This project involves mobilising artists to weigh in on the role of the arts in sparking social change through the creation of postcard artwork. The strategy of engaging people in contests/awards has been central to this process. In September 2006, Art4Development.Net and the Crafts Center at CHF International encouraged artists to submit their work for feature in an educational event titled "Arts, Culture, and Economic Development?" that aimed to explore the role of arts in the economic development field, and to highlight the significance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites and artistic creations.

Artists who submitted postcards that were featured in the in-person exhibit focused on global issues including cultural preservation, education, creative identity, HIV/AIDS, peace, and economic empowerment. During the event, visitors viewed the artists' work and browsed through the TreasurePostcards catalogue that introduces all artists (nearly 100 images of 46 artists from 26 countries). Click here to view this catalogue online.

One strategy that the artists have used to communicate about issues like education, gender, HIV/AIDS, water/nature, peace, and poverty in a unique and personal way is to use traditional methods, such as "thread paintings" from India and "miniatures" from Turkey, to emphasise the importance of maintaining historical treasures. Other artists have used 21st century technologies to depict their understanding of the TreasurePostcard topic, using digital technologies to create abstract artwork featuring vibrant colours.

To cite only one example, the winner of the 2006 TreaturePostcards contest describes her work as "a threaded dialogue between vanishing tactile processes and emerging technological means." This "geomorphic agent and environmental thinker" purchased a printed postcard of Gran Quivira "ruins" (a Spanish mission and pueblo settlement) while on an artist residency in New Mexico, United States, and was inspired to explore the conflicts that might have ensured in the creation of a once-thriving trade community. This artist's contest-winning work involved cutting away portions of the recycled tourist postcard to highlight the challenges involved in creating cultural cohesion, and the lasting impact that these efforts might have on native peoples.

Economic Development, Education, Environment, Gender, HIV/AIDS, Natural Resource Management, Peace.