The European Union is committed to climate action and assisting Belize in the sustainable use of its natural resources, protecting biodiversity and fighting deforestation while also supporting the promotion of culture and freedom of expression. The European Union in Belize has organized a Creative Arts Competition under the theme: protecting beautiful Belize from the negative effects of climate change. This competition offers members of the Belizean community the opportunity to explore and enhance their creativity while making a statement for Belize and the environment.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The competition invites entries for the following three categories:

  • VISUAL ARTS: Artwork may include water colour, acrylic, oil paint with mixed media including the use of recycled materials. All art pieces should be on stretched canvas between the sizes of 16’’ x 20’’ and 24’’ x 36’’ maximum.

  • DANCE: Submissions should focus on interpretative dance linked to the competition theme with freedom to use all dance styles. Maximum dance performance accepted is 3 minutes.

  • SONG: Submissions should include original songs written and produced for the competition. If the songwriter is the singer, both should enter the competition as a group and for the same age category.   

Individual and group entries are accepted for all of the three competition categories.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to anyone aged 12+, male and female, living in Belize. The competition includes two age groups:

  • Ages 12-17

  • Ages 18 and older

What can you win?

  • 1st place in each category for ages 12-17: BZD $500.00

  • 1st place in each category for ages 18+ and older: BZD $1,000.00

Furthermore, all winners and runner ups will receive a prize pack by the European Union.

When will the competition begin and end?

The competition will open on March 14th and will close at midnight on April 21st, 2023.  No late entries will be accepted.

When will winners be announced?

Winners will be announced on Saturday 20th May 2023.The winner announcements will be lived streamed and posted on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/euinbelize.

Entry Requirements and Evaluation Criteria: 

  • Must be 12 years or older

  • Must be living in Belize

  • Submission must follow the theme stipulated in the terms of the competition.

  • Eligible Languages: English and Creole

  • Must be an original creative production created during the contest period.

  • One entry per person, per category, however groups may submit a single entry with multiple participants.

  • Entries will be judged on Technical Skill, Uniqueness and Originality, Interpretation and Clarity. Submissions must portray a clear message about theme of the competition.

MEET THE JUDGES

  1. Janelle Chanona: Representative for non-governmental organizations in Belize’s Senate and Vice-President of Oceana Belize.

  2. Amanda Acosta: Executive Director, Belize Audubon Society

  3. Saidy Godette: Owner of The Art Shack Belize - an Art Gallery, Marketing and Design Company

  4. Raquel Rodriguez: Founder of Raquel-Art School in Belmopan

  5. Jaylan Craig: Founder and Director of Modern Dance Movement (MDM)

  6. Maria Antonieta Smith: International Dancer and Choreographer

  7. Alexander Evans: Musician and Music Educator, Alexander Evans Music

  8. Nicole Craig: Country coordinator for Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, Singer and Songwriter

  9. Elizabeth Mary Lanzi Mazzocchini: Communication Coordinator and Cultural focal person at the European Union in Belize (as observer).

     

    You can read more about the judges by clicking here.

Ready? ENTER BELOW

All submissions must be submitted electronically. For those who are submitting visual arts submission, finalists will be required to send in their original pieces of artwork, someone will be in touch with you if this is required.

To enter, click the entry category below to start your submission

Be sure to take photos or record videos in a well lit area so judges can have a clear view of your submission. Any photos/videos or submissions for any categories that are not submitted in high resolution or are blurry and dark will be disqualified.

Terms and Conditions:

Please note that by joining the contest, you agree with the competition guidelines above and these Terms & Conditions:

  • Your entry must not infringe upon the rights, trademarks or any other intellectual property rights of any third person or entity. Your entry must be an original artwork; any complaint that may arise on the authenticity of the work should be your sole responsibility to prove the authenticity of the artwork submitted.

  • All entries must be produced legally and no wildlife, habitat or environment should be harmed, put at risk or unduly disturbed in the process.

  • Judges shall assess the entries and one winner from each category (song, dance, painting) per age group (age group 1 being 12-17 and age group 2 being 18 and above) will be selected. The judges’ decisions shall be final.

  • All submissions to the competition will remain the property of the European Union and will go on display in the different districts of Belize. Submissions may be donated by the European Union to third party entities.

  • The European Union and its communication agency McNab Visual Strategies hold the right to reproduce the winning artwork in full or any detail thereof in the framework of communication activities, including but not limited to in posters, brochures, publications, websites, social media, press releases.

  • By submitting an entry, you agree to waive any moral rights contained in your entry. Any entry you provide shall be non-confidential. Additionally, by submitting any entry to the competition you agree to grant European Union and its communication agency McNab Design Ltd and McNab Design Ltd, perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sub-licensable right and worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display and exercise all publicity rights with respect to your entry, and/or to incorporate your entry in other works, in any media.

  • By submitting an entry, you agree that the European Union and its communication agency McNab Design Ltd, may use the material for any purpose and in any way it chooses, including, but not limited to, marketing, publicity, advertising and presentations.

  • The European Union and McNab Design Ltd, shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage or for any costs, claims or demands of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of the use of your entry or any part thereof.

  • You agree to indemnify The European Union and McNab Design Ltd against any claim from any third party for any breach of the Rules or these Terms & Conditions.

  • The European Union and McNab Design Ltd reserve the right to update the Rules and these Terms & Conditions from time to time and any updated version will be effective as soon as it is published.

For any questions or queries please email: marketing@mcnabvisual.com