EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) Facility Point Lead Partner in collaboration with the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) and the Digitalni Foto Klub, under the patronage/auspices (N° FZS 012/2023) of the Photographic Association of Slovenia (FZS), and in collaboration with other photographic associations and clubs in the Adriatic-Ionian Region, is organising an international photography contest for young people, aiming to encourage the participation of young people from the Adriatic-Ionian region and raise awareness and visibility of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region – EUSAIR.
Who can participate?
The contest is open to all young people attending primary or secondary schools in the EUSAIR participating countries. Young people from the following countries of the region are invited to take part: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, and Slovenia. The photos should be taken in any of these countries.
You can participate in 4 themes:
A) Sea and Life
B) Transport and Energy
C) Water Pollution
D) Sustainable Tourism
All four themes are related to the highlighted development priorities, the four pillars of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region. The explanations of the themes and the expected motives are as follows:
Theme A – Sea and Life
It promotes a shift towards more sustainable development of the maritime economy based on protecting biodiversity, the marine environment, and marine ecosystems. For theme A, Sea and Life, photographs of good practices related to the sea and inland waters are expected, including marine tourism, maritime transport, marine ecosystem conservation, marine life, fishing, and aquaculture (cultivation of aquatic organisms).
Theme B – Transport and Energy
The region’s fragmentation (only 4 of the EUSAIR countries are EU members) is also reflected in fragmented infrastructure, thus requiring better transport and energy connections. Furthermore, sustainability of both transport and energy is also key for the future. For theme B, Transport and Energy, photographs related to sustainable transportation (maritime, road, rail, air), logistics (passenger and goods transport), energy networks and green energy (renewable energy sources and energy efficiency) are expected.
Theme C – Water pollution
Pollution of the sea, coastal areas and inland waters is alarming, so it is crucial to ensure sound environmental and ecological conditions of the marine and coastal areas as well as inland waters (rivers and lakes) and prevent biodiversity loss. For theme C, Water Pollution, photographs that raise awareness about poor practices and sea pollution, coastal areas, inland waters, and biodiversity loss are expected.
Theme D – Sustainable Tourism
Future tourism should be based on respecting the needs of the local environment and population, minimising environmental impact, promoting travel within the region, and emphasising local identity and characteristics. For theme D, Sustainable Tourism, photographs depicting tourism in the region and the unique features of the local environment, such as landscapes, places, art, architecture, customs, events, crafts and products, cuisine, etc., are expected.
Application and submission of photographs:
Participation in the contest is free of charge. You can submit up to 4 photographs for each theme, totalling up to 16 photographs. You can upload the pictures using the online form on the following page: https://app.rola.si/contest/54/upload
A correctly and fully completed application is a prerequisite for the photographs to be considered during the judging process. By participating in the contest, you agree to the terms and conditions and confirm the authenticity of your data.
Technical requirements for file preparation:
For the contest, digital photographs in JPG format should be submitted. The photograph size should be between 2000 and 2500 pixels on the longer side, and the file size should not exceed 3 MB. The photograph should not contain signatures, logos, or similar authorship marks, frames, or added decorative elements. The file should be named using only the title of the photograph. Ensure that the file names do not include diacritics or special characters.
Prizes for and the usage of the best works:
The jury will review and evaluate the submitted works. The selection of the best photographs will be printed in the publication of the EUSAIR project, published on websites and social media, and printed as postcards distributed at later events within the framework of EUSAIR. A total of 41 awards will be given out!
In each category, the following prizes will be awarded:
1st prize: Gold medal from the Photographic Association of Slovenia (FZS)
2nd prize: Silver medal from FZS
3rd prize: Bronze medal from FZS
4th-6th prize: Diploma from FZS
7th-10th award: Honorable mention from the Digitalni Foto Klub
The author of the best photograph will receive a special practical prize, Manfrotto MVG220 gimbal (https://www.manfrotto.com/global/professional-3-axis-gimbal-up-to-2-2kg-mvg220/) – from the sponsor, Digitalna Kamera magazine. The best photo will be selected from the four winners of each category.
Judging:
The submitted works will be evaluated by an international jury.
The judging process is anonymous, and the photographs are presented to the jury without indicating the authors. The jury’s decision is final, and there is no possibility to appeal the scores. We reserve the right to change the jury members in case of unforeseen circumstances. Each author will receive notification of the judging results via email provided during the application process, and the results will also be published on the organisers’ websites.
Contest calendar:
Deadline for application submission: July 15, 2023
Judging results: By July 25, 2023
Mailing of awards: July 2023
Final provisions:
By submitting their works to the exhibition, the authors agree to the terms and conditions and allow their data to be used for communication and publication purposes related to the EUSAIR and related publications. The organisers reserve the right to publish the works for non-commercial purposes (EUSAIR promotion) in printed and digital media. Each author will receive notification of the results via email provided during the application process, and the results will also be published on the organisers’ websites. The photographs must be entirely the author’s work, and the participant assumes full responsibility for this. The contest organisers are not responsible for improper use or infringement of third-party copyrights.
Contact:
For any uncertainties and questions regarding the contest, please contact Mr Tine Šušteršič (tine.sustersic@cep.si), a project manager at CEP.
