In honour of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, themed “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has announced the launch of an innovative Youth Art Competition. This initiative invites young artists from across Africa, whether emerging or established, to submit their works that resonate with the theme of IDDRR2024 and enhance awareness about Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
The Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction will prominently showcase the competition’s artworks in Windhoek, Namibia, from October 21-24, 2024. Spearheaded by the Africa Youth Advisory Board on Disaster Risk Reduction (AYAB), the Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), and UNDRR, the event further aims to amplify youth engagement and creativity in disaster risk reduction.
Artists should explore the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future: A Creative Response to Disaster Risk,” and reflect the AfRP’s call to “Act Now for the Resilient Africa We Want.” This competition seeks to highlight and celebrate the diverse perspectives and artistic talents of young individuals aged 18 to 35, emphasizing their crucial role in addressing climate-related challenges through art.
Acceptable art forms include photography, video, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Submissions will be evaluated based on Visual Impact, Technical Skill, and Relevance to the theme. A distinguished panel of four experts will adjudicate the competition, with each expert representing a different African region (West, Central, Southern, and East) to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the artistic disciplines.
The Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction will award the overall winner an invitation to attend, covering all travel and accommodation expenses. Furthermore, the top 30 participants will have their artwork featured in a special photo or video presentation at the event.
The deadline for submissions is September 13, 2024. We will announce the winner on September 20, 2024. This competition not only aims to elevate the discourse on DRR but also to foster a deeper connection between art and disaster resilience.
