Story of Waste: Zero Waste Art Contest

Applications have opened for “The Story of Waste: Zero Waste Art Contest”, organized in collaboration between the Zero Waste Foundation and the United Nations Türkiye, bringing together art lovers and environmental volunteers from across Türkiye around a shared vision for a sustainable future.

The contest highlights the transformative power of art as a means of raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable waste management practices, inviting participants to reflect on the journey of waste and its potential to become a resource through creativity and innovation.

Aiming to make the cultural transformation vision of the Zero Waste in Action visible through art, the competition encourages the transformation of waste into aesthetic and original works of art in line with the principles of recycling, reuse, and circular economy. Addressing different types of waste such as plastic, glass, metal, paper, textiles, and wood through an artistic narrative language, the competition aims to give waste a new meaning and turn environmental awareness into a social value.

Aligned with the vision of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste initiative, the competition highlights zero waste as not only an environmental responsibility but also a tool for cultural, artistic, and social transformation.

Through this collaboration with the United Nations Türkiye, the globally recognized Zero Waste vision is brought into the realm of artistic expression.

The competition aims to strengthen environmental awareness in individuals through the universal language of art and to contribute to the spread of a sustainable living culture. The works produced within the scope of the competition will be evaluated in terms of originality, aesthetic value, innovative use of materials, and the power of their environmental message.

In this regard, “The Story of Waste” offers a powerful platform for raising awareness that waste is not merely a problem in society, but can be transformed into a valuable resource with the right approach.

Works Will Be Evaluated in Six Different Categories

“The Story of Waste: Zero Waste Art Contest” is organized in six different categories:

• Plastic Waste

• Glass Waste

• Metal Waste

• Paper Waste

• Textile Waste

• Wood Waste

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for each category; in addition, the “Foundation Special Award” will be presented to a work deemed appropriate by the jury.

Prize Amounts:

• Foundation Special Prize: 100,000 TL

• Category First Place: 50,000 TL

• Category Second Place: 35,000 TL

• Category Third Place: 25,000 TL

Open to All Individuals Aged 15 and Over Throughout Türkiye

The competition is open to all individuals aged 15 and over throughout Türkiye, and participants aged 15–18 can apply with parental consent. Participation in the competition is free of charge, and applications will be accepted online; preliminary evaluation will be conducted digitally. Works that make it to the finals will be evaluated by a Selection Committee consisting of experts in the fields of art, environment, and sustainability after physical delivery.

“The Story of Waste Exhibition” to Meet Art Lovers

Following the evaluation process, the winning entries deemed worthy of exhibition will be presented to art lovers at the “The Story of Waste Exhibition,” organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and the United Nations Türkiye.

The exhibited works may also be used in educational, promotional, and awareness-raising activities aimed at increasing environmental awareness, as well as on digital platforms.

All artists, students, and environmental volunteers across Türkiye are invited to join this meaningful journey.

For the terms and conditions and application form, CLICK HERE.