A nationwide search is taking place to find young creative talent in the Kingdom. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) in collaboration with Microsoft, Cisco and Edge of Arabia/Offscreen have partnered together by creating a competitive platform to develop, recognize and nurture the most competitive and talented youth in Saudi Arabia.
The competition titled, “Most Competitive Youth Awards,” is a unique nationwide competition that is open to Saudi nationals and residents who are between 15-24 years old and living in the Kingdom.
It is unique in that youth can voice opinions and concerns, as well as say what’s on their mind. Through this initiative, youth will have the chance to improve their communities, inspire creativity, promote innovation, and bring Saudi Arabia’s economy to the forefront of competitiveness.
The competition is made up of three categories: Art and Creativity, Technology and Innovation. Consequently, competitors can either submit in their work in one or all categories.
Prizes vary from Flip cams by Cisco, Microsoft’s new console, Kinect, the opportunity to attend the Global Competitive Forum MCY event (GCF 2011) and interact with world business and political leaders to a journey through Britain where winners will get to showcase their artwork in the British Museum as well as work with professionals.
For the Art and Creativity category, titled “Create and Inspire,” applicants can submit an artwork (painting, drawing, collage or digital work), a film (video diary, documentary or animation) or photograph(s). In collaboration with SAGIA and Edge of Arabia/Offscreen (partnering with the British Council), this category will encourage youth (ages 16-24 as of June 2011) in Saudi Arabia to express their creative potential and inspire others to make a positive difference in their community, or raise awareness of a social issue that has a negative impact on society. The deadline to submit applications is Dec. 1.
The Technology category, which is powered by Microsoft, consists of two competitions:
Kodu category: Applicants are asked to create and submit a video game using Kodu Games Lab
Social Web category: Applicants are asked to create and submit a social website that creates awareness, highlights a social issue or promotes a positive aspect.
The deadline for the Technology category the Kodu and Social Web categories is Dec. 15.
In the Innovation category, which is powered by Cisco, applicants are asked to submit their innovative ideas and solutions to improve and impact their communities, schools or universities. The deadline is Dec. 8.
You can apply in either English or Arabic, but participants (specifically for the Art and Creativity category) should have basic English speaking skills.
