The objective for the iWISE Olympiad’s Recycled Materials Art category is to promote resourcefulness and sustainability through artistic innovation. The competition uses creativity as a powerful educational tool to engage young minds and raise public awareness about recycling, reducing, and reusing materials.
Encourage creative and innovative reuse
– To challenge young artists to see “waste” not as garbage but as a raw material for creative and innovative projects.
– To inspire resourceful thinking by transforming discarded materials into meaningful and original works of art.
Educate on sustainable living
– To increase students’ knowledge of recycling processes, responsible resource consumption, and the importance of a circular economy.
– To foster an active engagement with environmental responsibility by making art a medium for expressing and understanding environmental issues.
Raise public awareness
– To build a strong connection between the arts and sustainability, demonstrating that creative expression can be a vehicle for environmental advocacy.
– To use the showcased artwork as a tool to capture public imagination and generate support for educational programming focused on the “three Rs” (reduce, reuse, recycle).
Build collaborative coalitions
– To connect young artists with sustainability advocates and a wider audience, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue about environmental stewardship.
– To promote the development of collaborative skills, as some submissions can be made by groups of up to three participants
The Recycled Materials Art category was created to promote recycling and reuse of materials in a creative and innovative way. This category aims inspire young minds to actively engage in learning more about recycling, responsible use of resources and sustainable living. The iWISE Olympiad Committee’s goal is to raise public awareness and support of educational programming focused on recycling, reducing and reusing of materials while building strong coalitions between sustainability and the arts.
– Cutting – many of the activities in this project involve using some sort of cutting instrument. Be careful with any sharp or pointed blade, and always be conscious of where you put it down after using it. You may need adult help when first using a craft knife.
– Paints and sprays – the gases that are released when using some paints, sealers and sprays can have harmful fumes that cause head-aches, nausea, throat and nose irritation. Ensure you have good ventilation when using these items.
– Glues – be careful using fast bonding glues like Superglue to avoid gluing your fingers together. Also ensure you have good ventilation while using stronger adhesives.
– Glass and metal – when working with glass, be careful as it can break. With metal, be careful of any sharp edges. Some can openers can sometimes leave a sharp edge.
– Wire – when working with wire, it is a good idea to always wear safety goggles or glasses, particularly when cutting wire. Do what you can to protect your eyes and vision from sharp flying objects.
– Appliances and power tools – in some instances, you may need a hot glue gun, an oven or a pressing iron. Use caution to keep yourself and others safe. If you are unsure how to use a piece of equipment, ask or have an adult help you.
- Click on the Registration Tab
- Select one of the Virtual Rounds
- Fill in your details.
- Fill in your selected category details on the corresponding form.
- Select your available time for the Judging process.
- Submit your zoom judging session.
- Proceed to payment.
- Complete your submission.
Requirements for Virtual Finals:
Only Recycled materials can be used.
Poster must be on a white sheet of A2 size (42 x 59.4 cm/16.5 x 23.4 inch). (If Applicable)
Prototype (If Applicable)
Written Abstract (Written description of artwork)
3 Clear Pictures of Artwork.
Pictures can be presented in a PowerPoint Presentation or
Pictures can be saved in as a PDF document that must be sent to judges via Zoom Chat
No theme for this category.
Group submission is up to 3 participants
Requirements for Global Finals:
Only Recycled materials can be used.
Written Abstract (Written description of artwork)
Poster must be on a white sheet of A2 size (42 x 59.4 cm/16.5 x 23.4 inch).
Prototype (If Applicable)
PowerPoint Presentation (Optional)
No theme for this category
Group submission is up to 3 participants.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation in this category goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on the story and meaning behind the art. Judging criteria emphasize the environmental message and the thoughtful execution of the piece.
– Creative use of materials: The ingenuity and resourcefulness shown in repurposing materials into an innovative and cohesive work of art.
– Connection to sustainability: The strength of the artwork’s message regarding recycling, reusing, and sustainability, and how it informs or inspires the viewer.
– Craftsmanship and technique: The care and skill with which the materials have been worked and assembled to create a polished and impactful final piece.
– Overall impact: The visual appeal of the artwork and its ability to communicate its message effectively to a broad audience.
– Concept statement: The written abstract that accompanies the artwork will be evaluated for its clarity in explaining the artistic choices and the connection to the core themes of recycling and sustainability.