The “The Beauty of Astronomy” online art competition, a collaborative effort between the International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 (IAU GA), the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), the University of Western Cape, the University of the North West, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, Square Kilometre Array Observatory, IDIA, Iziko Museums of South Africa, Standard Bank, The Carl & Family Fuchs Foundation, concluded successfully. The competition aimed to inspire young artists to explore the universe through their creativity and to rewrite the narrative about Africa.
Participation and Entries
The competition received an overwhelming response, with a total of 120 entries from across the African continent. Participants were categorized into three groups: primary school, high school, and university students. The diverse range of submissions showcased the talent and imagination of young artists from various backgrounds.
The submitted artworks demonstrated a remarkable level of creativity and technical skill. Participants effectively translated astronomical concepts into visually appealing and thought-provoking pieces. The entries explored a wide range of astronomical themes, including celestial bodies, space exploration, and the impact of astronomy on society.
The competition successfully achieved its objectives of inspiring young artists & promoting STEM education. The competition sparked interest in astronomy among young people and encouraged them to express their creativity through art. The competition provided a platform for participants to learn about astronomical concepts and their significance.
The “The Beauty of Astronomy” online art competition has been a valuable initiative that has contributed to the promotion of astronomy and the empowerment of young African artists. By building on the success of this event, future competitions can continue to inspire and educate the next generation of astronomers and artists.
Additionally, a collection of the submitted artworks has been compiled into a book titled “Starlit Creations.” This book serves as a testament to the creativity and talent of the participating students and is a lasting legacy of the competition
