Hear me. See me. Walk with me! International Art Contest 2025
A call to be creative and support displaced people among us!
An image is worth a thousand words. The Art Contest “Hear me. See me. Walk with me.” invites young people across Europe to use their creativity to learn about, understand, and support those forced to flee their countries. This contest is your opportunity to use your artistic talents for a meaningful cause.
More than 117.3 million people have been displaced from their homes due to climate disasters, conflict, and persecution. Children, young people, and families can use their creativity to share the powerful message that everyone deserves to be treated with practical kindness, justice, compassion, and love — to live as God intended.
Theme: Hearts and Hands: Caring for Refugees
Types of artistic expression that can be submitted
Two-dimensional art – including drawing, painting, digital art, and collage (click for definition and a demo video).
Who can apply?
The contest is open to all children, young people (aged 5 to 25), and families.
All artwork must be the sole and original work of the participants. Parents or guardians may provide minimal assistance to younger children.
To ensure the contest is accessible and enjoyable for all participants, it will be divided into five age groups:
- 5 – 9 years
- 10 – 14 years
- 15 – 18 years
- 19 – 25 years
- Families
Some ideas for artwork
Ages 5–9
- Focus: Simple and concrete expressions of welcome, friendship, and basic kindness.
- Examples: A drawing of sharing a toy with a new friend; a painting of playing together with refugee children.
Ages 10–14
- Focus: A deeper understanding of cultural diversity, empathy, and the challenges faced by refugees.
- Examples: A drawing of befriending a refugee at school; a collage of various cultural symbols coming together.
Ages 15–25
- Focus: Complex themes such as integration, social responsibility, and the impact of global events on refugees.
- Examples: A digital artwork depicting the journey of a refugee family; an artwork representing unity and support across different communities
How to apply?
Applicants must submit a high-quality JPEG photograph of their artwork (with no background) between 1 February and 31 March 2025. Each submission must include a title for the artwork and specify its type of artistic expression.
Who will win?
The Art Committee will evaluate the artworks and select the most outstanding pieces from each age group. The jurors will assess the artworks based on creativity, relevance to the theme, artistic technique, and how effectively they convey the message of kindness, hope, and solidarity.
Shortly after the selection of the Committee members on 4 April, ADRA will issue an invitation on social media for the public to vote for their favourite artwork in each age category, from 6 April to 30 April. Winners will be notified by email once voting has concluded and will be announced during a special online awards ceremony, broadcasted on World Refugee Day and World Refugee Sabbath, 21 June 2025.
Winners will receive certificates of recognition and special awards for their outstanding displays of compassion and creativity. They will also have the option to donate the value of their prize, allowing ADRA to provide school supplies for refugee children.
Some artworks may be used to further promote education for all children, shared on social media, and used as educational material to raise awareness of migration issues as broadly as possible.
SLM