The European Union (EU) in Belize is pleased to present the 2025 EU Creative Arts Competition. This competition offers a unique platform for all people living in Belize to express their creativity while reflecting on critical human rights and social issues through dance, music, and visual arts.
Respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law are the fundamental values of the European Union and what inspired the establishment of the EU Creative Arts Competition in 2023.This year’s competition theme is:
“Human Rights/Empowering Communities & Combating Violence”
Empowered communities are the cornerstone of a just society, where human rights
are upheld and discrimination has no place. The European Union advocates for
gender equality, standing firmly against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
​This theme invites you to explore how communities can unite to combat violence and discrimination, creating spaces that protect and uplift everyone, especially vulnerable or marginalized groups.
Through this competition, the EU seeks to contribute to promoting creative expression, while amplifying Belize’s rich artistic talent and fostering reflection and dialogue on key human rights and social issues.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.​
Participants are invited to submit entries in one of the following three categories:
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Dance: Performances that interpret the theme of human rights through movement. All dance styles are welcome, with a maximum performance length of 3 minutes.
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Music: Participants are invited to create and perform original music compositions. These may include songwriting, instrumental, or electronic compositions that reflect the competition’s theme. If the songwriter and performer(s) are separate individuals, they must submit their entry as a group in the same age category. The maximum length of the music composition should be 3 minutes.
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Visual Arts: Artwork using media such as watercolor, acrylic, oil-paint, or mixed media, including recycled materials.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to all residents of Belize aged 12 years and older.
There are two age groups:
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Youth: Ages 12-17
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Adult: Ages 18 and above with no age limit
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Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the 1st place winners in each category:
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Youth Category (12-17 years): $500 BZD
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Adult Category (18+ years): $1,000 BZD
Additionally, all winners and runner-ups will receive a prize pack from the European Union.
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Submission Guidelines
All submissions must be original works created during the competition period.
The submission must align with the theme of
"Human Rights: Empowering Communities & Combating Violence."
One entry per person or group per category.
Submission languages: English, Kriol or Spanish.
All competition entries should be submitted via the Submission Forms:
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Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on:
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Technical Skill
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Originality and Uniqueness
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Interpretation of the Theme
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Clarity and Impact
Judges of the Competition
A judging panel composed of renowned personalities in the fields of arts and human rights will evaluate the entries. An EU representative will serve as an observer during the final deliberations. Winners will be announced at the “EU in the Park” event at Digi Park in Belize City in May 2025.
Terms & Conditions
By participating, contestants agree that their submissions may be used by the EU in promotional materials, exhibitions, or public displays. All submissions become the property of the European Union and may be displayed in different activities in Belize and internationally.
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For any questions or additional information, contact do@ignitebelize.com
DANCE JUDGES
Althea Seely
Renowned dancer and Artistic Director of the Belize National Dance Company, celebrated for her contributions to Belizean culture.
Joseph Stamp
Accomplished theatre director and advocate for creative expression, empowering Belizean youth through the arts.
MUSIC JUDGES
Yoelvis Lunar
Passionate music educator and Director of Allegro Music School, fostering talent and appreciation for the arts.
TR Shine
Celebrated Belizean entertainer, singer, songwriter, and engineer, with over 2 decades of experience writing for local and international acts.
VISUAL ART JUDGES
Kirkland Smith
​Dedicated art educator with a strong presence in Belize's art scene, inspiring the next generation of creatives through teaching.
Briheda Haylock
​Active artist deeply immersed in Belize's vibrant art scene, known for her expressive works and contributions to the local creative community.
VISUAL ART JUDGES
OTHER JUDGES
H.E. Rossana Briceño
Special Envoy of Belize dedicated to championing initiatives for the growth and well-being of families and children.
Destiny Wagner
​Miss Earth 2021 and inspiring advocate for social causes, committed to community empowerment and development.
