In the past few years, Arcus Ecological Association from Bačka Topola organized art contest for primary school students on the occasion of the Earth Day. The contest is aimed at promoting the nature protection, the knowledge about the living beings that surround us, about their habitat, ecology and importance. That is why the contest is addressed to young population, especially the primary school students. In the previous years there were a lot of participants from our country, but from abroad as well, and that is how the contest became international. Again, in 2025 we expect participants from all over Serbia and from abroad, too.
European pond turtle (Photo: Sihelnik József)
Theme of 2025 contest is European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and its habitat. This species lives in freshwater areas, including ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams. They select terrestrial locations with open, high, and sandy soil habitats for nesting. Population of European pond turtle has been declining over the past century due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Losing and changes in habitat are happening mostly because of human activities. During the day, these turtles bask for long periods of time upon stones or banks but will dive back into the water if disturbed. The head, limbs and tail are dark with yellow spots and small dots. For nesting, the female selects a suitable spot of hard soil, undisturbed and free from grass and other dense vegetation. European pond turtle’s main sources of food are small aquatic animals. They hunt worms, aquatic invertebrates, fish and amphibians.
Contest details
Contest type: art – drawing, watercolour, collage, and similar techniques
Categories:
– primary school students 1st – 2nd grade (7 – 8 y. o.)
– primary school students 3rd – 4th grade (9 – 10 y. o.)
– primary school students 5th – 8th grade (11 – 14 y. o.)
Artworks can be created in any technique and size that is suitable for the age of participant. We expect works that show European pond turtle and its habitat.
Participants can create and prepare their works on art classes in school or independently from educational institution.
Participation method and deadline
Each participant can submit only one work. It is obligatory to write down on the back of the work the following information:
– title of the work
– name of the author
– author’s age and school grade
– contact information of the author or their parent/guardian (phone number and e-mail obligatory)
– art teacher’s name (if helped with work preparation)
– name of the school that is author attending
Contest participants can submit their application by sending their works by post at the following address: Arcus Ecological Association, 24300 Bačka Topola, Školska 2, Serbia (Ekološko društvo “Arkus”, 24300 Bačka Topola, Školska 2, Srbija).
Deadline for sending the works is 31st March 2025 (Monday).
There is no participation fee. The works can’t be returned to the authors.
Privacy policy
By registering participants agree to be bound by this agreement and accept all its parts. Artists authorize Arcus Ecological Association to process artist’s personal data in accordance with law. Personal data and submitted works will be used in accordance to the purpose of the contest.
Selection, awards and collective exhibition
In each category will be selected three best works by jury composed of Arcus Ecological Association’s members. If there will be any work that stands out, the jury can award special prize. Jury will not take into consideration the works with incomplete information about the work and its author, and the works which will be sent after the deadline. The awards are books suitable for the age of the authors.
All submitted artworks will be exhibited in the Exhibition Hall of Bačka Topola Municipality Culture Centre. Exhibition opening and award ceremony will be held on 22nd April 2025 (Tuesday) at 18:00.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 22nd to 25th April 2025.
We are expecting very creative artworks.
S u p p o r t e r s
Local Government of Bačka Topola
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Bačka Topola Municipality Culture Centre