Applications call for UNESCO Abuja National Art Competition 2020.

The National Art Competition under the theme of “Sheroes” is specially designed by UNESCO Abuja under the European Union (EU)-United Nations (UN) Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria: To eliminate violence against women and girls.

Objectives

This competition is aimed at raising awareness about VAWG/SGBV/HP among the public, and to support the zero-tolerance-of-violence environment promoted by the Spotlight Initiative, with a view to supporting long-term recovery and social inclusion of women and girl survivors through arts and with an additional effect of relieving the increasing social tension exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To be more concrete, this competition calls for two categories of artworks: painting and poetry, representing attitudes, visions, expressions, and messages against VAWG/SGBV/HP and/or demonstrating the contributions and resilience of women and girls within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The selected artworks must demonstrate deep visual and spiritual experience of the author on the issue of VAWG/SGBV/HP and equally inspire the audience.

Phases and Tentative Schedules

This UNESCO Abuja National Art Competition consists of three phases:

• Phase I (Registration and Shortlisting): All the complete and qualified entries will be reviewed and rated by a Committee composed of at least five experts from international agencies, relevant ministries, CSOs addressing VAWG/SGBV/HP, academia and media. Twenty (20) finalists of each artwork categories (painting and poetry) will be selected out based on judging criteria for participating in the second phase. Particular attention will be given to female submissions.
• Phase II (Social Media Campaign): The finalists will be convened through the official communication channels of UNESCO Abuja Office for a one-week public voting. The ultimate ranking of the finalists will be determined by the combination of the average score rated by the selection committee (60%) and the amount of votes received (40%).
• Phase III (Exhibitions): A webinar will be organized to affirm and further discuss the power of art against VAWG/SGBV/HP as well as to announce the winners of this national art competition. The top 3 winners of each artwork categories will be invited to share their stories behind the artwork creation. All the finalists plus some other outstanding artworks in the competition selected by the Committee will be exhibited online and will be possibly used in communication and advocacy materials of the Spotlight Initiative.

Prizes

Twenty (20) finalists of each artwork category (painting and poetry) will be shortlisted for public voting, which is to further identify the top 10.

• Top 1: Laptop + Winning Certificate
• Top 2-3: Smart Phone + Winning Certificate
• Top 4-10: Mystery Gift Box + Winning Certificate

All the participants will be awarded an electronic participation certificate.