The 4th Annual In My Homeland International Children’s Drawing Contest is open until the end of the year, accepting drawings from children depicting their perspective of their homeland’s history, life and tradition. The international event is organised by Green Cross Belarus with submissions accepted in five themes: Once upon a time there lived, Scenery of the Seasons, Melody of my town, Long Travels and a person dear to me.
A jury made up of professional artists, art magazine editors, and art teachers from several countries will award first, second and third degree diplomas in six age groups ranging from 4 to 21 years of age. These paintings, along with up to 600 paintings selected for inclusion in an international exhibitions will be displayed at the upcoming Green Cross Belarus children’s artwork gallery, scheduled for spring and autumn 2009. In addition, the best paintings will be displayed on the Green Cross Belarus online gallery and diplomas of participation will be awarded to up to 2,000 entries. Not only children will be awarded for their work but teachers will also be recognized through the awarding of the best art studio and art studio manager.The contest was launched on Earth Day in 2001 and last year 10,654 drawings were received from 24 countries, including Russia, China, Great Britain, Indonesia, Canada, Turkey, India, Kenya, Lithuania and Slovenia. An exhibition of the artwork was even held earlier this year at the Russian State Duma (Parliament). The goals of the contest are to spread ecological awareness and conservation among both children and adults, encourage the discovery of nature’s beauty and to build ties between the world’s youth. Since its inception, “In My Homeland” has involved over 12,000 teachers and 47,000 youths from 25 countries resulting in international exhibitions in Belarus, Germany and Russia and six CDs and one DVD being released.