The UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) is calling on African artists and artists of African descent to participate in a logo contest. The competition was launched to help the body create a new and befitting visual identity.
By its consensus, the UN General Assembly formulated PFPAD as an advisory body to the UN Human Rights Council in August, 2021. In view of the 2014 “Program of Activities for the Implementation of the International Decade of People of African Descent,” the creation of the PFPAD was of utmost importance.
The body’s mandate gears towards furthering the purpose of the International Decade for People of African Descent. That amongst other vital directives. It also aims to tackle problems relating to the all-round political, social and economic well-being of people of African descent. Drawing from previous resolutions like the Durban Declaration, it hopes to eradicate issues of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Furthermore, its focus is recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent.
A novel creation of such nature requires an impactful visual identity that is easily recognisable. In keeping with its mandate, The PFPAD has opened a logo contest to African artists and people of African descent. Its vision for the logo is one which represents the core ethos of the new consultative body. In addition to that, the logo should be an embodiment of the resilience and aspirations of people of African descent.
The International Day of People of African Descent (IDPAD) which was celebrated on the 31st of August, 2024 marked the beginning of the competition. Fortunately, there is no age limit for submission and acceptance of entries will cease on the 1st of November, 2024. Afterwards, the winner of the competition will be announced in January 2025. They would also be invited to participate in the PFPAD’s fourth session slated to hold in April 2025.
The PFPAD Logo contest’s jury comprises seven members in total. Notably, two of its members are representatives of two UN bodies. They include June Soomer, Chairperson of the PFPAD and a representative of the UN Department of Global Communications.
These artists are Rockyath Adechoubou, Babatunde ‘TRIBE’ Akande, Cierra Brinson, Brendon Reis, and Kim Thompson. Unsurprisingly, this ensemble comprises artists of African descent. Their works also reflect their desire to promote the interests of people of African descent in relation to global issues.
African artists within the continent and in the diaspora are enthusiastically encouraged to submit their entries before the window of opportunity closes. Good luck!
