The #AfricaLookUp Campaign Launches “The Beauty of Astronomy”

Calling all Young African Artists!

Under the #AfricaLookUp campaign, the International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 (IAU GA) and the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Outreach and Education committee, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Iziko Museums of South Africa, North West University (NWU) and the Inter-University Institute for Data-Intensive Astronomy (IDIA), are thrilled to announce “The Beauty of Astronomy” online art competition.

This is your chance to showcase your talent and explore the universe through your creativity! Whether you’re in primary, secondary, or university, we encourage you to create art inspired by the awe-inspiring world of astronomy and its impact on humanity.

The goal of “The Beauty of Astronomy” is to spark your imagination and ignite your passion for astronomy. We want you to delve into astronomical concepts, research them, and then translate them into captivating works of art.

Think about the vastness of space, the mesmerizing beauty of celestial bodies, and the groundbreaking discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Consider how astronomy intertwines with our daily lives. Let these ideas flow freely and transform them into a unique piece of art.

This competition is more than just showcasing artistic talent. It’s about rewriting the narrative about Africa. By sharing your stories, experiences, and encounters with astronomy through your art, you’ll help dismantle misconceptions and reveal the true essence of Africa – a continent brimming with cultural richness, diversity, and boundless potential.

Rules and regulations

  • Artwork should be the original design and creative work of the learner/s/student/s
  • Artwork should not contain any potentially offensive or inappropriate material for public display. Such posters will be excluded from the competition.
  • E-posters should not be bigger than 25 MB
  • Not allowed to use ChatGPT
  • Only one submission per individual or group is allowed and in a single file.
  • By submitting, students and teachers give permission for their work to be displayed at various events, publications, promotional material, and in electronic format on the internet without expectation of royalties or benefits.
  • The judges’ decision is final.
  • Selected Posters and e-posters will be featured in an Exhibition at the International Astronomical Union’s General Assembly, as well as during the 2024 South African National Science Week. The artwork will be showcased at different centres across the country. 

Who can apply? 

1) Primary school learners

2) Secondary school learners

3) University Students

How to apply?

  • Submissions: Photograph to be taken of the physical poster and E-Poster to be submitted via the Google Form   (https://shorturl.at/dCJN5c) .
  • When submitting, provide your full name, contact details, and name of the school/institution you are attending AND grade with a brief introduction of your artwork (Max of 100 Words). 
  • Uploaded artwork files must be named “Artwork2024_Fullname”. (“Full name” is the artist’s first and last name) 

Deadline: 30 June 2024