness of values, standards, and morals.

As a designer, your task is to produce a work that communicates the ideals of the Global Ethic.

For example, you can choose to demonstrate the current hindrances to this global ethic (individualism, greed, monetary and political corruption, inequality), or, more optimistically, reflect on ways you think this communal spirit can be brought to reality. That is, on how each of us can make a contribution towards it. Is it a conceivable reality? Or, are the obstacles mentioned above too strong for it to ever come to be? But these are just suggestions to think about; you're the creative one, after all!

The Visual Arts Category is open to undergraduate and graduate students of any discipline.

When submitting your work, include a rationale no longer than 150 words.

Accepted Formats

A: Graphics (Static)
We accept: posters, logos, packaging illustrations, digital and analog photography, and public art installations (with photo documentation and a summary of the concept in writing)

Recommended formats (in CMYK): .pdf, .eps, .jpg, .ai

B: Film/Animation
This category includes films, animations, and videos. Maximum length - 60 seconds.

Recommended formats: .avi (divx/xvid/ineo), .mov, .mpg, .mpeg, .wmv, .swf

C: Websites/Interactive
Websites and interactive creations must be supported by the majority of browsers, and must thus employ standard coding (such as Flash, Javascript, Java applets, Shockwave, etc.).

Download The Hi-Tech Gift Economy text from Richard Barbrook:

   - view in new window (HTML document)
   - download .DOC file
   - download .PDF file
   - download .SWF file (Flash Paper)

Often either radically criticized as being (yet another) disseminator of capitalist decadence, or idealized as a forum for the unlimited exchange of free information, the internet can actually be seen as both of these things simultaneously. It is a space that enables the co-existence of market and gift economies, and people's simultaneous engagement in them. That is, on the internet, one can be both a consumer of capitalist commodities and an anarcho-communist within a gift economy, while, of course, also being a citizen of their state.

Undoubtedly, both, commercial companies and individuals benefit from the gift economy. In The High-Tech Gift Economy, Richard Barbrook quite pessimistically argues that most people only participate in the gift economy for very pragmatic reasons, and not with any (conscious) revolutionary ideals.

Now, respond to this position from your gut, from personal observations, from research, or a mixture of all three. In your response, feel free to disagree with Barbrook, and to challenge his views. Anything and everything you say will be taken seriously by Memefest.

Is it possible to use the co-existence of both economies more productively and for reasons more oriented towards social equality?

Is it possible to use the market economy as a carrier of socially beneficial ideas, or gifts?

Is it possible to have a prosperous marriage of both economies outside of cyberspace, for example in advertising?

How do cultural intermediaries, such as designers, advertisers, or journalists participate in the gift economy? How should they?

These are just a few questions to get you thinking and to give you direction if you need it. Once again, Memefest always encourages you to do your own thing!

Good luck, and thank you for participating!



There are two formats in which you can present your work:

1. Opinion Piece:

The opinion piece must reflect a personal approach to the issues raised by the article but still make use of theories and/or case studies from the field of Communication.

Length: 5-7 Pages

On the title page, please write your first and last name, field of study, e-mail address, the title of the piece, an abstract of up to 100 words and 6 highlighted keywords.

2. Annotated academic article:
Using recent academic literature that inquires into the sociological implications of the current postmodern bombardment of advertising that Rushkoff discusses, you may either support or refute his claims. You may also present original independent research on the issue.

Length: 5-7 pages

On the title page, please write your first and last name, field of study, e-mail address, the title of the piece, a summary of up to 100 words and 6 highlighted keywords.

Your work should be presented in standard essay form with citations that are consistent with one of the acceptable social-sciences styles.

Download The Hi-Tech Gift Economy text from Richard Barbrook:

   - view in new window (HTML document)
   - download .DOC file
   - download .PDF file
   - download .SWF file (Flash Paper)

Often either radically criticized as being (yet another) disseminator of capitalist decadence, or idealized as a forum for the unlimited exchange of free information, the internet can actually be seen as both of these things simultaneously. It is a space that enables the co-existence of market and gift economies, and people's simultaneous engagement in them. That is, on the internet, one can be both a consumer of capitalist commodities and an anarcho-communist within a gift economy, while, of course, also being a citizen of their state.

Undoubtedly, both, commercial companies and individuals benefit from the gift economy. In The High-Tech Gift Economy, Richard Barbrook quite pessimistically argues that most people only participate in the gift economy for very pragmatic reasons, and not with any (conscious) revolutionary ideals.

Now, respond to this position from your gut, from personal observations, from research, or a mixture of all three. In your response, feel free to disagree with Barbrook, and to challenge his views. Anything and everything you say will be taken seriously by Memefest.

Is it possible to use the co-existence of both economies more productively and for reasons more oriented towards social equality?

Is it possible to use the market economy as a carrier of socially beneficial ideas, or gifts?

Is it possible to have a prosperous marriage of both economies outside of cyberspace, for example in advertising?

How do cultural intermediaries, such as designers, advertisers, or journalists participate in the gift economy? How should they?

These are just a few questions to get you thinking and to give you direction if you need it. Once again, Memefest always encourages you to do your own thing!

Good luck, and thank you for participating!

There are two formats in which you can present your work:

1. Opinion Piece:

The opinion piece must reflect a personal approach to the issues raised by the article but still make use of theories and/or case studies from the field of Communication.

Length: 5-7 Pages

On the title page, please write your first and last name, field of study, e-mail address, the title of the piece, an abstract of up to 100 words and 6 highlighted keywords.

2. Annotated academic article:
Using recent academic literature that inquires into the sociological implications of the current postmodern bombardment of advertising that Rushkoff discusses, you may either support or refute his claims. You may also present original independent research on the issue.

Length: 5-7 pages

On the title page, please write your first and last name, field of study, e-mail address, the title of the piece, a summary of up to 100 words, and 6 highlighted keywords.

Your work should be presented in standard essay form with citations that are consistent with one of the acceptable social-sciences styles.