About James McCrae

James McCrae is an author, poet, meme artist, and creative strategist based in Austin, Texas. In his writing and art, he applies the principles of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to modern life with humor and candor. James offers coaching and consultation services and teaches classes on conscious creativity.

James is the author of two books: Sh#t Your Ego Says (Hay House, 2017), an autobiographical guidebook for quieting negative self-talk and reconnecting with intuition, and How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis (Thought Catalog, 2021), a book of poetry and memes about leaving your comfort zone to embrace the unknown. 

As a creative strategist, James has led workshops. He brainstorms with top global brands (including Microsoft, NBC, Target, Organic Valley, and United Healthcare) to help define their mission, vision, and brand story. 

He has written articles on creativity for publications like Forbes, HuffPost, Adweek, Yogi Times, Entrepreneur, and Elephant Journal, and his poetry has been featured in literary journals such as American Journal of Poetry, 34th Parallel Magazine, Thought Catalog, New Millennium Writings, and Musepaper.

On his Instagram page (@wordsarevibrations) with more than 406k followers James shares daily memes, poems, and illustrations. He also hosts Sunflower Club a podcast that explores the intersection of creativity, consciousness, and culture. 

About Neha Jaiswal

FOUNDER TAF (The Arts Family London)

Neha is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and art collector based in London. She has more than a decade of experience in London real estate and Arts. Her passion for Arts led her to Sotheby’s Institute, London where she worked for nearly three years before completing her MA in Art Business from the Institute. She curated her first art exhibition titled Living Traditions in April 2013 in London to promote traditional arts from India. 

Neha has served on the advisory board of Fine Art Bourse, an online auction house, growing its business. Neha currently sits on the South Asian Acquisitions Committee (SAAC) at TATE. 

About TAF

The Arts Family, London (TAF) is a not-for-profit based in London with a focus on emerging South Asian art and artists.  TAF was started in March 2021 as a way of providing a platform that is supportive in essence and intended for art professionals around the world to exchange ideas, thoughts and to communicate, especially during the time when everyone was unable to travel due to the global pandemic. In short, we started TAF as an internet-based cross-cultural community of arts professionals including artists, gallerists, writers, collectors and anyone with a strong interest in the visual arts. Since then, the project has grown and is attracting a lot of attention, especially in India when we launched the TAF Emerging Artist Award South Asia in April 2021 for talented artists under the age of 35.

About Fiber Art Now

Fiber Art Now is a quarterly magazine that serves as a comprehensive resource for fiber artists and enthusiasts. Each issue features a rich array of content, including large-scale installations, wearable art, vessels, basketry, and wall or floor sculptures.

Artists’ profiles highlight those who have significantly contributed to the fiber arts community. Covering techniques such as knitting, crochet, rug hooking, weaving, tapestry, macramé, embroidery, and various types of felting, the magazine employs materials ranging from traditional fibers like cotton, silk, and wool to more experimental ones like bamboo and rayon.

Subscribers gain access to both print and digital versions, including the first 10 years of issues and 20 original ebooks. Additional perks include discounted entry fees for calls for entry, grant opportunities, and access to exclusive events and workshops. Fiber Art Now also partners with businesses and non-profits, offering extensive resources to its community of over 120,000 fiber artists.

About Women In Arts Network

The Women in Arts Network is a one-of-a-kind global platform that unites talented women in the arts, offering them a thriving space within the art world. We bring together writers, podcasters, gallerists, curators, and more, fostering not only collaboration but also celebration. It’s a place where collaboration isn’t just possible, it’s celebrated. Here, women from around the globe don’t just connect, they form powerful networks and lasting friendships. So, whether you’re on the hunt for talent or ready to showcase your own, Women in Arts Network is just the place for you.

• The top 2 winners’ digital portfolios will be highlighted for a year on the Women in Arts Network, a global platform honoring women artists. This special opportunity, valued at US $196, provides exceptional exposure and acclaim.
• The 3rd winner’s digital portfolio will be featured on the Women in Arts Network for 6 months at no cost.
• Selected artists will also receive a significant discount and have their portfolios showcased on the Women in Arts Network.

Important Note: We will provide updates on more sponsors in due course.

Main winner Prizes

• The main prize winner receives a US$ 1000 cash prize as an investment in their practice.
• The winner will also be awarded a stunning glass trophy engraved with her name, sponsored by the Arts to Hearts Project. The trophy will be elegantly packaged in a premium velvet box and accompanied by a certificate upon shipping.
• The winner’s interview will also be published in our premium hard-cover coffee table book.
• An extensive interview featuring the winner will be published on the Arts To Hearts website and promoted on the Arts to Hearts Instagram account, which boasts a 40,000-strong following.
• The top three winners will receive a mentorship call with James McCrea and Neha Jaiswal.
• The top three winners will each receive a one-year subscription to Fiber Art Now Magazine.
• The winner’s digital portfolio will receive a year-long feature on the Women in Arts Network by Arts To Hearts project, a global directory for women artists, valued at US $196.
• A year’s subscription to Arts To Hearts Print + Digital Magazine.

2nd Runner-Up Prizes

• The 2nd runner-up will also be awarded a stunning glass trophy engraved with her name, sponsored by the Arts to Hearts Project. The trophy will be elegantly packaged in a premium velvet box and accompanied by a certificate upon shipping.
• An extensive interview featuring the 2nd runner-up will be published on the Arts To Hearts website and promoted on the Arts to Hearts Instagram account, which boasts a 40,000-strong following.
• The top three winners will receive a mentorship call with James McCrea and Neha Jaiswal.
• The top three winners will each receive a one-year subscription to Fiber Art Now Magazine.
• The 2nd runner-up digital portfolio will receive a 6 months feature on the Women in Arts Network by Arts To Hearts project, a global directory for women artists, valued at US $196.
• A year’s subscription to Arts To Hearts Digital Magazine.