The 2024 "Colours of Africa" Art Competition is now closed. Winners to be announced in October. Please check back in March 2025 for details on the 2025 competition.

"Colours of Africa" Art Extravaganza - Unleash Your Creativity!

Welcome to the "Colours of Africa" Art Extravaganza, an exciting art competition exclusively for young talents aged 7 to 14 years (KS2 - KS3) across England, United Kingdom. Get ready to embark on a creative journey that celebrates Africa's vibrancy, diversity, and cultural heritage through art and design!





 

Competition Objectives:

  • Promote African art, design, and creativity among children.
  • Foster cultural appreciation and creativity about Africa's rich heritage.
  • Provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talents and imagination.

The theme of the competition is What Does Africa Mean to You: Real Life Art Inspired from Africa! Students can express what Africa means to them through artistic drawings, paintings, and collages.


Competition Guidelines

  • This competition is open to schools within England, UK. Only schools or home-schooling parents can submit entries for the competition.
  • Each school can submit their three best entries.
  • Eligible Categories: KS2 (age 7 - 11) and KS3 (age 12 - 14)
  • All entries must be the original work of the student, and must align with the theme.
  • Entries must be submitted by 5 pm July 31st, 2024
  • Students can use any creative medium like acrylics, paintings, crayons to express their vision and art.


The theme is REAL LIFE art inspired by AFRICA - Capture the beauty, scenery, and essence of Africa using paints, pastels, acrylics, pens, or pencils.

GO WILD: Let your imagination run wild with artistic drawings, paintings, or collages - any creative medium that resonates with your vision. Schools should encourage their students to think about what Africa means to them and express it through their artwork.

Download Artistic Ideas for Children

Dates to Remember

April - July:
School entry submission for competition (Top 3)
June:
School print auto-generated certificates for all participating students
August - Sept:
Judges review entries
October:
Winners announced during Africa Awareness Week
October - December:
Awards presented - based on Schools preference
 

How It Works

1

Schools Participate

Offer the Art Competition to your Students

Schools will present the "Colours of Africa" Art Competition as an exciting class art activity. Students will be encouraged to unleash their creativity and let their imagination run wild as they explore Africa's vibrant cultures and diverse landscapes.

2

Create Class Artwork

Engage in Exciting Art Activities in School

Students dive into Africa's wonders, crafting their artwork inspired by the competition's themes. This class activity offers a chance for collective expression and celebration of Africa's rich beauty, bringing their creativity to life.

3

Schools Shortlist & Select Best Entries

Pick the 3 best artworks from the school's art activity

From the class art activity, schools will carefully select the top three entries that stand out for their creativity, originality, and connection to Africa's essence.

 
4

Enter the ‘’Colours of Africa’’ Art Extravaganza

Schools can submit their best three artworks via our online submission form.

Schools will enter the competition by submitting the best three entries through our online submission form. These entries will represent the artistic endeavors and collective spirit of the school community. Entry closes 31st July 2024.

5

Win Art prizes


Judging commences August - September 2024. The judges will review the entries based on creativity, originality, connection to the theme, and overall artistic execution and decide the winners.

 
 

Judging:

Judging Criteria: Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, connection to the theme, and overall artistic execution.

Let Your Imagination Run WILD! Unleash your creativity, embrace the spirit of Africa, and create artwork that speaks to your heart. Whether you choose to paint a sunset over the savannah, a futuristic technological view, or a wildlife-inspired drawing, let your imagination take flight!


THE PRIZES

For Students

Top Winners

Top Three Winners from each Category

  • The panel of judges will meticulously review all entries and shortlist the best of the best. From this shortlist, they will select three exceptional artworks from the KS2 and KS3 categories that resonate with the essence of Africa's vibrancy, cultures, and landscapes.
  • Our distinguished winners will each receive a fantastic cash prize of £50, recognizing their outstanding creativity and dedication.
Top Winners

Certificate of Excellence for All Students

  • Every candidate who participates in the "Colours of Africa" Art Extravaganza will be recognized for their artistic contributions.
  • Each participant will receive a Certificate of Excellence, celebrating their commitment to creativity and cultural appreciation.
  • Schools can download the African Inspired Certificates for their students as from June 2024.

For Schools

Top Winners Top Winners Top Winners

First Prize


  • School Art Workshop
  • As a gesture of appreciation and encouragement, the winning school will be rewarded with an exclusive art workshop by DrumRoots. The workshop will consist of African storytelling, drumming, dancing etc. This immersive workshop will inspire students to explore their creative potential, guided by skilled professionals.



  • African Art Box
  • In addition, the winning school will get our beautifully packed Art boxes filled with props (talking drum, selection of few books, traditional coral beads, African materials/wrappers and lots of African-inspired accessories for plays and drama)



  • Champion's Trophy
  • The winning school will proudly display the Champion's Trophy, symbolizing their achievement and commitment to celebrating Africa's rich culture and heritage. Expect to receive the trophy in African grand style.

Top Winners

Second Prize

  • African Art Box
  • As a gesture of appreciation and encouragement, the winning school will be rewarded with an exclusive art package [a box of school arts, crafts, accessories, props, and clothing“ all from Africa]

Top Winners

Third Prize


  • African Books for your Library
  • Selection of African books for your school library

Terms & FAQ


By participating in the "Colours of Africa" Art Extravaganza, schools not only nurture creativity but also contribute to a celebration of Africa's cultural richness. Let the collective artistic spirit of your school shine!

Please note: Images of prizes are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual awards provided.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact info@africaawarenessweek.co.uk.
Embrace the "Colours of Africa" and share your artistic talents with the world. Get ready to be part of a celebration of creativity and cultural appreciation!

The competition is open to students aged 7 – 11 years old (KS2 stage) and 12 -14 years old (KS3) Resident in England, United Kingdom.
You can only enter the competition through a school in England, UK.

First of all, follow through the "How It works" section and read the details carefully. - it should answer most questions.

You can only submit an entry through a school. Individual entries from parents, homes, public are not accepted. To enter, simply follow the SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES HERE link on this page and follow the instructions on the submission form.

As a student, participate in the class art activity in school and put in your best artistic work. As a School, engage your students on the class activity and explain the theme of the competition. Select the best three entries from the school and submit using the "Submit your entries" form. You will be asked to attach a good quality image of your student's completed artwork to the submission form (please ensure the JPEG file is less than 5MB in size. NO PDFs permitted and the uploaded image is in focus). Please do not write anything on the artwork as it will disfigure the art piece. Afrikindness will write each candidate's name and school on the art piece in the best way.

All entries must be submitted by 31st July.

All entries submitted by schools will be judged by our expert panel and winners will be selected by the judges. Afrikindness may request the original artwork if we have an art gallery in the UK to showcase the brilliant work of our talented young people.

Participating in the "Colours of Africa" Art Extravaganza is not just a competition; it's a celebration of creativity, unity, and the power of artistic expression. Every stroke of the brush, every dash of color, and every creative idea contributes to this vibrant celebration. Few of the reasons are:

  • Collective Creativity: Engage students in a collaborative art experience, allowing them to learn, create, and celebrate together.
  • Embrace Diversity: Through class art activities, students will be exposed to the rich cultures and stories of Africa, fostering cultural appreciation.
  • School Unity: Selecting the best entries as a school creates a sense of pride and unity as the students' collective efforts are showcased.

Join us to celebrate the rich cultures and beauty of Africa through your artwork.

Win exciting prizes and inspire others with your imaginative creations!

By submitting your student's artwork to Colour of Africa, you will be helping to make a stand against stereotypes, racial bullying and discrimination against children of colour“ you will help us to bring cultural pride to children of colour and a sense of global citizenship and kindness to all students.

Every participant will receive an email inviting them to download a digital Certificate of Excellence (sent at end of December to the school registered email address).


There are tangible benefits for the winners and the school:

  • The winning student will receive a cash prize of £50.
  • The winning artwork may be showcased or exhibited in Galleries in Africa, London or Edinburgh. We will notify the school if this opportunity is available.
  • The winning school will receive an art workshop.
  • The winning school will also receive a Champion's trophy and lots of prizes.

NO! Only Schools and colleges are welcome to enter multiple entries using our Submission entry form. If you are a teacher and you wish to enter your students into the competition, please use the form and follow the steps.

Parents Homeschooling - YES! If you are a parent homeschooling your child/children at home, please reach out to us through our email - info@africaawarenessweek.co.uk
We will put in your entries and ensure it is not disqualified.

The panel is tasked with selecting the best 3 artworks. The best 3 artworks from Schools will receive Special Recognition and be showcased on our website and social media. The panel will also select 3 best entries from each category - KS2 and KS3 and the winners will be awarded.

The theme is REAL LIFE art inspired from AFRICA –

Students can capture the beauty, scenery, and essence of Africa using paints, pastels, acrylics, pens, or pencils. Students can also let their imagination run wild with artistic drawings, paintings, or collages - any creative medium that resonates with their vision.

As students collaborate on their class art activity, they can draw inspiration from African patterns, wildlife, landmarks, traditions, and stories. Schools should encourage their students to think about what Africa means to them and express it through their artwork.

Thought-Provoking Examples: For inspiration, explore African cultures, patterns, wildlife, or landmarks. Imagine the vibrant markets, the majestic animals, or the breathtaking landscapes. Your artwork can tell a story that brings Africa to life!

Maximum of Three

There are 4 stages to the competition:

Stage 1: School participation- Teachers should engage their students about the competition, the objectives, and the prizes available. Encourage all students to participate in the class activity to develop their artistic skills. Get inspired by Africa's cultures, landscapes, wildlife, and stories. Create a piece of art that reflects their unique perspective of Africa.

Stage 2: Schools should shortlist and select the best 3 entries from the school for submission. Enter Online: submissions open in April and close in July 2024. It is free to enter. Please ensure your artwork meets the criteria or it will be discounted.

Stage 3: Judging commences - the entries will be carefully reviewed and assessed using the defined criteria. The panel will review the selected artworks and make their final decisions. Winners will be notified through their school-registered email and will be announced on our website & social media channels in October in celebration of Africa Awareness Week and Black History Month

Stage 4: Awards and prizes will be presented before School closes for the Christmas season.

Online submissions until 31st July 2024.

Our panel of judges will evaluate all entries, considering their creativity, originality, connection to the chosen theme, and overall artistic execution. The shortlisted entries will undergo a panel review to make the final decisions.

Criteria for Judging: Celebrating Creativity and Cultural Expression

As we embark on the journey of the "Colours of Africa" Art Extravaganza, our esteemed panel of judges will assess each artwork with meticulous attention to detail. They will evaluate the entries based on three fundamental criteria that capture the essence of artistic brilliance and cultural expression:

Technique: A Canvas of Artistry

  • Creativity and Originality: Judges will assess how well the artwork interprets the chosen theme and the extent to which the young artist's perspective shines through.
  • Quality of Artistic Composition: The overall design, arrangement of elements, and visual balance within the artwork will be evaluated.
  • Overall Impression: Judges will consider how effectively the artwork captures attention, elicits emotions, and communicates its message.

Theme Interpretation: Weaving the African Narrative

  • Interpreting the Event's Theme: Judges will examine how well the artwork reflects the theme and encapsulates the spirit of Africa's cultures, landscapes, and stories.
  • Creativity and Originality: The uniqueness and inventiveness of the interpretation will play a pivotal role in the evaluation.
  • Quality of Artwork: Judges will analyze the execution of the artistic vision, the level of skill demonstrated, and the finesse in capturing the essence of the theme.

Resources Utilised: Unleashing Creative Potential

  • Beauty and Uniqueness: Judges will appreciate the inherent beauty of the artwork and its distinctive qualities that make it stand out.
  • Artistic Skill: The level of mastery in the use of art materials and techniques will be considered, showcasing the young artist's command over their chosen medium.
  • Fulfilled Intent: The extent to which the artwork successfully conveys the artist's intended message and evokes emotions will be assessed. Overall, does the artwork stand on its own as a complete and outstanding work of art?

The Masterpiece Unveiled: Celebrating Excellence

Our judges will holistically evaluate each artwork, considering its technical brilliance, thematic resonance, and the creative spirit that brought it to life. As they embark on this enlightening journey, they will seek to recognize the young artists who have crafted outstanding pieces that pay homage to Africa's vibrant tapestry.

  • As we await the unveiling of these masterpieces, we celebrate the dedication, imagination, and cultural appreciation that each young artist brings to the canvas. Through their creative expressions, we honour the beauty of Africa and foster a deeper understanding of its rich heritage.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact info@africaawarenessweek.co.uk

Schools are invited to submit art posters (maximum of 3) for the Africa Awareness Week - Black History Month celebration.

The theme is REAL LIFE art inspired by AFRICA- Capture Africa's beauty, scenery, and essence using paints, pastels, acrylics, pens, or pencils. Students can also explore the use of artistic drawings, paintings, or collages - any creative medium that resonates with their vision. Schools should encourage their students to think about what Africa means to them and express it through their artwork.

The posters must be bright enough to be reproduced in printing. Students' observational skills and originality will be essential to project the creative interpretation of the theme chosen. The poster must be presented and communicated in an engaging way.

ART Poster must be:-

  • Related to the theme
  • Original
  • Have a title
  • Bright and colourful
  • Presented and communicated in an engaging way

Artwork images must be clear and readable. Along with the artwork, there must be an "artwork caption". Please use the submission form to give a good description that explains important information about the artwork, like the artist's name and what materials were used to create it. It must also explain what the artwork means or why it is important.

Submit your artwork using the "upload" button, and write out a summary of what the artwork means, the materials used, and its importance to Africa Awareness week.

  • The competition is only open to students in the UK. Only Teachers in schools in the UK can submit entries for students or Parents homeschooling their child/children.
  • All entries must be original and entirely created by the student.
  • Submitted artworks must not infringe upon any copyright or intellectual property rights.
  • By entering the competition, participants grant Afrikindness the right to use and display the artwork for promotional purposes.
  • To qualify, all entries must follow these rules. Students must be residents of the UK to participate. In entering the competition, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and eligible to win the award.
  • The competition is free to enter. There is NO entry fee to enter.
  • Entries for the competition are due by 31st July 2024 at 5 pm. Entries after this time and date will not be included. A completed entry form is required for all entries.
  • All art posters must be the sole work of the entrant. The submitted entry can be disqualified if discovered that the submitted work is not original.
  • Art Posters must be created traditionally not digitally.
  • Winners will be chosen based on originality, technique, resources and expression of the theme. All judges' decisions are final. Only 1 entry per person is allowed. Schools can submit up to 3 best Art Posters from their schools.
  • All entries must be registered through the online form to be eligible to receive an award.
  • All prizes will be awarded tentatively before Christmas 2024. We reserve the right to make changes to prizes.
  • Winners will be notified by the schools' emails provided. Ensure your contact details are written correctly. if the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 10 working days, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
  • All artwork becomes the property of Afrikindness and will only be returned upon request.
  • By entering the Competition, the entrant acknowledges and warrants that the submitted work is an original work created solely by the entrant, and that it does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity, or intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim, or interest in them.
  • All submitted posters must not contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate, malicious, or offensive content.
  • Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

You give consent to use any information you provide in entering the competition for the purpose of the competition including on social media posts. The winner will be announced on t he Afrikindness website and on other international websites, and social media pages for the purpose of the competition only. You consent to Afrikindness using the posters that you have supplied for marketing and promotional purposes especially showcasing them in Art Galleries internationally. In all cases, Afrikindness will notify the winning schools as regards to any gallery events. We reserve the right to cancel the competition or amend these terms and conditions at any time, without prior notice. We will not share your personal information with anyone. For any inquiries or further information, please contact info@africaawarenessweek.co.uk.

Submissions are Now Closed

The submission period ended on July 31st, 2024. We are no longer accepting entries.

Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on the competition results and future events.

Certificates of Participation

While you are to submit the top 3 artworks for your school, please use this section to generate a Certificate of Participation for every student who has participated in creating art. Fill in the details and click generate to download a certificate for each participant.


2023 Theme: Identity

October 9th - 15th