The Global 2023 Creative Competition invites healthcare professions students around the world to submit creative responses on the theme Healthy Planet, Healthy People. This theme reflects the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a framework of the local and global priorities to create a fair, just and sustainable world by 2030.

The Global Creative Competition brings together our international community of healthcare professions students on a theme that addresses a global challenge. This year’s competition is hosted by the University of Leeds in partnership with Imperial College London. It is our call to action to healthcare professions students around the world - an invitation to reflect and respond to these goals in imaginative and creative ways.

The Global Creative Competition is hosted by MEdIC, Imperial College London in partnership with University of Leeds . The Global Creative Competition brings together our international community of health care professions students on a theme that addresses a global challenge. This year's theme is this years theme is Healthy Planet, Healthy People.

Frequently asked questions for the 2023 Global Creative Competition for Healthcare students

What is the Global Creative Competition? 

The Global Creative Competition brings together our international community of health care professions students on a theme that addresses a global challenge. 

What type of art can I create? 

• visual arts (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, video) 
• performing arts (e.g., music, dance, drama – maximum length 3 minutes) 
• literature (e.g., a short story, poetry – maximum 300 words) 
• or anything else that your imagination can think of. 

Who is eligible to enter? 

Anyone student worldwide who is studying on an accredited programme to become a healthcare professional. 

What do I need to submit and how do I enter? 

1. Title of your piece 
2. Upload your work in an electronic format 

Images must be in .jpg, .tif or .png format only (min. dimensions 1080px x 1080px) 

Video and audio files must be .mp3, .mp4, or .mov only (max duration 3 minutes) 

Maximum file size: 200mb. 

3. Reflective explanation of your submission – maximum 250 words outlining why you chose this topic; what it means to you personally and in your role as a future healthcare professional; and how it reflects the theme of Healthy Planet, Healthy People. 

Can I submit an entry in my preferred language? 

Your creative work and reflective explanation can be submitted in any language. The judging team are predominantly English speakers and will utilise translation services / software, where necessary, to interpret your submission. 

Submissions in your preferred language are welcome, we ask that you provide an English translation. For example, if you submit an animation in your preferred language, please include English subtitles as part of the piece. 

When is the deadline for submission? 

Entries close 12.00 midnight (BST) on Sunday 1 October 2023. 

When is the prize giving – will I need to attend in person? 

The awards ceremony will take place in late Autumn 2023 and will be online / hybrid (to be confirmed). Should you win, you will not be required to attend in person. 

What are the terms and conditions of entry? 

Please click here to read the full terms and conditions of entry.

What are the judging criteria? 

The creative work and the reflective explanation will be considered together and assessed against the following criteria: 

Response to theme. This criterion takes into account the way in which the competition theme has been interpreted. The judges will consider the relevance of the submission as well as the kinds of insights it offers. The ways in which sustainability, e.g., the wellbeing of people, cultures and the planet, is reflected in the creative work and its accessibility.    

Creativity. This criterion considers innovation, imagination and creativity. The judges will be looking for submissions that are unique or that think ‘outside of the box’, particularly in relation to: the creative work’s content, craft and form; materials used; aesthetic quality and character. The judges will consider the student’s choices in response to the theme.     

Impact. This criterion will consider the impact of the submission on the audience. The judges will consider the extent to which the creative work provokes a response in how they think and feel. They will think about: whether the creative work has provided a new or different perspective; has challenged their perspectives or views; and has had a lasting impression.  

Who will judge the competition? 

The judging panel will comprise of healthcare professionals and educators, healthcare students, educators of the arts and practising artists and sustainability professionals. 

How many winners will there be? 

There will be one overall winner (prize money 300 British Pounds) and 3 highly commended pieces of work (prize money 150 British Pounds each). 

Find out more about past competitions 

See the winning entries from the 2020 and 2021 competition and watch the awards ceremony. 

Any further questions?

Please email: gcc@leeds.ac.uk