Photography Competition – «FOCUS ON EUROPE»

Youth Makerspace Larnaka of the Youth Board of Cyprus is organizing the 7th Photography Competition titled “FOCUS ON EUROPE.” Through their lens, young people are invited to capture the meaning of Europe and the shared values it represents, such as democracy, freedom of expression, diversity, respect, and mutual acceptance. Europe is not only a continent on the map; it is people, stories, emotions that shape us, moments and ways of life that unite us.

On the occasion of Cyprus as Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Youth Makerspace dedicates this year’s annual photography competition to Europe, our common home. In addition, the event is held in memory of Thrasivoulos Thrasivoulou, Executive Secretary of the Youth Board of Cyprus.

Making use of the photography equipment and related technological tools available through the Youth Makerspace Larnaka program, young amateur photographers in Cyprus aged 12–35 are invited to capture through photography the principles that unite us as a European family. The aim of the competition is to create a visual collage of Europe, a collection made up of photographs, ideas, and perspectives from the youth of Cyprus.

Using photography as a means of expression, whether using a camera or a mobile phone, young people can show how they experience Europe today, or how they would like to see it tomorrow, through images inspired by experiences, values and principles that we share. Participants may approach the theme either literally or metaphorically, for example:

• Landscapes & places from European countries – streets, squares, architecture, everyday scenes of life
• Portraits of people – friends, travelers, residents; faces representing Europe’s diversity and multiculturalism
• Moments of everyday life and expressions of values – stories showing cooperation, coexistence, solidarity, freedom of expression, equality, democracy, respect, and human rights
• Symbols & details – flags, posters, art, abstract images, signs, and cultural elements

All submissions will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of experts with knowledge in photography, whose names will be announced at a later stage. The three (3) best photographs will receive monetary prizes, along with three (3) honorable mentions and a special award from the family of Thrasivoulos Thrasivoulou. All winning photographs will be presented in printed form at the Makers Fair 2026, as part of a photography exhibition during the festival of creativity and technology.

PRIZES

• 1st Prize: €400
• 2nd Prize: €300
• 3rd Prize: €200
• Special Award from the Thrasivoulos Thrasivoulou Family: €200
• 3 Honorable Mentions: €100 each

You can send your submissions to [email protected] until April 19, 2026. You can find the competition terms and details HERE (add website link).

For more information, interested participants can contact Youth Makerspace Larnaka by phone at 24201777, by email at [email protected], or via Facebook and Instagram.