UN OHCHR International Contest for Minority Artists 2026
Fifth edition of international contest celebrating minority artists. Theme: War and Reconciliation. Up to eight awards available across multiple categories.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announces the fifth edition of the International Contest for Minority Artists 2026, launched on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, commemorating the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities in 1992.
The 2026 theme is "War and Reconciliation." This contest recognizes that minority artists play a crucial role in advancing peace, transitional justice, mutual understanding, and reconciliation. Through various artistic mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, installations, digital arts, film, music, and dance, artists document war and conflict by preserving memories, humanizing victims, and challenging official narratives. Their work evokes empathy, provokes thought, and serves as a powerful form of protest and healing tool, shaping public discourse at all stages of conflict and beyond.
The contest will award up to eight non-hierarchical awards across three categories: Main Award, Minority Youth Artist (for artists under 35, preferably under 24 as of March 1, 2026), and Minority Community Engagement (for artists whose work actively involves or benefits their wider community with strong participatory and community mobilization dimensions).
Eligible applicants must self-identify as belonging to a national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority. Women and LGBTQI+ artists belonging to minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. Submissions should include high-quality electronic images of five artworks related to the theme of War and Reconciliation.
Applications require completion of an application form that requests artist information and a vision statement explaining the connection between submitted artworks and the contest theme. Applicants must provide several affirmations, including consent to be recognized publicly if selected. This consent can be withdrawn at any time.