African creatives can now apply for 2021 Goethe-Upcycling Competition (€1,000)

Solutions that address climate-related problems while contributing to sustainability are not only in the purview of scientists or technology startups. Creatives, like other innovators, can equally work on the challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa.

To this end, the Goethe-Upcycling Competition is seeking applications from creative people, librarians, craftsmen, artists, designers, and individuals with good ideas that can contribute to sustainability.

Launched with the support of the Goethe-Instituts across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Goethe-Upcycling Competition aims to facilitate the creative exploration of the topic of upcycling through various measures.

Dubbed “Working together for the future” after the 2021 World Library and Information Congress theme, the competition offers participants a platform where they can creatively address the challenges of Sustainable Living and Generating Revenue for Startups in the Cultural and Creative Industries.

Participants are expected to come up with feasible ideas about upcycling which is the process of transforming waste or (apparently) useless materials into products of new value. Upcycling results in the recovery of materials while maximizing the use of raw materials.

How it works

There are no restrictions on theme or content. The focus is on the theme of upcycling and the creative process.

The new objects or library or community projects to be designed can serve a practical and/or purely artistic purpose. Mostly recycled materials and only a few new materials should be used.

Concepts and project ideas for upcycling, a maximum of two per participant should be submitted. After which a jury consisting of representatives from the field of upcycling, cultural, and creative industries, among others, will select the 8 best ideas.

Due to Covid-19, the presentation of the submissions and the winners will be done digitally.

Prize

The 8 outstanding project ideas will receive up to €1 000.

How to apply

To take part in the Goethe-Upcycling Competition, participants are invited to submit the following documents:

• A presentation poster with pictures, drawings, collages of the object, or a description of the upcycling project;
• Simplified curriculum vitae, if necessary with other works in PDF format;
• Cost estimate for the creation of the object or the realization of the project;
• A statement/description of the object/project with text and video.

Note that all applications must be submitted in digital form only. By submitting their application, applicants give the Goethe-Institut permission to publish all entries on its websites and social media. All participants automatically agree to this rule when submitting their applications

If interested, participants should submit applications via email to

Deadline

Submissions end on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.