Background:

This Art Competition and Exhibition titled Celebrating Creativity and Innovation, aims at promoting creativity and innovation among Kenyan Youth who are visual artists. Organized by the Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi, the event will serve as a platform for emerging artists to showcase original works that explore themes of renewal, rejuvenation, transformation, and social justice. By bringing together artists and audiences in a dynamic setting, the exhibition will emphasize the role of art in addressing contemporary challenges and inspiring positive social change.

Objectives:

• Provide a platform for both emerging and established Kenyan artists to showcase their creativity and reach new audiences.
• Encourage artists to explore themes of renewal, rejuvenation, and transformation—whether personal, societal, or environmental—in their work.
• Foster a deeper appreciation of art’s role in addressing contemporary challenges and sparking dialogue around important issues.
• Recognize outstanding artworks through a structured awards system and public acknowledgment during the exhibition.

Target Audience:

• Kenyan visual artists (fine art) aged 18 – 40 years of age, including both young emerging and students.
• All genders (male, female) are welcome to participate.

Themes:

• Main Theme: Social Justice & Equality
• Sub-Themes:
• Peace
• Spirituality
• Justice
• Co-existence

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
• Entries are limited to individual artists (no group submissions).
• Artists must be 18 – 40 years of age.

Submission Regulations:

• Media: High-quality paintings or drawings (pencil or charcoal), acrylics, watercolors, or oil paintings.
• Originality: Each work must be original and created within the past two years.
• Entries: Up to two (2) works per artist are allowed.
• Size: Artwork dimensions must be between 40x40 cm (minimum) and 150x150 cm (maximum).
• Insurance: Artists are responsible for insuring their work; the organizers will not be liable for loss or damage during transit or display.

• The panel's decision is final
• The organisers have the right to use images of all submitted work to publicize this exhibition and future exhibitions regardless of shortlisting outcomes.

 

Timelines:

• 2 June 2025: Call for entries begins (digital JPG submission).
• 30 June 2025: Deadline for entries
• 1 July 2025: Notification of shortlisted artists.
• 1–15 August 2025: Period for physical submission of shortlisted works.
• 15 August 2025: Final deadline for all submissions (hard copies).
• Official Launch: 5 September 2025
• 5–10 September 2025: Exhibition
• Award Ceremony: 10 September 2025

Submission & Delivery Guidelines

• Submit digital entries (JPG) and a brief artist statement to the Email provided.
• Physical artworks may be delivered by mail, courier, or in person to the address provided.
• Each artwork must be signed on the back only; no signatures or identifying marks are allowed on the front.
• Uncollected artworks will be disposed of two weeks after the exhibition.

• Artists will be credited for any work we use in images
• The Artist must be the legal copyright owner of the submitted work and it is their responsibility to ensure that the copyright is not restricted under any law.

Judging Criteria

Submitted artworks will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the following criteria:

• Creativity & Originality: The uniqueness of the concept and innovation in execution.
• Relevance to Theme: How effectively the artwork addresses the main theme (Social Justice & Equality) or sub-themes.
• Artistic Skill & Technique: Mastery of the chosen medium and overall craftsmanship.
• Emotional & Intellectual Impact: The ability to engage viewers emotionally and convey thoughtful messages.

Exhibition Details

• Venue: Exhibition Hall - Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nairobi.
• Dates: 5–10 September 2025.
• Sales: Exhibited works may be offered for sale at the artists’ discretion.
• Display: The organizers reserve final decisions on the placement and presentation of all works.
• Care: Organizers will take due care when handling artworks, but are not liable for any damage while the works are in their possession.

Awards

• Grand Prize: Kshs. 60,000
• Second Prize: Kshs. 40,000
• Third Prize: Kshs. 30,000

Contacts: