The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is officially inviting young African creatives to enter the Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge. This pan-African initiative supports young artists using culture and creative expression to promote peacebuilding, social cohesion, and dialogue.
| đź“… Application Deadline | Open Now (Apply Urgently) |
| đź“Ť Festival Destination | Cameroon (September 2026) |
| đź’° Funding Package | Fully Funded Travel & Showcasing Support for Winners |
| đź’Ľ Category | Awards, competitions, conferences and events |
What the Challenge is About
The Creatives4Peace initiative welcomes submissions from young creatives across Africa and the diaspora. The challenge highlights artistic works that bridge social divides, foster deep tolerance, and contribute to inclusive, peaceful societies.
Your entry can take any artistic medium or format. The only structural requirement is that your project must be easily shared digitally or online for the evaluation panel to review.
Eligible Creative Industry Areas
The selection committee is looking for innovative, expressive projects across five core industry tracks:
1. Performing Arts
- Live or recorded artistic expressions.
- This includes music, short films, dance, theater, spoken word, poetry, and storytelling.
2. Gaming & Interactive Media
- Digital or physical games, board games, mobile apps, and video games.
- This track also covers simulations, puzzles, interactive learning tools, and gamified social experiences.
3. Digital Art & Tech
- Visual, audiovisual, or highly interactive digital content.
- This includes graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, videography, and multimedia storytelling.
4. Fashion & Wearable Design
- Clothing, textiles, accessories, and costume design.
- The panel highly welcomes sustainable fashion initiatives, upcycling ventures, and fashion-related creative enterprises.
5. Craft & Traditional Artisan Work
- Handmade products, painting, design, woodworking, ceramics, and jewelry.
- This track also includes weaving, traditional or indigenous craftsmanship, and unique textile making.
Winner Benefits: What You Stand to Win
The evaluation panel will select three final winners from across the African continent. If your creative project is chosen, you will receive:
- Fully Funded Travel: Covered flights and a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) from the UNDP to attend the main event.
- The Cameroon Showcase: A direct invitation to present your creative work live at the prestigious Culture and Creative Industries Festival in Cameroon this September.
- Investor Pitching: The unique opportunity to pitch your creative enterprise or project to private sector partners for potential investments or business collaborations.
- Continental Networking: A global platform to network with fellow young creatives from across Africa and the diaspora to gain long-term market visibility.
Self-Qualification: Is This For You?
You are encouraged to submit your application if you fit the following profile:
- You are a young African creative or artist running a project.
- Your work clearly communicates messages of peace, community healing, dialogue, or cultural unity.
- Your artwork can be uploaded, streamed, or viewed through a digital/online link.
How to Apply
The application process requires you to submit your project details and digital links through the official United Nations portal.
Official Submission Form Link
To fill out your application profile and upload your digital portfolio directly to the UNDP selection committee, click the link below:
👉 Apply Online: Official UNDP Creatives4Peace Application Form