An art competition to depict climate change has been launched and is inviting citizens around the Pacific Islands including Samoa to take part in. The competition is called ‘Reimagining Pacific Futures.’

This is organised by a Pacific Youth Advocacy Group known as ‘Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change.’

The art competition is an opportunity for Pacific children and youth to participate in climate activism. 

This initiative aims to bring children and youth voices to the 51st Pacific Island Forum in Vanuatu in August to share their views with leaders, civil society organizations and the general public.

The organizers will use their work to prepare interesting, attractive, fun and original communication material such as posters, flyers, banners, webpages, social media pages and many others to amplify their talents, ideas and contributions in the fight against climate change to the world. 

The President of the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, Sulia Makasini said that they are excited to launch the art competition.

“It is because we know that today’s planet will belong to our youth today and in the future,” she said.

She added that they want to engage and inspire the youth into expressing through their art the value of the planet.

“I cannot emphasise enough how important it is and highly encourage our youth to step forward, be seen and be heard. 

“The Pacific Islands Forum is a really great opportunity for youth to be heard by our leaders. 

“Climate change is a threat to our Pacific community and we must take bold action to protect our people and our environment.”

Ms. Makasina added that this year’s competition theme is: “Climate Change and Human Rights” because it encompasses us all.”

“A warming planet threatens us all and every opportunity we have, we must highlight it and demand that the international community takes action to protect our human rights.”

A member of the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, Charlina Tone encouraged the youth of Samoa to take part in the competition and make their voices heard through this important avenue.

“The adverse impact of climate change affects us all and this is another opportunity for our youth to raise awareness and demand action through art and other creative platforms.”

The judges would base their decision on the following criteria: Creative expression of the themes; originality of the idea; originality in representing children and youth rights.

The assessment will be done by three independent professional art judges who are unaffiliated from the organization. 

The eligibility category is that the competition will be open to all citizens from member countries: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The age category for children is from 5-17 while youth is ages 18-29.

The art categories include: art - Painting, drawing, poetry and song, placard, photo; digital Art – videos.

Prizes will include electronics, art sets, and premium editing software, school accessories and online course subscriptions.

The competition closes on 22/06/20.  

Youths can follow PISFCC’s work in Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/PISFCC/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/pisfcc) and on their website (https://www.pacificclimateresistance.org)