CALL FOR ARTISTS!

The topic of fossil fuels can incite divisive feelings and standstills — art is a necessary way to navigate these divides, expose and collectively tell the truths alongside frontline communities, build resistance and create narratives that reimagine and build different futures.

In the words of African-American writer, filmmaker and social activist Toni Cade Bambara, “the role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” And we are in urgent need of an energy revolution that shifts power from corporate elites to the hands of the people, that delivers dignified energy access to everyone across our continent, and that moves from the chokehold of fossil fuelled energy apartheid to a cooperative, decentralised and equitable renewable energy future.

For more details explore the launch of All Power to the People with Toguna World.

Imagine an Africa where the six collective demands of All Power to the People have been met. Fossil fuel extraction has been phased out, ecosystems and rivers have been ecologically remediated, communities harmed by fossil fuel extraction have received reparations, cooperatives are funded to create decentralised renewable energy systems, energy poverty is a relic of the past and universal renewable energy access is here.

What does this Africa look and feel like? We invite multidisciplinary visual artists to imagine this emergent future and show us! We welcome multidisciplinary visual art mediums — illustrations, paintings, photography, printmaking, drawings, collages, 3D sculptures, art videos, animations & films.

HOW TO APPLY

- There are no limits based on age, ethnicity, or location.
- All submissions must be original works created by the applicant. Entries must not copy, replicate, or be based on someone else's work. Art created using artificial intelligence is not allowed. Submissions must comply with all relevant laws and must not infringe on any copyrights.
- You may apply either as an individual or as part of a group. Group submissions are limited to a maximum of five members. It’s recommended that group entries maintain a consistent approach — whether through a shared theme, concept, or technique — to present a cohesive body of work. If selected for the physical exhibition, only the submitted pieces by the original group members may be displayed. Changing the group line-up afterwards is not permitted and may lead to disqualification without a refund.
- Artwork must be submitted in formats suitable for online display: JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF, GIF, or MP4, with each file no larger than 100MB.
- Content: The work should effectively convey a clear idea, message, or concept that support our missions & demands
- Technical Skill: Strong execution, creativity, visual appeal, and originality in approach are key.
- Originality: The piece must be distinctive and avoid imitating existing works.
- Adaptability: The work should show potential to be interpreted or presented across different formats, spaces, or timeframes.
PAAP’s selection panel will pay particular attention to the diversity of submissions chosen for the final exhibition. The aim is to bring together a wide range of artistic voices, giving both the public and the reviewers a richer, more varied experience.

As this platform is intended to support artists across all levels and generations, PAAP does not apply quotas or preferences based on experience or career stage. All submissions are judged on the same set of standards outlined above.

The names of the PAAC jury members will be shared publicly on our Instagram page at instagram.com/paap at a later stage. The organisers reserve the right to withhold the jury list until closer to the announcement.
For information and inquiries, please email to hello@allpowertothepeople.art

TIMELINE

Join us for the launch of All Power To The People! Pan-African Artists Pledge on July 30 at 3pm EAT.

The launch event will be guided by polymath artist & futures dreamer @pierre.christophe.gam.

We invite you to join the session and envision together what Africa could look and feel like if we realised the collective demands of All Power To The People!

We welcome visual art submissions on this future for our continent. Selected artworks have the chance to be featured at an exhibition @studio11.et from Sept 1-9 in Addis Ababa as part of Africa Climate Week & Summit.

Register here!
Submission deadline.
Announcement of Selected Artworks for Exhibition.