Global SDGs Pioneers Competition
Art
This category encourages students to engage with and raise awareness about global environmental and social challenges through various artistic mediums. Whether through photography, mixed media, or poster design, this category challenges participants to create powerful visual works that reflect and promote the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students are invited to showcase their creativity in addressing environmental and social issues, such as climate action, responsible consumption, sustainable cities, and the protection of ecosystems, all while using art to spark change and inspire action in their communities.
Drawing
Drawing is one of the most direct forms of artistic expression, allowing students to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. In this category, students are challenged to create original drawings that address one or more of the SDGs, from climate action to social justice. Whether through pencil, charcoal, ink, or other traditional techniques, the artwork should conve a clear message about global challenges such as resource conservation, pollution, or sustainable development. Through their drawings, students have the opportunity to provoke thought and inspire others to take action toward solving pressing environmental and social issues.
Mixed media
Mixed media art combines various materials and techniques to create visually rich and textured works that can engage the viewer in new ways. For this category, students are encouraged to use a blend of materials—such as paper, fabric, found objects, recycled materials, and even 3-D elements—to create artwork that reflects their perspective on an SDG-related issue. The work should explore the intersection of humanity and the environment, showcasing how different materials can symbolize both the fragility and resilience of the planet. By incorporating recycled materials, students can also emphasize the importance of sustainability in their artistic process. The artwork should be both visually striking and thought-provoking, challenging the viewer to consider the impact of human actions on the world.
Short films
Short films have the unique ability to tell compelling stories and reach wide audiences with powerful visual and emotional impact. In this category, students are asked to create short films (5-7minutes) that explore themes related to the UN SDGs, such as environmental conservation, social equity, climate change, or sustainable innovation. The film can be documentary-style, narrative, or experimental, as long as it conveys a clear message and engages the viewer in a meaningful way.
Students should focus on using visuals, sound, and storytelling techniques to inspire positive change and raise awareness about the importance of sustainability. The short film should highlight issues that demand urgent attention and present solutions, encouraging others to take action.
Application Guidelines
- Drawing and Mixed Media: Artwork must be 18x24 inches in size. (JPEG)
- Short Film: Film must be between 5 to 7 minutes long, submitted in MP4 format, and must not exceed 500MB in file size. (MP4)
- Artist Statement: An optional one-page statement explaining the inspiration behind the piece, the SDG(s) it addresses, and the creative
process may be included.
- File Naming: All files must be named in English and should not exceed 25 characters.
Judging Criteria
1. Creativity: Does the artwork or film demonstrate originality and fresh ideas in addressing an environmental or social issue?
2. Composition: Is the artwork or film visually balanced, well-structured, and thoughtfully composed?
3. Expression of Meaning: How effectively does the work communicate its central message about sustainability or social change?
4. Emotional Impact: Does the artwork or film evoke a strong emotional response from the viewer, motivating them to take action or reflect
on the issue?
5. Relevance to the SDGs: How well does the work connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing an important environmental
or social issue?