Giving Voice to the Untold: International Contest for Minority Artists 2024

By Michael Thompson

The United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC) is proud to announce the 2024 edition of its International Contest for Minority Artists, a platform designed to celebrate the power of art in preserving and amplifying the narratives of marginalized communities. This year's focus: "Memorialization Through Art: Storytelling from the Margins."
The contest invites artists from around the world to submit their work – be it painting, sculpture, film, music, literature, or any other art form – that explores the vital role of memorialization in their respective cultures. This includes:
Preserving Histories: How do artists keep the stories of their communities alive, particularly in the face of erasure or neglect?Honoring the Past: What artistic forms and practices are used to commemorate historical events, individuals, and cultural legacies?Building Bridges: How does art facilitate dialogue and understanding across cultural divides, fostering empathy and recognition of shared experiences?

The 2024 contest will be a unique opportunity to:
Amplify Minority Voices: Give a platform to artists from marginalized groups, ensuring their stories and perspectives are heard on a global stage.Promote Cultural Diversity: Celebrate the richness and complexity of artistic expression from diverse communities, challenging dominant narratives and fostering cross-cultural understanding.Foster Dialogue and Reflection: Encourage critical engagement with the themes of memory, history, and identity through the lens of art, sparking meaningful conversations and promoting deeper awareness of the challenges faced by minority communities.The contest will receive submissions throughout 2024, culminating in a grand exhibition and awards ceremony. Winners will be selected by a distinguished jury of experts in art, culture, and human rights.
Join us in celebrating the power of art to memorialize, to heal, and to inspire. Submit your work and be a part of this important initiative.