PISFCC successfully completes art competition

In the wake of the COVID-19 as campaign activities have been derailed and climate activism in the Pacific region took a deep dive, for PISFCC COVID-19 was a formidable challenge that set the campaigning team into reprogramming of activities.

We were eager to create unique opportunities to empower children and youth to take educational and meaningful action on climate change but also mindful of physical distancing restrictions. This is due to the fact that in spite of COVID-19, climate change continues to take place at an unprecedented scale and therefore must continue to remain high on the agenda.

Undoubtedly, Climate change is posing an existential threat to the Pacific. The rising of sea level, coastal erosion, and frequency and intensity of cyclones continues to undermine our basic human rights to water, food and security. Among the most affected are children and youth whose futures are becoming more unpredictable and dangerous each year.

Sea level rise continues to erode coastal areas of local communities in the Pacific. Naghotano Islands, Central Province, Solomon Islands (01/08/20). Photography by Solomon Yeo.

We are wanting to create an opportunity that draws out the voice of children and youth to express for themselves the future that they imagine to live in or a future to avoid. We decided that a virtual art competition is one of the best ways to achieve this and thus have initiated the ‘Reimagining Pacific Futures’ art competition.

The launching of the RPF was on the 30th of April 2020 and ending on the 17th of July 2020. The event was opened to young people from the ages of 5-29 of the 18 member countries of the Pacific Island Forum. There are two categories to the event, Art (painting, drawing, placard, literary etc.) and Digital (Audio and Film).

Reimagining Pacific Futures Project

The event is hosted on a website and the promotion of the event was mostly done on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. With the translation help of Vanuatu Climate Action Network, the RPF was also promoted in French as well to encourage our Francophone brothers and sisters especially in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Tahiti to participate. The event would not have been successful without the support of PISFCC partners who have shared and promoted the event through their respective networks.

The RPF was very fortunate to have been supported by three independent judges of high stature in the Pacific. Their assessment of the Artwork focuses on creative expression of the themes, originality of the idea and consistency in representing children and youth rights.

Deciding the winners to the event was very difficult as all artwork were exceptional in their own way. In their best judgement emerged nine inspiring children and youth. To highlight a few,

Just Because by Helava Muliaina

Scooping first in the children category is Ms. Helava Muliaina from Samoa with her powerful poetry ‘just because’, Heleva speaks true to her pacific voice of the reality of how undervalued a Pacific woman living and fighting at the front lines of the climate crisis is.

Freedom for our Rights to Save our World by Iona Margaret Janet Baura

Another brilliant artwork was by third place Solomon Islands youth Ms. Baura. She explained that her art calls for continuous climate solidarity for the sake of the future generations.

Human Natures by Justiqa Osonis

The second prize getter in the children’s category hails from the Federated States of Micronesia. Ms. Justiqa has painted an image that provokes a strong sense of contemplation in people about their actions towards the environment. Her ‘Human Natures’ painting, depicts that harmony or chaos depends on how well we take care of our environment.

Nature, Water and Human Rights by Junior Patrick Kauhu Makau

Patrick’s film on ‘Nature, Water and Human Rights’ was indeed a sentimental portrayal of the harsh reality of the water crisis in his country (Solomon Islands) and his Island (Ong Tong Java) is currently facing. As a passionate young filmmaker and photographer who wishes to use his gift in film-making and photography to advocate for change for his people and country in the light of the global climate crisis this video has been a remarkable achievement in raising this very awareness.

You can see full Artworks here.

Notwithstanding all the other participants who have participated, PISFCC wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to all of the exceptionally talented and creative children and youth who have powerfully expressed themselves on the effects of climate change to their basic human rights.

Currently all the Art are exhibited virtually on the RPF website but PISFCC is hopeful to launch an exhibition of the Art once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The team is very honored to have provided a platform for the voices of the unheard children and youth throughout the region on the biggest problem of their generation.

The PISFCC and all its members hope that this small event can be an inspiration to future activists to continue such initiatives to educate and empower youth voices of the Pacific to stand up for their future themselves.

You can support the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change by signing our petition. CLICK HERE.

Thank you very much for your support!