UNESCO | Visual Works Contest and Exhibition
UNESCO, jointly with the International Day of Light (IDL), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), is organizing Quantum Light: A Visual Odyssey – a global call for creative visual works celebrating the intersection of light and quantum science.
In line with the celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) and IDL, this initiative highlights light as both a scientific cornerstone of quantum theory and a universal symbol across cultures. From blackbody radiation to photon duality, light has shaped our understanding of the quantum world by combining science and art.
UNESCO is launching this global call on 16 May 2025 to mark the International Day of Light. It aims to invite participants worldwide to submit original visual artworks that explore light through visual storytelling, promoting science communication, sparking imagination, and engaging the public in the beauty and mystery of quantum science. Selected submissions will be showcased in a curated virtual exhibition launching in October 2025 on the IYQ platform hosted by UNESCO. Recognition will be given across four award categories: Most Popular, Best Scientific Creativity, Best Science Communication, and Best Artistic Expression.
The call is open from 16 May to 16 July 2025. For full information about contest rules and submissions, please visit the dedicated UNESCO webpage through this link: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/call-visuals-share-your-vision-light-and-quantum-science?hub=66432.
The UNESCO Secretariat for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is at your disposal for any assistance you may have (iyq2025@unesco.org).