The 2023 OHCHR International Art Contest for Minority Artists
The 2023 OHCHR International Art Contest is a bi–annual event that invites people from all over the world to submit artwork that addresses human rights issues. The contest is available to all ages and nationalities. The goal is to create a platform for visual expression that can help bring attention to human rights issues around the world. The competition is divided into age categories and categories on topics related to human rights. The first place winner in each category will receive a cash prize and their work will be featured in an online gallery. Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts in the field of human rights and art.
On the occasion of Zero Discrimination Day honored globally on 1 March 2023, and to establish the start of Racial Justice Month, part of OHCHR’s year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) merge forces with the non-governmental organization’s Minority Rights Group International and Freemuse to coordinate the Second Edition of the International Art Contest for Minority Artists. The 2023 edition invites applications from minority artists working on intersectionality themes. The 2023 OHCHR International Art Contest for Minority Artists
The First Edition of the International Art Contest for Minority Artists was launched in 2022 and concentrated on the theme of statelessness. The Second Edition will celebrate minority artists who may have exposed, explored, or addressed matters connecting to intersectional forms of discrimination through their artwork. It seeks to increase awareness of the human rights of individuals and groups belonging to minorities and facing compounded forms of discrimination.
The 2023 International Art Contest also connects with the celebration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights as well as previous efforts by OHCHR to promote joint work with Freemuse and UNHCR in areas associated with minority rights. Boosted cooperation among UN Agencies and Entities can accelerate progress to address all forms of discrimination and the inclusion of minorities. Thereafter, the Second Edition of the International Art Contest for Minorities working on Intersectionality Themes aspires at enabling individuals who belong to minority groups and have committed to address intersectional forms of discrimination. Additionally, to make them have knowledge of their human rights and the procedures available to them, OHCHR and its partners hope to help shed light on the need to combat intersectional discrimination and marginalization, including in relation to discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that exist in many States.
Requirements for the 2023 OHCHR International Art Contest
- Minority artists are invited to submit up to five works of art related to intersectionality and intersectional forms of discrimination.
- Artists who self-identify as belonging to a minority are welcome to apply to the Minority Artists Awards on Intersectionality Themes. All artworks focusing on intersectional experiences by minorities as a theme are eligible, including but not limited to photography, painting, video, installation, drawing, sculpture, etc. Due to practical reasons, it is however required that a virtual presentation of the artwork(s) be submitted to OHCHR in a digital format.
Awards
Four awards of $1,000 each will be offered by the Judging Panel; among these awards, one Minority Youth Artist Award will be reserved for artists aged between 18-35. The award winners will be publicly announced in early November 2023
Selection Criteria
- The award winners will be announced in November 2023 at a hybrid Ceremony organized in Geneva. On this occasion, a visual exhibition and a catalog featuring the awarded artists and their art will be publicly launched.
Application Deadline:15 May 2023.
The 2023 OHCHR International Art Contest for Minority Artists
