2022 World Cup

The 10th Youth World Cup Painting Competition

The 10th World Youth Cup Youth Painting Competition is a global competition for the collection of children and youth artwork initiated by the World Youth Cup Youth Painting Competition Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Canadian Youth Art Development Foundation. The competition aims to foster international friendships among youth, promote cultural exchange between China and other countries, fully develop and showcase their artistic accomplishments and talents. Through this competition, the organizers seek to raise awareness and concern in various sectors of society, especially regarding underprivileged children. The goal is to encourage more people to care about and support the growth of impoverished children worldwide. Participants from China, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, India, and other countries have been attracted to join the competition.

Part 1

The original intention of the competition

The original intention behind the World Youth Cup Youth Painting Competition is to aid in the growth of impoverished children worldwide. The accompanying philanthropic initiative, the “Tent Schools” campaign, aims to appeal to the public for donations to support children around the world who have lost the opportunity for education due to poverty, war, and other reasons. The painting format involves on-the-spot creation, providing a platform for youth to engage in mutual learning through live painting. Simultaneously, it aims to assist more peer children facing difficulties in obtaining education. To date, the competition has successfully held ten editions, contributing to the donation of over 860 “Tent Schools” to UNICEF and helping more than 34,000 impoverished children worldwide gain access to education.

Part 2

Artwork Appraisal

The 10th World Youth Cup Youth Painting Competition has been successfully concluded after nearly half a year of collection. Through the theme of “Friendship, Environmental Protection, and Dreams,” expressed in each artwork, we can feel the sincere and passionate emotions conveyed by children and youth in their limited space, using their brushes to depict radiant dreams. At the same time, each piece of artwork carries the contestants’ concern and blessings for underprivileged children.

The judging for this competition was carried out rigorously with age-specific categories, including the Preschool Group (4-6 years old), Children’s Group (7-12 years old), Youth Group (13-17 years old), and Young Adult Group (18-25 years old). Expert judges evaluated each artwork based on comprehensive criteria such as theme interpretation, color coordination, creative concept, composition elements, fundamental techniques, and visual effects.

As mentioned by the expert judges of the competition, we are often moved by children’s artwork precisely because their depiction of the world is distinctive. Children’s works are challenging to evaluate using a unified standard, as it’s not feasible to determine their merit solely through professional aspects like artistic technique, composition structure, or color depth. Evaluating these works with an adult perspective would inevitably deviate from the original intention of children’s art. Faced with numerous exceptional entries, the judges experienced both excitement and difficulty. Since it is a competition, there must be winners, and each piece of artwork underwent reviews by different expert judges. Standing out in such a competitive field was no easy task. The judges conducted thorough evaluations and discussions, ultimately selecting first, second, and third prizes, as well as awards for Best Creativity, Best Color, Best Composition, Best Technique, and Excellence.

The award-winning participants received carefully prepared certificates and customized medals from the competition organizing committee.

Part 3

Why should children participate in art competitions and exhibitions?

Art education itself is a form of character education, and involving children in various types of art exhibitions, painting competitions, and artistic activities is a method of exercise based on artistic endeavors. This practice can subtly influence or change a child’s physical and mental well-being as well as their thoughts.

Engaging in visual arts can add vibrancy to a child’s entire life, enabling them to appreciate the beauty in everyday life and fostering a positive and optimistic outlook.

Children who regularly participate in art activities exhibit noticeable differences from those who participate less or not at all. The confident gaze, composed inner self, serene expression, broadened thinking, and cheerful personality are all outcomes of repeated exercises. These aspects not only contribute to character development but also serve as tangible results of character education. These intrinsic factors play a crucial role in a child’s healthy growth, providing a reliable foundation for a bright and fulfilling life.

Part 4

Overview of the Art Exhibition

The World Youth Painting Competition, supported by UNICEF, is a prestigious global event showcasing the artistic talents of youth and children, often hailed as the “Olympics of painting.” Successfully held for ten editions, the competition has attracted participation from over 100,000 contestants representing more than 50 countries and regions. Through the donation of “tent schools” and the implementation of global charitable initiatives, the competition has sown the seeds of philanthropy in the hearts of youth worldwide.

As of the end of 2022, the competition has contributed to UNICEF by donating 860 “tent schools,” providing educational opportunities for over 34,000 underprivileged children. This initiative not only promotes artistic expression but also fosters positive social impact by empowering children through education on a global scale.