Calling all young eco-artists! Share your voice through art and inspire others to take action on conserving biodiversity. Unleash your creativity and have your work seen by a global audience! 

The Global RCE Service Centre at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), in partnership with UNESCO, is now accepting submissions for the RCE Youth Biodiversity Art Challenge! The challenge is open to anyone aged 35 or younger worldwide.

We’re looking for your creative works of art that put a spotlight on the species, habitats, and ecosystems that we need to work to protect.

Submissions can be made for any of the following categories, with a focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) or SDG 15 (Life on Land). Choose from:

• Is your favourite animal or plant species under threat?
  • Show us one of your favourite animal or plant species which is currently under threat (e.g. Is its population/survival at risk? Are its habitats being endangered?)
  • Tell us how we can ensure we protect and restore this species – what actions can we take today in our communities?
• How can we protect the habitats and ecosystems within our regions?
  • Show us one of your favourite places which is being impacted by biodiversity loss (e.g. a local national park, forest, beach, river).
  • Tell us why it needs to be protected, and what actions communities can take to conserve this place?

Entries can utilise any art medium – some ideas are photos, drawings, paintings, sketches, murals – the list is endless, however all submissions must be static (no animations) and limited to one frame/image of the artwork. In addition to the artwork, you will be asked to include a short statement to explain your submission and how it answers the questions.

This is your chance to present your creative piece to people all around the globe, and contribute to inspiring others to taking action towards the SDGs!

Online submission must be done via the Submission Form by 6 October, 2022 (11:59pm JST) (extended). **Submissions are now closed.**

DETAILS

Objectives

• Bring awareness to the challenges faced due to biodiversity loss and the impacts on habitats, ecosystems, and species from factors such as human activity and climate change.
• Provide perspectives from youth on why it is crucial to protect the world’s biodiversity.
• Bring about understanding on how action can be taken on ESD and the SDGs, in particular in relation to addressing biodiversity conservation.

Eligibility
Submissions must meet the following criteria:

• Participants must be aged 35 or younger by 6 October, 2022.
• Participants must be individuals (corporations are ineligible for this contest).
• Entries are limited to three (3) entries per participant.
• The artwork must not have previously been submitted for another contest.
• The artwork must be the participant’s original work, and cannot incorporate symbols, images, or other works under copyright.

Submission Criteria
Participants meeting the above-mentioned eligibility criteria must also meet the following submission criteria:

• Submissions must be in response to one of the question options listed above and answer the corresponding questions listed underneath it.
• Submissions can take the form of any type of artwork (e.g. photos, drawings, paintings, sketches, murals, or other), however all submissions must be static (no animations) and limited to one frame.
• Submissions should be in a landscape orientation where possible, ratio 16:9 (e.g. 768px width, 432px height).
• Submissions must be the original work of the person submitting the artwork.
• Please ensure the image uploaded is clear and visible.
• Submissions are accepted in the following formats: PDF, JPG, or PNG and must be downloadable.
• Captions may be entered in any language, however the organisers may contact the entrant to confirm translations, if not entered in English.
• Submissions must be received by the deadline, 6 October, 2022 (11:59pm JST).

Judging Criteria

• Submissions will be judged based on creativity, originality, and response to the questions.

Please note that by participating in this challenge, all entrants agree that their artwork/s, name, and captions can be featured in online promotional channels (including but not limited to websites, social media, email newsletters), in relation to this challenge. If you do not wish for your entry to be made public, please note this in the submission form.

Format for Submission and Review
Online submission must be done via the Submission Form by 6 October, 2022 (11:59pm JST) (extended). *Submissions are now closed.**

Thank you to all who submitted entries for this Art Challenge. Winners will be announced in December 2022.