GREATER Project Launches National Art Competition to Promote Green Energy Awareness

In an ambitious effort to raise awareness about renewable energy and its role in building a sustainable future, the GREATER Project has launched a national art competition under the theme: “The Power of Creativity: Green Energy for Tomorrow.” The competition invites residents of Rwanda including students, youth, women, refugees, and persons with special needs to submit original digital artworks and short videos that creatively highlight the importance of green energy in everyday life.

The competition is part of the broader GREATER Project, short for Growing Rwanda Energy Awareness Through higheR education. Funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS+ Programme, the three-year initiative aims to improve energy literacy in Rwanda by upgrading academic programs and creating community-driven innovation hubs.

With an EU contribution of up to €800,000, the project brings together four Rwandan higher learning institutions: INES-Ruhengeri, Rwanda Polytechnic, University of Rwanda, and the University of Technology and Arts of Byumba and four European partners: the University of Parma and the National Research Council in Italy, as well as Hochschule Niederrhein and Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg in Germany.

Among its key activities, the GREATER Project is developing “Living Labs” real-life environments powered by smart renewable-energy systems where students and communities can engage directly with green technologies. These labs serve as both educational tools and platforms for grassroots innovation, reinforcing the project’s commitment to practical learning and public engagement.

The newly launched art competition complements these efforts by tapping into the power of creative expression. Participants can submit entries in two categories: Digital Photography & Paint, and Short Video Clips. Submissions must illustrate the potential of solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal energy to improve lives, with particular emphasis on applications relevant to developing and emerging economies.

Prizes include 250,000 RWF for first place, 100,000 RWF for second place, and 50,000 RWF for third place in each category. Up to five additional entries per category will receive Certificates of Excellence. Winning artworks will be showcased at GREATER Project events, shared across social media platforms, and displayed in public exhibitions.

The competition is open to all residents of Rwanda, including temporary residents, and entries must be submitted via the project website at www.greaterproject.eu/art. Submissions open on May 15 and close on July 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on September 1, followed by an official award ceremony on September 25.

Artwork must adhere to specific technical guidelines. Digital images should be submitted in JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or PDF format with a minimum size of 1920 pixels and a resolution of at least 180 dpi. Video entries must be in MP4 or MOV format with a minimum resolution of 720p. Any spoken or written content in videos must be in English or have English subtitles. Additionally, participants must submit a short description (100–200 words) explaining the concept and title of their work. Any identifiable persons featured in submitted works must provide written consent, and all materials must be original or properly attributed if open-source content is used.

A judging panel composed of representatives from each GREATER partner institution and eight independent artists or experts nominated by Rwandan institutions will evaluate entries. Evaluation criteria include creativity, relevance to the theme, technical quality, and social/emotional impact.

According to the organizers, the competition is not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a call to action. “This initiative is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about envisioning a greener, more equitable future powered by innovation and inclusion,” said a representative from the GREATER Project.

For more information, terms and conditions, and to submit entries, participants are encouraged to visit: https://greaterproject.eu/art.