Award Ceremony of the International Contest for Minority Artists

2026 Theme: “War and Reconciliation”

An Evening Dedicated to Art and Human Rights

Join us on 24 November 2026 at the Centre des Arts of the International School of Geneva (Ecolint) for a special evening celebrating the award winners of the 5th edition of the International Contest for Minority Artists, organized this year around the theme “War and Reconciliation.”
During this event, the public will have the opportunity to discover the works and journeys of the nine award-winning artists who will be present in Geneva for the occasion. The artistic creations of the 2026 laureates reflect the realities of war, displacement, exclusion and violence, while also highlighting resilience, healing and reconciliation.
Since 2022, the contest has been organized by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in partnership with Freemuse, Minority Rights Group (MRG), the Centre des Arts of Ecolint and the City of Geneva. It provides a unique platform for minority artists who use their creative work to promote and defend human rights around the world.

Exhibition of the Laureates’ Artworks

The award ceremony will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring a selection of works by the winning artists. Through diverse artistic expressions and unique perspectives, these works explore the consequences of conflict, possible pathways to reconciliation, and the fundamental role of art and culture in advancing human rights and fostering more just and inclusive societies.
The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge at the Centre des Arts from 5 November to 18 December 2026.

Practical Information

Programme:

• 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Opening remarks, presentation of the laureates, and artistic performance
• 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Reception and exhibition visit in the presence of the award-winning artists

Venue: Centre des Arts, International School of Geneva (Ecolint), Rue Marie-Thérèse-Maurette 7, Geneva.
Practical information on how to reach the Centre des Arts and on accessibility is available here.
Languages: French and English, with simultaneous interpretation available in both languages.
Admission: Free of charge.
Guest Arrival: Participants are kindly invited to arrive from 6:30 p.m. onwards.