Application Opens for 2024 Swarovski Foundation Creativity Competition

Emma Okonji

The Swarovski Foundation, an international non-government organisation focused on promoting sustainability, is calling for application for the 2024 Swarovski Foundation competition, through its “The Creatives for Our Future” programme.

The programme is run by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnership.

According to a statement released by the foundation yesterday, each of the winners will be awarded a €20,000 (N35 million) grant to pursue their stated dream. The application process, which has already opened, will be on until October 15, 2024.

The programme is open to young creatives worldwide, within the 21 to 30 years age bracket, and extends to a multitude of disciplines, including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering. Successful applicants are expected to be already working on an original project or product that uses the creative process to drive awareness, technology or solutions for sustainable development and drives progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations, the statement said.

It added that the programme has, to date, supported 21 projects in innovative design, founded and initiated by young creatives, who have ground-breaking ideas for addressing the world’s sustainability and development challenges. The programme has enabled them to develop and scale their projects – either with funds to build on their research, or through mentorship and networking opportunities to unlock new directions.

Previous winners include Nigeria’s Joshua Ichor who developed a hand pump monitoring system and built a clean water kiosk for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Equally, Stanley Anigbogu, also from Nigeria, has developed an eco-friendly energy solution by reusing electronic waste and plastic bottles to provide clean energy and light sources for marginalised groups through the Creatives for Our Future programme. He has built a local AVATAR station in Nigeria, a solar-powered hub crafted from recycled shipping containers, known as the ‘AVATAR Station’.

The Director of the Swarovski Foundation, Jakhya Rahman-Corey, said: “We are excited to open applications to the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme and nurture the next generation of inspiring talent”, adding that “creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals.”

“The Swarovski Foundation is looking forward to welcoming this year’s applications to turn their ideas into reality through access to education, resources, and a vital support network,” Rahman-Corey added.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, Annemarie Hou, said: “We need young talents, from fashion to engineering, to use their creativity to tackle sustainable development challenges. With mentorship, industry connections, and funding, these young people are turning obstacles into opportunities and driving real progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are fostering the next generation of leaders.”