AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST
Submissions closed!
The Africnn Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Festival is proud to announce the upcoming "African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest," a transformative platform that harnesses the power of spoken word artistry to address pressing human rights issues. The contest aims to bring together poets, artists, and activists from across the African continent to creatively express their thoughts and perspectives on critical matters such as social justice, climate change, women's empowerment, immigration, human trafficking, police brutality, and violence against women.
In an era where dialogue and advocacy hold the key to positive change, the contest seeks to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and unheard. Through the art of spoken word, participants will have the opportunity to shed light on the urgent need for social justice, a sustainable environment, and equal rights for women. The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest will serve as a powerful catalyst for awareness, empathy, and action, encouraging participants to delve into these multifaceted issues and inspire others to do the same.
The African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest is set to unleash a wave of creative expression, advocacy, and solidarity across the African continent. Poets, spoken word artists, and all individuals passionate about human rights are encouraged to participate and contribute to this vital dialogue. Together, we can harness the power of spoken words to pave the way towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate future.
Submit a captivating 1-minute video where you passionately recite a unique and artistic poem crafted by you. This is your opportunity to shine and potentially be showcased on our vibrant social media platforms.
Demonstrate and elucidate the potent utilization of spoken language as a catalyst for the advancement and bolstering of human rights across the African continent. To merit rightful acknowledgment, submissions should inherently encapsulate the essence of human rights.
PRIZES:
· First Prize - $100
· Second Prize - $75
· Third Prize - $50
· Five honorable mentions
The works that emerge victorious will take center stage at the International Human Rights Art Festival, set to unfold between December 9th and 15th, 2024, in New York City.
OTHER BENEFITS
· Award of Certificates of Participation to all Entrants.
· Award of Certificates of Excellence to only the shortlisted entrants.
GUIDELINES
1. Upload a 1-minute video of yourself reciting your original poem of not less than 20MB.
2. Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the world, but must address human rights issues in Africa
3. Stories must have Human Rights at heart.
4. Only one Video per entrant
5. Your video can explore any of the following human rights themes: Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, corruption, forced Eviction, terrorism, Gender Inequality, LGBT Rights, Child Labour, Child Marriage, Domestic Violence, violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; female genital mutilation, ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination, child trafficking etc.
6. Record yourself in a quiet place (no music or background noise). Listen to your audio before you upload to make sure we can hear you well. No other persons are allowed in the video.
7. Make sure the video is not shaky, the camera must be still while filming.
8. Ensure your video is artistic, original, and creative. Videos must not have been previously published or used for a commercial purpose such as private sale or used in monetized platforms. All content to be used must be original, including any music.
9. Do not add any graphics, text, or captions. If you need to perform your poem in sign language, you are welcome to do so.
10. Film in landscape mode.
11. We strongly encourage diverse, untraditional, and unheard voices to enter this competition
12. The 1-minute Video must be a new and original piece of work. The Story must not have been published in any form or awarded previously.
13. Deadline for submissions is 30th October, 2024
14. Winners will be announced on the November 25th, 2024
15. Any signs of plagiarism will disqualify the contestant.
16. IHRAM reserves the right to withdraw and reclaim the financial value of the contest if it is discovered that a Spoken Word Artist has fabricated any information in their submission.
17. Organizers’ decision is final
18. All entrants agree to offer IHRAM first world rights, with the right to upload selected videos on its media and streaming platforms.
19. All entries must be submitted to: wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org
20. Title of your mail should be addressed as “AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORD CONTEST”
21. Entrants are advised to send the following information alongside their entries
22. Name, Age, Gender, Country, Address, Phone Number, Where you heard about the Contest, Short Profile about yourself, Name of school or university if any
23. It is your responsibility to ensure that your submission is eligible for the Contest. By entering your work for the Contest you are confirming to us that the work that you are submitting is your own original work, and that you have read and agreed to the Conditions of Entry of the Contest.
24. We will write to everyone who entered for the Contest and inform them of the outcome of their application once the judging process has concluded.
African Human Rights Spoken WorD Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), USA aimed at promoting and supporting the realization of human rights in Africa.
For more enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin +2348072673852 (woleadedoyin@gmail.com)
What they’re saying about us…
A meeting place for arts, human rights and the government. This is a new kind of coming together.
Dr Sarah Sayeed, Senior Advisor in the NYC Community Affairs Unit, specializing in Muslim outreach
IHRAF is one of the only festivals of its kind. The world urgently needs artists who are creating work about human rights - especially at this point in our divisive times.
Christina Evans, Performance Artist, California
The reaction of enthusiasm from the audience showed us that IHRAF was more than just a festival to perform at--it was a platform for artistic exchange on how to use the arts to challenge the world. Love the work IHRAF does!
Shilpa Darivemula, Aseemkala Initiative
I have so much gratitude to be welcomed under the diverse & inclusive umbrella that is IHRAF. It is a gift to receive support from an organization that truly understands the role of art and it's intimate connection to activism, as a vital component to the sustainability and positive growth of our world.
Mara Rosenbloom, pianist, improviser, composer, educator
This is truly a festival for everyone and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform at the IHRAF. Tom is a real thought leader who has a clear vision of the role of the arts in the current world. The festival was also a great place to connect with other passionate artists and become inspired.
Sora Baek, Playwright/Performer
Of many festivals in NYC, this one aligned perfectly with my own values and the values that are inherent in my show. A great organization, very accommodating and supportive of the performer. They had a real plan for marketing that assured a good house. Start to finish, I couldn't have been more pleased with my IHRAF experience.
Mark Lanham, Playwright/Performer
In my view, IHRAF is one of the most powerful movements of the 21st century, and it is here to stay. IHRAF has revolutionized human rights through the use of arts.
Wole Adedoyin, Director, IHRAM African Secretariat
The International Human Rights Art Festival is doing an amazing work by empowering creative writers and providing them with the tools, resources and support they need to create lasting change. By fostering a community of artists and activists united in their pursuit of social justice, IHRAF has established itself as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, harnessing the transformative power of art to make the world a better place.
Stanley Umezulike, Nigeria
The International Human Rights Art Festival is the platform of possibilities and eternal optimism. It is IHRAF founder Tom Block’s brave vision that gives these new, emerging and established writers and artists an opportunity to stand up for what they believe in through their art and writing. His initiatives and projects encourage, invite and spur change to happen. Without doubt, thanks to Tom Block’s unwavering support for human rights and the arts.
Kelly Kaur, Singapore/Canada
The International Human Rights Art Festival has been featured in the New York Times, Fox Five Morning Show, NBC Live!, NY Observer, Crain’s NY Business, Metro-NY, AM-NY, Gay City News, Brooklyn Rail, and many others; we have been banned by the Catholic Church, lionized by politicians and government workers and have presented more than 1000 artists from 103 countries in our half-decade of existence!