Art Competition on Hate Speech and Religious Exclusion
Project Title: Art Competition: Addressing Hate Speech and Religious Exclusion Among Youth in Pakistan
Organized By: Bargad Organization for Youth Development
In Collaboration With:
- Youth Media Network Pakistan
- E-Media Society, University of Sargodha
Location: Sargodha City, Pakistan
Project Overview:
Bargad Organization for Youth Development, in collaboration with Youth Media Network Pakistan and the E-Media Society of the University of Sargodha, successfully organized an impactful art competition centered on the critical theme of “Hate Speech and Religious Exclusion among Youth in Pakistan.” This event, held in Sargodha city, served as a powerful platform to engage young people creatively in exploring and responding to these significant social challenges. The competition aimed to harness the expressive potential of art to raise awareness, stimulate dialogue, and foster critical thinking among youth regarding the prevalence and impact of hate speech and religious exclusion within their communities and the broader national context. As articulated by guests at the event, “Art is dynamic, with new trends and styles emerging at a fast pace. It opens up the stream of subconscious and intends to personally touch every person that comes across it,” underscoring the belief in art’s power to connect and convey profound messages.
Theme:
The central and poignant theme of the art competition was “Hate Speech and Religious Exclusion among Youth in Pakistan.” This theme specifically invited participants to visually interpret and reflect upon:
- The various manifestations and impacts of hate speech directed towards religious minorities and groups.
- The dynamics and consequences of social and systemic exclusion based on religious identity among young people.
- The effects of these issues on individual youth, interpersonal relationships, community harmony, and national unity.
- Creative visions and messages promoting tolerance, understanding, and inclusion across religious lines.
Objectives (Inferred and Supported by Remarks):
Drawing from the theme, the nature of the organizing bodies, and the statements made by guests, the key objectives of the competition included:
- Raise Awareness and Educate: Increase understanding among youth and the public about the realities and harms of hate speech and religious exclusion.
- Provide a Platform for Expression: Offer a meaningful and safe avenue for young artists to articulate their perspectives, concerns, and hopes related to the theme.
- Promote Dialogue and Reflection: Encourage contemplation and conversation about sensitive issues of religious intolerance and discrimination.
- Foster Critical Engagement: Stimulate participants to analyze the underlying causes and societal effects of hate speech and exclusion.
- Highlight Youth Perspectives: Showcase how young people perceive and are impacted by these challenges.
- Advocate for Tolerance and Inclusion: Utilize art as a tool to advocate for human betterment, promote the rights of minorities, and cultivate values of respect, diversity, and religious inclusion.
Project Description:
The art competition invited young individuals to submit original artworks across various mediums that powerfully conveyed their interpretations of the designated theme. The submissions served as visual narratives, translating complex social issues into accessible and emotionally resonant forms. The exhibition of these artworks was a central component of the project, transforming the competition into a public awareness and educational event.
The collaboration between Bargad Organization for Youth Development, with its focus on youth empowerment; Youth Media Network Pakistan, leveraging media for social change; and the E-Media Society of the University of Sargodha, connecting with the academic and student community, created a strong partnership for addressing this critical issue through creative means within Sargodha city.
Guest Speakers and Remarks:
The exhibition was attended by distinguished guests who shared their insights on the importance of the initiative and the power of art:
- Noman Yaser Qureshi (Incharge, Department of Communication and Media Studies, Sargodha University): Emphasized the importance of promoting humanity over distinctions of race and caste. He highlighted that exhibitions like this, by showcasing youth creativity, are effective in spreading this message and raising awareness about the theme. He stated, “We should promote humanity instead of race and cast.”
- Adnan Khaliq Bhatti (Program Officer, Punjab Council of the Arts Sargodha Division): Appreciated the young artists’ efforts and underscored the historical importance of art. He noted that art is not only a representation of culture and society but can also effectively portray religious circumstances.
- Abdul Rehman Qaisar (Assistant Professor, Sargodha University): Attributed the increase in religious exclusions among youth partly to the increased use of social media. He commented that this exhibition contributed positively to promoting the rights of minorities for the cause of human betterment.
Exhibition Highlights and Outcomes:
The exhibition of the submitted artworks drew significant attention, serving as a focal point for discussion and reflection on the theme. A notable attraction among visitors was a hand portrait created by Shanzay Fatima, an 8-year-old participant, demonstrating that the impact of this issue resonates across different age groups and highlighting the power of even young voices through art.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, all participants were recognized for their valuable contributions and awarded certificates. Winning participants received cash prizes, acknowledging their exceptional artistic merit and their powerful interpretations of the theme. Participants generally expressed that the exhibition was a “delightsome” experience, indicating a positive reception and engagement with the project.
This art competition successfully utilized a creative medium to initiate important conversations and raise awareness about hate speech and religious exclusion, empowering youth to become part of the solution.