The 2025 Earth Partner Prize, a collaborative effort by Earth Partner and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has successfully identified and celebrated young artists who skillfully explored crucial climate and environmental subjects through their artwork. This initiative brought together creative talents from over 110 nations, yielding a collection of pieces that sparked important discussions ranging from ecological concerns to community resilience. These artistic expressions, prominently displayed at the COP in Belém, Brazil, served to amplify global voices and perspectives, reinforcing the vital role of art in addressing environmental issues. The prize not only acknowledges artistic merit but also underscores the urgency of collective action as the world prepares for significant climate dialogues.
The Earth Partner Prize aims to elevate underrepresented artistic and climatic dialogues by showcasing imaginative voices from communities whose experiences are crucial to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. Through their work, the artists tackled diverse themes, such as rethinking waste and the interplay of destruction and optimism, all curated into a compelling virtual exhibition. This platform provides a unique space for young people to contribute to the global climate conversation, ensuring that varied viewpoints are heard and integrated into the broader narrative surrounding environmental sustainability and action.
Acknowledging Excellence in Environmental Art
The 2025 Earth Partner Prize, spearheaded by Earth Partner and the Global Environment Facility, has successfully concluded, celebrating the innovative contributions of young artists globally. This competition engaged individuals aged 14-30, challenging them to explore climate and environmental concerns through various artistic mediums. The resulting works, submitted from more than 110 countries, delved into significant topics such as ecological distress, the transformation of communities, sustainable waste management, and the delicate balance between despair and hope. This artistic endeavor served as a prelude to the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2025 (UNFCCC COP 30), aiming to elevate public awareness and inspire concrete actions towards environmental protection and sustainability. The virtual exhibition, hosted by Voyager360, presented a rich tapestry of global perspectives, reinforcing Earth Partner's dedication to spotlighting voices often overlooked in both the artistic and climatic discourse, thereby emphasizing the essential experiences of diverse communities in confronting environmental challenges.
The distinguished winners of this year's prize include Apah Benson, Abandokht Tohidi Moghadam, Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, Yi Song, Ruby Okoro, Igor Furtado and Labō Young, Andreu Esteban Sebastiá, and Tianxiao Wang. Their exceptional works were prominently featured at the Climate Funds pavilion during the COP in Belém, Brazil, a testament to the competition's growing prestige and its partnership with the Global Environment Facility. Apah Benson from Nigeria secured first place with 'THE LAST OF US,' earning a $10,000 award. Abandokht Tohidi Moghadam from Iran and Kyaw Zay Yar Lin from Myanmar shared second place with 'SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS' and 'FISHERMEN OF INLE LAKE,' respectively, each receiving $5,000. Third place, with an award of $2,000 each, went to Yi Song from China & UK for 'ARCHIVE OF FRAGILITY,' Ruby Okoro from Nigeria for 'CIRCULAR HEROES,' Igor Furtado and Labō Young from Brazil for 'ISLAND TIME FORGOT,' Andreu Esteban Sebastiá from Spain for 'WITHOUT WARNING,' and Tianxiao Wang from China & UK for 'THE SEA SUSTAINS US.' These artists represent a vibrant global community dedicated to environmental advocacy through art, with their collective works illuminating the multifaceted nature of ecological issues and the powerful role of artistic expression in driving social change and environmental stewardship.
The Broader Impact of Environmental Art and Community Engagement
Beyond the individual accolades, the 2025 Earth Partner Prize also recognized the broader impact of environmental art, particularly its ability to foster community engagement and inspire collective action. A panel of esteemed judges, including prominent figures like Hans Ulrich Obrist (Artistic Director of The Serpentine), Carlos Manuel Rodríguez (CEO and Chairperson of GEF), and Marina Testino (Director of Strategic Partnerships, Earth Partner), meticulously reviewed the submissions. Their expertise ensured that the selected artworks not only demonstrated artistic excellence but also conveyed powerful messages relevant to global environmental efforts. This commitment to highlighting diverse perspectives and community-led initiatives reinforces the idea that addressing climate change requires a holistic approach, integrating artistic expression with scientific and policy frameworks.
In addition to the main prize categories, the jury also honored 20 projects with 'Honorable Mentions,' acknowledging a wider spectrum of impactful work. A significant highlight was the inaugural Earth Partner Impact Award, presented to the Instituto Afro-Aurora Dance from Brazil for their project 'DANÇA PAJÉ: FAVELA ANCESTRAL.' This $2,500 award specifically recognizes projects that exemplify the transformative power of environmental art within local communities, showcasing how artistic endeavors can directly contribute to environmental awareness and social change. The selection of this project underscores the importance of art in translating complex environmental issues into accessible and engaging narratives for diverse audiences, particularly those in underrepresented communities. Through such initiatives, the Earth Partner Prize not only celebrates artistic talent but also champions the role of art as a catalyst for meaningful environmental dialogue and sustainable action on a global scale, encouraging a new generation to actively participate in shaping a healthier planet.
