BY/ Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Zéralda Tourist Management Company is excited to announce the inaugural edition of the “National Mural Painting Competition” taking place from June 22 to 25, 2023, within the Zéralda tourist complex. In a press release published on its website, the EGTZ highlights the objective of increasing the visibility of their complex while promoting the artistic dimension as a crucial factor in enhancing Algeria’s national tourist heritage.
The competition, open to all Algerian painters, aims to showcase the rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage of Algeria. With the theme “Algerian Heritage, Heritage of the Past, Inspiration for the Future,” artists are encouraged to create murals that highlight iconic elements of the country’s heritage. The chosen theme intends to raise public awareness about the value of heritage preservation and its significance for future generations. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate reflection on how heritage can inspire the future.
Participants in the competition can be both professional and amateur artists utilizing any painting technique applicable to walls. The submitted works must be related to the competition’s theme, representing stories, significant historical moments, cultural traditions, unique natural sites, emblematic monuments, archaeological sites, cultural symbols, preserved natural landscapes, or any other aspect of heritage that holds special meaning for the local community. The theme is intentionally broad, allowing artists to explore various facets of Algerian heritage.
To participate, artists must duly complete and submit the contest entry form provided by the EGTZ. The submitted works should be created by the artists themselves during the selection period, ensuring originality and authenticity. Artworks made by other individuals or created before the selection period are not eligible for submission.
The administration of the Zéralda tourist complex emphasizes that the artworks must respect common values, religious or national, and avoid shocking or offending the public. Each participant must submit a minimum of two images of their works of art, enabling the selection committee to evaluate the artist’s style, technique, and creativity.
Participants are also required to send a JPEG-format photo of their proposed artwork (minimum 72 DPI) along with a description of the work. It is mandatory for the creator of the work to be present on the day of the competition.
In the interest of ensuring transparency and integrity, entrants must adhere to certain commitments regarding their submitted works. Participants agree not to claim financial compensation for the presentation or use of their work within the framework of the event. Additionally, participants must certify that their submitted works are entirely their own creations, free from plagiarism or unauthorized use of other artists’ works. This certification guarantees the originality and authenticity of the artworks presented.
Participants in the National Mural Painting Competition willingly assume full responsibility for the content of their work. It is essential to acknowledge that all representations and expressions within the artwork are solely the initiative of the participants. The event organizers and the selection committee cannot be held accountable for the content of the works. Participants are required to bring their own tools and materials, such as brushes, to execute their prequalified offers on the designated wall during the competition.
The deadline for submitting offers is set for Monday, June 19, 2023, until 12:00 p.m. The completed and signed participation documents can be returned in person to the tourist complex of Zeralda or submitted via email to cnpm2023@complexetouristiquezeralda.dz.
The prequalification of candidates will take place on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Prequalified participants will receive their invitation on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The reception of qualified candidates for the start of the competition will commence on Thursday, June 22, from 8:00 a.m. The competition itself will begin on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., and conclude on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:30 p.m.
The artistic evaluation of the works produced by the prequalified participants will be conducted by an “Artistic Works Evaluation Jury” on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. The jury members will define the selection criteria and assign scores accordingly. The final score will be calculated using the formula: (Jury scoring / 50 points) + (electronic vote average / 50 points). The participant with the highest score will be declared the winner of the competition.
To engage the public, prequalified works will be published on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and the EGT website (www.complexetouristiquezeralda.dz). This will enable an electronic public vote from the date of prequalification (June 20, 2023) until June 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The average electronic vote will contribute to the final scoring.
Prizes and Recognition
The winner of the National Mural Painting Competition will receive comprehensive support from the Zeralda tourist complex (CT Zeralda) for four people. This support includes accommodation in the bungalows for three nights. The offer is valid for 40 days, from June 26, 2023, to August 4, 2023. Participants must make reservations well in advance.
Additionally, each prequalified participant will be awarded a certificate of participation in the first edition of the “National Mural Painting Competition.” This recognition serves as an encouragement to talented artists and acknowledges their contribution to the event.
To download the participation form (Attachment 01) in both Arabic and French, please click on the link:
Première édition du « Concours National de la Peinture Murale »
The “National Mural Painting Competition” promises to be a celebration of Algeria’s rich heritage and artistic talent. By bringing together Algerian artists to express their creativity on the walls of the Zéralda tourist complex, the event aims to foster appreciation for the nation’s cultural legacy and inspire a collective commitment to its preservation. As the competition unfolds, visitors and participants alike will witness the power of art in conveying the essence of Algeria’s past and its potential to shape the future.
