A picture is worth a thousand words. The annual art contest “Hear me. See me. Walk with me.” encourages young people across Europe to use their creativity to learn, understand, and support people forced to flee their countries.
This art contest is your chance to use your creativity for a good cause. Worldwide, more than 80 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict and persecution. Children, youth and families can use their talents to share the message that everyone deserves to be treated with practical kindness, justice, compassion and love – to live as God intended.
Theme
The theme of the Art Contest is “Loving the strangers among us”, reminding us that everyone is worthy of justice, compassion and love.
More and more people, worldwide, are forced to flee their homes, looking for a safer place to live. Their wish would be to stay in their dwellings. Nevertheless, due to war, political instability, persecution, natural disasters and climate change, millions must run for their lives every year.
According to the UNHCR, the number of displaced people globally reached 103 million in mid-2022, surpassing the threshold of 100 million for the first time. This number increases yearly; not even the COVID-19 pandemic decreased this trend. The most forgotten of these are not always the refugees who can cross a border and seek assistance in a foreign country. The majority are Internally Displaced People (IDP). They are refugees inside their own countries. There is no international assistance for these more than 53 million people (in 2021), so they are the most forgotten of the displaced.
Who can apply?
The contest is open to all children, youth (ages 5 to 25 years), and families. All artwork must be the sole and original work of the participants. Parents/guardians may provide minimal help to younger children.
Contest entries will be divided by age, and the most outstanding artworks will be chosen from each age category. Artworks will be evaluated by the Art Committee. Members will evaluate based on creativity as well as how effectively it conveys the message of kindness, hope, and solidarity. Each participant is welcome to share the artwork on his/her social media.
Winners will receive awards and experiences appropriate for different age groups, for example, school supplies, gift vouchers for attending a Camporee, a youth camp or congress, or a volunteer experience of ADRA projects in Europe. Winners can also donate the value of their prize, and ADRA will provide school supplies for the refugee children.
For more information, resources, details, and registration, please go here.
