As part of the recently launched #IAMAMIGRANTTOO campaign, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is calling upon artists, young and old , to design posters aimed at promoting positive contributions of migrants and social cohesion between migrants, including refugees and asylum-seekers and host communities in South Africa.

The competition is open to all artists (sketch, paint, graphic and photography) between the ages of 15 and 30. The top 12 artists will have their posters featured in the 2014 IOM and UNHCR desk and wall calendars, with the top 3 from the junior and senior categories winning awesome prizes.

We are looking for fresh and thought provoking designs that will ignite dialogue on positive contributions of migrants in South Africa, demonstrate the value of Ubuntu, Social Cohesion and show South Africa’s Cultural Diversity. When people move, they bring more than just their suitcases. Most bring new ideas that can lead to society’s development, job creation, and other economic and social benefits,” says Gaone Dixon, IOM South Africa Communications Officer.

“Refugees and asylum-seekers are often portrayed in media as being a burden to society, but this could not be further from the truth. They participate in the economy, create jobs, pay taxes and often provide valuable skills and it’s important to showcase these contributions,” adds Tina Ghelli, UNHCR’s spokesperson for Southern Africa.

The competition’s selection criteria of winning posters will be based on the following criteria:

The poster designs should:

1. Combine storytelling, art and design to educate, inform and promote positive contributions of migrants in South African communities.
2. Initiate dialogue on migration and address common misconceptions whilst promoting social and economic benefits of migration.
3. Display the artists’ understanding of migration.
4. Demonstrate the diversity that migration brings and how migrants and host communities can have healthy and mutually beneficial relationships.
5. Be educational, attention-grabbing, thought provoking, and convey uncomplicated messages.

Entries will close on 30 November 2013 and interested contestants can visitwww.iamamigrant.co.za for competition rules and submission process. Alternatively they can like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IAmAMigrantToo, follow @IOMSouthAfrica or join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtags #iamamigrant or #iamamigranttoo.

For more information on the poster design competition please contact Ntokozo at IOM Pretoria on +27 76 532 8295 or email nmahlangu@iom.int