The preliminary rounds of the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition were completed in 130 cities across 53 countries. The total number of participants was approximately 23,400, and this year, special follow-up events were held in Korea. As part of IWPG’s peace initiatives, the event contributed to promoting a peace culture in local communities.
International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG, Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon) announced that the preliminary round of the Loving-Peace Art Competition(ILPAC) proceeded all around the world for over two months from May. In September, the final round of judging will take place, featuring the best works selected from 53 countries.
ILPAC, hosted by IWPG, aims to foster talents of peace who can express their heart for peace through paintings and practice it in their lives. IWPG holds ILPAC every year in major global cities to provide children and youth with opportunities to imagine and depict a world of peace. Through this, they intend to instill the spirit of true peace in the hearts of the next generation and establish a culture of peace in their regions through their works.
Because of conflicts all around the world, the number of child deaths is continuously increasing. According to a report from Save the Children in June this year, more than 21,000 children are believed to be missing, detained, or killed in the Gaza district. Mary Uzochukwu, a Biafran child who lost her country due to war (17, female, participant of ILPAC Netherlands preliminary), said, “Art allows me to express my dream and wish for a world without war or conflict where everyone can live peacefully. I tried to show the image of hope for a peaceful future. I hope for peace and dream of a time when we can live without fear and pain.”
IWPG continued with follow-up events in 20 cities across South Korea where the preliminary round was held, including mentor partnership ceremonies, award ceremonies, exhibitions of winning works, and MOUs with civil organizations.
“Mentorship partnership” is a project to foster and support the talents of peace and art in local communities. Based on the talent donation of art experts, the ILPAC awardees are given chances to receive mentoring from the experts. A total of 53 artists have joined in donating their talents and proceeding with the exhibition under the theme “Sharing a Peaceful Worldview Across Generations,” which showcased their artworks with those of award-winning students.
IWPG, which has signed MOUs with over 70 civil organizations, companies, and the press, is moving forward to nurture talents in local communities and spread a culture of peace. So Won Kang, Project Manager of the Department of External Affairs and General Manager of ILPAC, remarked, “I could deeply feel the earnest desire for peace in the paintings expressed by students from around the world. This year, especially through the exhibition and various follow-up events, the competition was remembered longer. Through the ILPAC, I hope the world will continue to wish for peace and take action together.”
