“Think global, act local”
The Belgium Embassy have launched a competition called “Street Art Meets Climate Change” in line with their current Development Cooperation focus on climate change and the green economy. The launch took place on 29th May at the Pop Art Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg.
The competition is an initiative of the General Representation of the Government of Flanders in Southern Africa which aims to get South African youth passionate about climate change.
“The Government of Flanders has been in association with South Africa for about 20 years now. We have been dealing mostly with SME development and Social Enterprises and in 2016, we decided to focus our development to climate change and the green economy,” said Dr. Geraldine Reymenants (General Representative of the Government of Flanders in Southern Africa).
At the launch the representative of the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, Mr. Tlou Ramaru, highlighted how climate change has already affected the South African economy.
“The recent droughts and heat waves have caused water scarcity which has impacted the country’s food security. One can see that climate change is not a myth or a philosophical thing. It is practical and it is upon us.”
“We have found that one of the best ways to get the youth involved in communicating the urgent message of climate change is through the use of pop-culture which relates to the majority of young people” said Weza Matomane, brand ambassador for the SAMC Competition.
“This takes into consideration that although street art is cool and casual, whilst climate change is a serious issue, the two can merge to bring an alternative perspective on a possible solution.”
Artists are invited to submit their entry, for which they can choose from a range of street art such as pictures, graffiti, dance, poetry, graphic design. This is as long as the work references the impact of climate change in South Africa or its possible solutions.
“Speaking to the youth is very important because they are the ones who will suffer the consequences of the decisions of today.”
For a chance to win the Public Choice Award: entries must be posted on the @SAMCCSA Facebook page and Instagram accounts as a picture or a 1 minute video. The entry with the most likes (@SAMCCSA Facebook and Instagram combined) will be the winner of the Public Choice Award of R 7 500.
For a chance to win a Jury Prize: entries must be submitted on the webpage . An independent panel of judges will look for originality, impact and effectiveness. Winners stand a chance to get a share of R30 000 in cash and the opportunity of showcasing their work at prestigious gatherings. (First Prize = R 10 000; Second Prize = R7 500; Third Prize = R 5 000).
How to enter
The competition is open to youth residing in South Africa between the ages of 15 to 35. You must register first on the website and enter your submission. Submissions must also be posted on the Facebook Page: @SAMCCSA and tagged on Instagram: @SAMCCSA
There will be 3 professional Jury Prizes and 1 Public Choice award. The Public Choice award will go to the submission with the most likes on Facebook & Instagram combined. Winners may be invited to exhibit their work during the official closing ceremony, in attendance of the Flemish Minister-President.
For more infomation go to the competition page or watch this video.
Follow the competition on Facebook (@SAMCCSA) and Instagram (#samccsa).