Deadline: 02-Apr-2027
The Social Economy Awards invite young people across Europe to create innovative works that highlight the role of the social economy in building a fairer, greener, and more inclusive future. The competition includes Short Film and Graphic Design and Visual Identity categories, offering finalists the opportunity to showcase their work in Lisbon and participate in a major social economy event.
The awards encourage students and young creators to use storytelling, design, and visual communication to explain how social economy initiatives can create positive social and environmental change.
Overview of the Social Economy Awards
The Social Economy Awards support youth creativity and innovation under the theme:
“Youth creating the present and the future of the Social Economy.”
The initiative highlights how the social economy contributes to:
- Social inclusion.
- Environmental sustainability.
- Fair economic development.
- Community empowerment.
- A more equitable future.
Young creators are invited to submit original creative works that communicate the importance and impact of the social economy.
Award Categories
The competition includes two main categories:
Short Film Award
This category is designed for students studying:
- Cinema.
- Audiovisual production.
- Journalism.
- Animation.
Participants must create short films that explore social economy concepts, ideas, or initiatives.
Graphic Design and Visual Identity Award
This category is designed for students studying:
- Design.
- Illustration.
- Visual communication.
Participants must create visual works that explain the concept of social economy through creative design.
Accepted formats include:
- Posters.
- Illustrations.
- Infographics.
- Graphic design works.
- Comics.
Theme of the Competition
The awards focus on the role of youth in shaping the future of the social economy.
Submitted works should demonstrate how social economy approaches can support:
- Fairer societies.
- Green transition.
- Inclusive communities.
- Sustainable development.
- Social innovation.
Who Is Eligible?
The competition is open to:
- Young people from across Europe.
- Individual applicants.
- Team applicants.
Applicants must be students in relevant creative fields.
Eligibility for Short Film Award Applicants
Applicants should study:
- Cinema.
- Audiovisual production.
- Journalism.
- Animation.
Eligibility for Graphic Design Award Applicants
Applicants should study:
- Design.
- Illustration.
- Visual communication.
Submission Requirements
All entries must:
- Be original creations.
- Be produced by the applicants.
- Be submitted in English.
- Respect intellectual property rights.
- Not use copyrighted materials without permission.
Participants must own the rights to all submitted content.
Benefits for Selected Finalists
Finalists will receive opportunities to:
- Showcase their work at the Awards Ceremony in Lisbon.
- Attend a high-level social economy event.
- Network with social economy professionals and organisations.
- Gain international exposure for their creative work.
Travel support will be provided for finalists attending the ceremony in Lisbon.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Social Economy Awards provide young creators with a platform to communicate important ideas about sustainable and inclusive economic models.
The competition helps participants:
- Develop creative communication skills.
- Raise awareness about social economy principles.
- Connect creativity with social impact.
- Gain international recognition.
- Engage with European social innovation networks.
How to Participate
Step 1: Select an Award Category
Choose between:
- Short Film Award.
- Graphic Design and Visual Identity Award.
Select the category that matches your field of study and creative skills.
Step 2: Develop an Original Concept
Create a work that explains:
- What social economy means.
- How it benefits communities.
- How young people can contribute to its future.
Step 3: Prepare Your Submission
Ensure that:
- The work is original.
- The content is in English.
- All rights are owned by the creators.
- The format matches the category requirements.
Step 4: Submit the Entry
Applicants may participate individually or as part of a team.
Tips for Strong Applications
Applicants should:
- Focus on a clear social economy message.
- Use creative storytelling.
- Highlight real-world impact.
- Make the concept easy to understand.
- Ensure strong visual or narrative quality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting copied or copyrighted content.
- Creating work unrelated to social economy.
- Using unclear messages.
- Ignoring format requirements.
- Submitting content in languages other than English.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Social Economy Awards?
The Social Economy Awards are a European creative competition encouraging young people to share ideas about the role of social economy in creating a sustainable and inclusive future.
Who can apply for the awards?
Young people from across Europe can apply individually or in teams if they meet the category requirements.
What are the two award categories?
The awards include the Short Film Award and the Graphic Design and Visual Identity Award.
What type of work can be submitted for the Graphic Design Award?
Applicants can submit posters, illustrations, infographics, graphic design works, and comics.
Is travel support available?
Yes. Finalists receive travel support to attend the Awards Ceremony and social economy event in Lisbon.
Can teams participate?
Yes. Applicants may participate individually or as part of a team.
What language should submissions use?
All submissions must be produced in English.
Conclusion
The Social Economy Awards provide young European creators with an opportunity to use film, design, and visual storytelling to promote social economy values. By encouraging youth participation, creativity, and innovation, the awards support a future where economic development is more inclusive, sustainable, and socially responsible.
For more information, visit Social Economy Europe.
