Photography, art and design students from the 27 EU Member States are invited to take part in the “Breaking Stereotypes” photo competition, to make a creative and refreshing statement for diversity and against discrimination.

The competition is part of the five-year EU information campaign “For Diversity. Against Discrimination.”, which is incorporated into the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All campaign.

Both are pan-European information initiatives run by the European Commission. In line with EU anti-discrimination legislation, which has been operational for several years, these campaigns aim to encourage the benefits of diversity and combat discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender.

What is the competition about? The title of the competition, “Breaking Stereotypes”, underlines the fact that discrimination is often based on stereotypes and prejudices held by society. The objective of the competition is not only to create awareness of diversity issues among young people, but also a better understanding of what discrimination means to the young population of Europe. Instead of preaching about the new laws, the EU invites young artists to produce images with a strong and stimulating impact, expressing how young Europeans see a world without stereotypes.

The winners will be selected in August from a shortlist of 35 entries. A total of € 9,000 prize money will be shared among the first, second and third place winners, as well as the first place winner’s university or academic institution. All 35 shortlisted photos will be featured in a travelling exibition starting in Brussels and visiting the capital cities of the three winners. The jury will consist of renowned and famous photography and art experts, including high-profile and young photographers, professors and media experts from different EU countries.

Last year’s “Breaking Stereotypes” poster competition already demonstrated the enthusiasm and motivation creative competitions can evoke in young people. A total of 767 eligible entries were received from talented designers in the 25 Member States that existed at the time. Poland topped the entry tables with an amazing 143 submissions, and also conributed the winning design! Runner-up Germany (95 entries) was followed closely by Austria (81), Greece (69) and Italy (66). Which country will dazzle the jury this year with the most expressive and relevant photograph? Which country will be the most inspired by the competition? And how will newcomers Romania and Bulgaria express their views on diversity?

So, young photographers across Europe, take your camera and capture your own vision of diversity and a world without discrimination!

The “Breaking Stereotypes” photo competition is open from March 1st until June 30th, 2007. Students of photography, art and design are invited to participate. Entrants need to be registered at an academy, university or college in one of the 27 EU Member States.

For detailed information on the competition rules and the entry procedure:
http://photocompetition.stop-discrimination.info/

For more information on both campaigns, please visit:
www.stop-discrimination.info
http://equality2007.europa.eu

Sarah Coppens
Media Consulta International Holding
Tel.: +49 (0) 30 65 000-358
s.coppens@media-consulta.com