OECS Commission Launches Youth Art Contest to Promote Sustainable Energy Awareness

November 4, 2024 — The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission today launched "Watt's Art: Sustainable Energy Meets Creativity", an innovative competition that challenges young artists to explore and interpret sustainable energy themes through various artistic mediums. The contest is being held in celebration of CARICOM Energy Month.

The competition, open to youth aged 10-18 from OECS Member States, invites participants to submit artwork in four categories: paintings, drawings, mixed media, and digital art. The initiative aims to foster creative engagement with crucial energy sustainability concepts while nurturing young artistic talent in the region.

Judith Ephraim-Schmidt, Head of the Sustainable Energy Unit at the OECS Commission said:

"Watt's Art represents a unique intersection of artistic expression and environmental consciousness. By engaging our youth through art, we're not only raising awareness about sustainable energy but also empowering them to imagine and create a more sustainable future for our region."

The art contest encourages participants to explore themes including renewable energy resources, energy conservation, innovative sustainability solutions, and environmental impact.
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​Watts Art also aligns perfectly with CARICOM Energy Month's theme, “Invest in Sustainable Energy: Accelerate the Transition”, Ephraim-Schmidt noted. She said:

"The fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of today’s young people will become the actions and policies of tomorrow's leaders. This contest is but one investment in the next generation’s creativity that will accelerate the transition to energy sustainability, affordability, and independence in our region. Through this competition, we hope to inspire young people to think critically about energy sustainability while expressing their creative vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Caribbean."

Winners will receive exciting technology prizes, including a tablet for first place, a smartwatch for second place, and a hands-free smart speaker with earbuds as third prize. A special People's Choice award will also be presented based on social media voting.

Selected artworks will be featured in the OECS energy awareness calendar for 2025, providing young artists with a platform to showcase their talent and message to a wider audience throughout the OECS.

The deadline for submission of the artwork is December 2 with People's Choice voting December 4-9 and the winners will be announced on December 10.

CARICOM Energy Month, which has now replaced CARICOM Energy Week, is recognised in November each year to raise public awareness about the energy issues confronting the Community. The CARICOM Secretariat, in partnership with Member States, Regional Institutions, and development agencies, including the OECS, organises activities that support sustainable energy efforts in the Caribbean.

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Interested participants can register at bit.ly/wattsartcontest. For complete competition guidelines and information, visit oecs.int.

For additional information, please email: wattsartcontest@oecs.int