Art on Climate International Illustration Competition for Climate Action

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Art on Climate International Illustration Competition is a global creative initiative that uses visual storytelling to communicate climate change and inspire action. It is open to individuals anywhere in the world who are at least 18 years old as of 17 May 2026.

The competition accepts both illustrations and animated videos. It is designed to turn complex climate and sustainability ideas into accessible, powerful creative work.

Key facts

• Programme type: International illustration and animation competition.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 or above as of 17 May 2026.

• Geographic scope: Open to participants from any location.

• Entry limit: Up to three illustrations and three animated videos per participant.

• Submission rule: Entries must be original and submitted individually.

• Recognition: Prizes, e-certificates, and exhibition opportunities.

Themes and priorities

The competition focuses on several climate-related themes:

• Accelerating the transition toward sustainability through purposeful innovation.

• Promoting climate resilience in communities.

• Respecting planetary boundaries to protect biodiversity.

• Advancing inclusive capitalism for a just transition.

• Financing innovation and technology for real-world climate impact.

• Encouraging collective action for a sustainable legacy.

These themes are meant to connect environmental strategy with public awareness and creative communication.

Entry requirements

All entries must:

• Be original works.

• Not have been previously published, used, or awarded.

• Not include signatures, symbols, or other identifying marks.

• Include a short description of 30 to 100 words.

Entries must be submitted individually, not as group work.

Illustration category

Illustration submissions must:

• Be original.

• Be created in colour.

• Use any medium except AI-generated content, photographs, or clip art.

• Be in A3 format.

• Have a resolution of at least 300 dpi.

• Be uploaded in JPG format.

• Be no larger than 10MB.

This category is aimed at hand-made or manually created visual artwork.

Animated video category

Animated video submissions must:

• Be 10 to 15 seconds long.

• Be in MP4 or MOV format.

• Use a vertical or square aspect ratio.

• Be no larger than 30MB.

• Include no voiceovers.

• Use English if any text appears.

This format is designed for short, visually focused climate messages.

Prizes and recognition

Winners in both categories receive:

• Monetary prizes from €150 to €2,000.

• E-certificates.

• Awards for champion, runner-up, and merit positions.

Selected works will also be shown in the competition exhibition, giving creators additional visibility.

What makes a strong entry

A strong submission will usually:

• Communicate one clear climate message.

• Use visuals that are simple but memorable.

• Match the theme closely.

• Avoid clutter and unnecessary text.

• Feel original, emotionally engaging, and easy to understand.

For example, an illustration showing a city shifting from pollution to clean energy can communicate sustainability and transition in a single image.

How to prepare

1. Choose one theme.
   Focus on a single idea such as resilience, biodiversity, or innovation.

2. Create original content.
   Make sure the work is fully your own and does not use disallowed materials.

3. Follow the format rules carefully.
   Respect size, resolution, file type, and length requirements.

4. Write a short description.
   Use 30 to 100 words to explain the concept clearly.

5. Check for identifying marks.
   Remove signatures or personal identifiers before submitting.

Why it matters

This competition matters because climate communication often depends on making technical ideas emotionally clear. Art and animation can reach wider audiences than text alone and can motivate more people to care about sustainability.

It also gives creators a way to contribute to climate awareness through accessible, global visual storytelling.

Common mistakes and tips

• Mistake: Using AI-generated imagery in the illustration category.

  • Tip: Create the artwork manually and keep the process original.

• Mistake: Adding signatures or watermarks.

  • Tip: Remove all identifying marks before submission.

• Mistake: Ignoring file limits.

  • Tip: Check format, size, and resolution before uploading.

• Mistake: Overloading the design with too many ideas.

  • Tip: Focus on one strong message.

• Mistake: Forgetting the short description.

  • Tip: Prepare a clear 30 to 100 word explanation.

FAQ

Who can apply?

• Anyone aged 18 or older as of 17 May 2026.

• Participants from any location may apply.

How many entries can one person submit?

• Up to three illustrations.

• Up to three animated videos.

What are the prize amounts?

• Winners receive prizes ranging from €150 to €2,000.

• E-certificates are also awarded.

Can I use AI-generated art?

• No, not in the illustration category.

• The artwork must be original and manually created.

Are voiceovers allowed in videos?

• No.

• Animated videos must not include voiceovers.

Will selected entries be exhibited?

• Yes.

• Selected works will be featured in the exhibition.

Conclusion

The Art on Climate International Illustration Competition is a strong opportunity for artists and animators who want to turn climate ideas into compelling visual storytelling. The best entries will be original, format-compliant, and focused on a clear message about sustainability and action.

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