Youth with Refugees Art Contest

Be creative and help refugees We need to stay at home to halt the spread of the coronavirus. But what about the millions of people who have had to flee their homes because of war? If you are between 12 and 25 years old, you can help refugees by drawing […]

27 Apr 2020

Be creative and help refugees

We need to stay at home to halt the spread of the coronavirus. But what about the millions of people who have had to flee their homes because of war?

If you are between 12 and 25 years old, you can help refugees by drawing a picture or a comic to share the message that #everyonecounts, including refugees, in the fight against the virus. The best creations will be ANIMATED and shared with UNHCR’s 8 million followers all over the world.

Submit your creation

Why a youth art competition?

As the old adage has it, an image is worth a thousand words. This art contest is your chance to use your creativity for a good cause. Covid-19 is affecting everyone on the planet. The 70.8 million people who have fled their homes to escape conflict or persecution need to be protected from the virus, like everyone else. You can use your talents to help UNHCR share the message that everyone counts in the fight against Covid-19, including refugees!

Who is it for?

Anyone between 12 and 25 years old can participate. You don’t need to be a professional artist at all. You can be creative in your own way. You can either draw by hand or use a computer.

What is the prize?

If you win, your creation will be ANIMATED and shared on our platforms. This is a chance to bring your art to life – whatever your favourite style is – and get it in front of our 8 million followers. You will also receive a special prize from UNHCR and various other goodies.

What is the theme?

Under the overall heading of Everyone Counts, you can focus on one or more of these three themes:

  • Everyone should be protected from the virus. Everyone should have access to water, soap, health care and medicine. Unfortunately, many refugees who have fled war in their countries are in places with limited access to all of this, which makes them very vulnerable.
  • Everyone should be kind to each other. The virus can affect anyone, so there is no reason to blame anyone for it. We are worried that refugees may become the target of discrimination.
  • Everyone has a role to play in fighting the virus. Health workers. Humanitarian workers. You, by raising awareness and staying at home! Refugees are also leading in the fight against the virus. They help older people. They make soap. They are doctors and nurses joining the front line work.

How will your art be judged?

On its creativity as well as how effectively it conveys its message. Try to inspire hope and solidarity!

How does it work?

You can either draw a single drawing or a comic strip.

  • Option 1: Draw or paint by hand on any type of paper or canvas. Then scan or take a good quality picture of your drawing.
  • Option 2: Create your drawing on your computer using a design program, ensuring a minimum quality of 300 pixels.

Once your creation is finalized, submit it HERE as a pdf, jpeg or png!

Feel free to also post your drawing on your own social media accounts using the hashtags #everyonecounts and #withrefugees.

Submit your creation

When is the deadline?

The deadline is 10 June, but we encourage you to share your creations as early as possible, as we aim to publish the best ones regularly on our platforms!

For any questions, please contact [email protected]!