The Blue Seed Art Contest
World Children’s Day 2025
- English
- العربية
Plant rights. Grow futures.
Every child is a blue seed with the potential to learn, be safe, be heard and to thrive. This nationwide visual art contest invites children and youth to show—through images and illustrations—how children’s rights help that seed grow.
What is the Blue Seed Art Contest?
A UNICEF Syria World Children’s Day initiative (20 November) that uses art to amplify children’s voices and spotlight practical steps adults can take to fulfil children’s rights—so every seed can grow. Entries will feed into a child-led Blue Seed Garden exhibition and advocacy event on 20 November.
For more details and inspiration, explore here: Know your Rights!
Why participate?
This contest celebrates creativity and shines a spotlight on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and UNICEF in Syria’s commitment to protecting these rights.
Who can participate?
- Age groups: 6–12 | 13–17 | 18–24
- Open to: Children and young people in Syria
- Cost: Free
What to submit?
Visual art in one of three forms:
- Photography
- Drawing / painting
- Digital illustration
⚠ Original work only!
Discover the six key children’s rights of the contest!
- What does your right to learn look like?
- Who “waters your seed” - Who helps you grow?
- How can children’s rights be protected in Syria?
- A day when all children’s rights are fulfilled.
Themes and prompts (choose any)
Education and skills
Every child learns safely and grows in confidence.
Every child in Syria has the right to learn, read and go to school to build a bright future. Safe, welcoming classrooms - including for returnee children and children with disabilities - help every child keep learning and follow their dreams.
Health and nutrition
Children get care, immunization, and healthy food.
Every child in Syria has the right to feel well, see a doctor when sick, and receive the vaccines they need to grow up healthy and strong. Good food, clean water and care help children smile, play and enjoy life every day.
Protection
Children are safe from harm and supported emotionally.
Every child in Syria has the right to be protected at home, in school and in the community. Caring adults and child-friendly services help children feel safe, regain hope and grow without fear.
Clean environment and safe water
Every child in Syria has the right to live in a clean, safe environment with fresh air and safe water. Handwashing, hygiene and clean water protect children’s health. Together, we can protect nature and make our neighborhoods healthy and beautiful.
Participation, voice and play
Every child in Syria has the right to play, laugh, and enjoy fun times with friends; at home, in school, and outside. Play helps children grow strong, learn new things, and feel happy and free.
Express and be heard
Every child has the right to share their ideas and feelings.
Children’s views matter. Adults should listen carefully and take children seriously, so services and decisions reflect what children need.
Learn more about your rights
How to participate?
>> Apply here!
For any other inquiries, please reach out to: [email protected]
Terms and conditions
- Participation in this contest is free of charge.
- Submissions can be any style of art (photography, painting, drawings, digital art, etc.).
- The artwork must be in any of these formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png or .pdf and max 5 MB in size.
- Participants must provide a short description (in English or Arabic) with a maximum of 100 words titled “Art label / Artist statement” explaining the artwork.
- Only one submission per participant is allowed.
- The artwork must be relevant to the topic and theme.
- It should not be a copy or reproduction of the work of another. AI-generated artwork is also not allowed. In this case, the submission will be immediately disqualified.
- Submission deadline: 11:59 PM on 10 November 2025.
Timeline
- Launch and submissions: 25 October – 13 November
- Review and selection: 13 – 18 November
- World Children’s Day event and exhibition: 20 November (winners announced)
UNICEF in Syria will contact shortlisted participants and selected artwork may be requested for exhibition.
Criteria for selection of winning artworks
- Theme interpretation and alignment: The ability to interpret the competition theme, ensuring alignment to it.
- Creativity and artistic quality: Originality in techniques, media, and style, and how strongly the design expresses the theme overall.
- Clarity and impact: how well the design expresses its message effectively and makes a lasting impression on the viewer.
Prizes
A panel of judges will select winners, and exciting prizes await!
Certificate from UNICEF in Syria.
Chance to have your artwork exhibited.
Safeguarding and consent
- Consent: Submissions for children under 18 must be made by (or with) a parent/guardian/caregiver.
- Image use: By submitting, you grant UNICEF Syria a non-exclusive, credit-given license to use your work on UNICEF platforms and the World Children's Day exhibition.
