02 December 2024 | Bruxelles, Belgium [ADRA Europe]
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Europe is delighted to announce its annual art contest for children, teenagers, young adults aged 5 to 25, as well as families. This year’s theme is “Hearts and Hands: Caring for Refugees.”
The contest invites young artists and families to explore the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness towards refugees. By creating artwork, participants can express how they can contribute to making refugees feel welcome, safe, and valued in their new communities.
“Hearts and Hands: Caring for Refugees is more than just an art contest; it is an opportunity for young people within our church, church schools, and beyond to reflect on the role of compassion and kindness in today’s world,” ADRA Europe leaders said. Through their creativity, participants can demonstrate that even small acts of care can make a significant difference in the lives of refugees, helping them feel at home in unfamiliar surroundings.
Categories:
To cater to different interests and talents, the contest will feature two-dimensional art pieces in the following categories: Drawing and Painting, Collage, and Digital Art. Upon submission, each artwork must indicate the category in which it was created.
Artworks could, for example, depict scenes of welcoming a refugee family into a neighbourhood, emphasising the importance of friendship and acceptance. Older participants might reflect on how to connect with and support refugees, building bridges between different cultures and experiences.
Age Groups and Complexity:
To ensure the contest is accessible and enjoyable for all, the competition will be divided into five age groups: 5–9 years, 10–14 years, 15–19 years, 19–25 years, and families.
Submission Deadline:
The contest will launch, and submissions will open, between 1 February and 31 March 2025.
Further Information:
As the contest approaches, all information will be made available on the ADRA Europe website.
Prizes and Recognition:
Winners in each category and age group will receive certificates of recognition and the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in ADRA Europe’s online gallery and featured in publications. Special awards will be granted for outstanding expressions of compassion and creativity. The winners of the art contest will be announced during a special online event broadcast on World Refugee Day and World Refugee Sabbath, 20 and 21 June 2025.