Do you have a passion for capturing the beauty of Palestinian nature?
If you’re a photographer or an artist, this is your chance to participate in a competition that celebrates Palestinian landscapes, environment, and wildlife!
Theme: This art contest invites artists and photographers to explore the beauty and significance of Palestinian landscapes, environment, and wildlife. Submissions should celebrate the richness of Palestine’s natural world, from its diverse flora and fauna to its breathtaking landscapes and environmental heritage. The contest aims to raise awareness of the country’s biodiversity and foster a deeper appreciation for its ecological and cultural significance.
Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by Sunday, 23 February 2025.
Categories: Participants can submit their work under one of the following categories:
Photography
- Artists must submit a series of at least five original photographs.
- Additional images (up to 10) may be submitted, as long as they form a cohesive collection.
- The photographs should showcase Palestinian landscapes, wildlife, or environmental scenes.
- Basic edits such as color correction and cropping are allowed.
- Excessive digital manipulation that alters the authenticity of the scene should be avoided.
- There is no age restriction for the photography category, allowing younger participants to contribute their perspectives.
Painting/Drawing (Traditional Hand Drawing)
- In the painting category, participants are encouraged to express their creativity and emotions through their artwork.
- The artwork should capture the essence of Palestinian nature with the artist’s unique artistic touch (using textures if preferred).
- There are no restrictions on the type of surface (canvas or paper).
- There are no restrictions on the size of the artwork or the type of materials used.
- Artists are free to choose the medium that suits them best, including oil, acrylics, watercolors, and others.
- Artists must scan or photograph their work for submission.
- This category is open to participants aged 18 and older.
Eligibility: The contest is open to all Palestinians artists and photographers, including both professionals and amateurs. Palestinians from Gaza, the West Bank, and the 1948 areas are encouraged to participate, provided that their work aligns with the contest’s theme of Palestinian landscapes, environment, or wildlife.
Submission Guidelines:
- Photography submissions should be in high-resolution format (e.g. TIFF or RAW) to ensure they can be printed at high quality for exhibitions.
- Traditional paintings/drawings must be scanned or photographed with proper lighting to ensure a clear, accurate digital representation of the artwork. Winners will be required to provide the original hard copy of their work.
- For photographs and paintings, a paragraph must be included in the designated section of the competition submission form. This should include the title of the image, the date it was taken or created, the name of the photographer or artist, and a brief description of the image or painting. The institute reserves the right to adjust the description to suit the display format.
- File Submission: Participants should upload their entries via https://forms.gle/yWD3eoDGdxNxCamM9 .
- Important Note: Submissions must be original and not previously submitted to other contests, exhibitions, or PIBS projects. AI-generated submissions will not be accepted and will be disqualified.
Judging Criteria: All submissions will be evaluated based on the following aspects:
- Creativity & Originality – Unique perspectives and innovative artistic expression.
- Technical Skill & Execution – Mastery of the chosen medium.
- Relevance to the Theme – Clear representation of Palestinian landscapes, environment, or wildlife.
- Artistic Expression – The emotional and visual impact of the piece.
Prizes: Winners will be chosen from both categories (Photography and Painting/Drawing), meaning a total of six winners will be selected:
- 1st Place: €500
- 2nd Place: €300
- 3rd Place: €100
Exhibition & Artwork Use: By submitting their work, artists and photographers automatically agree to grant the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University the rights to use their submissions for exhibitions, educational purposes, including for nonprofit fundraising purposes for PIBS. Selected pieces may also be displayed in external exhibitions, including at La Papeleria Art Gallery in Madrid and other public spaces, as well as at the Palestine Museum of Natural History. Artists will be credited in all instances where their work is displayed or sold but they will not be financially remunerated beyond their initial prize money. While PIBS retains exhibition and promotional usage rights, artists will still maintain ownership of their work for personal and commercial use.
Submission Confirmation & Results: All participants will receive an email confirming the successful submission of their work. The results will be announced on 26 February 2025.
Contact: For any inquiries regarding the contest, please contact us at pibs@bethlehem.edu.