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Canvas of the future

From telegraph to AI, celebrating 160 years of innovation

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The second edition of Canvas of the Future celebrates ITU’s 160 year legacy, inviting artists and AI innovators to showcase their talents and contribute to the global dialogue on the role of technology in shaping the future of digital connectivity, bridging divides, and creating a more connected and sustainable world. Harness the power of AI to create compelling visual representations of your vision for a better future. Submissions are open until 15 May 12:00 CEST. The winner will be invited to attend and showcase their work at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025, taking place in Geneva from 8-11 July.

Rules
Shape the Future
Bringing artists, AI experts, and innovators together to exchange ideas and collaborate. Inviting participants to showcase diverse artistic visions reflecting global experiences and perspectives for a better future for all.
  • Inspire creativity and innovation in AI and art
  • Promote knowledge and understanding of humanity’s biggest challenges
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and amplify diverse voices
  • Raise awareness of digital connectivity
  • Drive positive change and impact
  • Highlight ITU’s legacy and work
Contest Timeline
  • March 2025
    Contest launch

    Call for applications

    13 March

  • March - May 2025
    Submission phase

    Submission deadline

    15 May

  • May - June 2025
    Evaluation phase

    Artist of the Week Campaign

    16 June

  • June - July 2025
    Winner announcement

    Winner is contacted

    9 June

    Winner comes to Geneva for the AI for Good Global Summit 2025

    8-9 July

Submissions guidelines
The submitted visual art should adhere to the following submission guidelines
  • Created using AI technologies
    Using ethically-sourced, licensable creative tools to ensure responsible use of AI
  • One original and high-resolution digital image
    Minimum 300 dpi with no copyright infringement
  • International, universal and relevant to the activities of UN institutions
    The theme(s) must be international or universal in character and of relevance to the fields of activity of the United Nations.
Panel of judges
Explore the experts evaluating innovation and creativity

To be announced

Judging criteria
The judging process will consist of three rounds: an internal panel review, a public vote, and a vote done by a panel of experts based on the following criteria
  • Creativity and originality
    The artwork displays a unique and imaginative approach, demonstrating the artist’s individual perspective
  • Relevance to theme
    The artwork aligns with the theme of the contest (envisioning how technology influences the world)
  • Effective use of AI technology
    The artwork showcases an innovative application of AI techniques (e.g. generative algorithms, neural networks, or machine learning) in the creative process
  • Connection to global challenges
    The artwork clearly illustrates the potential of AI to contribute to achieving one or more of the UN SDGs, highlighting the link between technology and global challenges
  • Visual impact and aesthetic appeal
    The artwork is visually striking, engaging, and effectively encourages viewers to explore the subject matter further
  • Impact and message
    The artwork evokes a sense of wonder, curiosity, or reflection, while effectively communicating the artists vision through a clear and compelling narrative
  • Global relevance
    The artwork resonates with a diverse, international audience, transcending cultural boundaries and reflecting the interconnected nature of global sustainability challenges
  • Solution oriented focus
    The artwork incorporates ideas about sustainability, global challenges, or bidding divides through technology
Prizes
The winner of the contest will receive
  • Invitation to Global Summit 2025
    An invitation to attend and showcase their work at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025
  • Recognition and exposure
    A feature on the AI for Good Global Summit website and social media platforms
  • Canvas of the future trophy
Ready to Share Your Vision?
Submit your AI-powered artwork and be part of the AI for Good movement.
Submit now
2024 Artist Spotlight
Discover the remarkable AI-driven artworks of past contestants, showcasing the power of art to envision a sustainable future
  • Faces of Extinction of Species: Our Faces, Their Faces
    This thought-provoking collection delves into the depths of existence, inviting you to witness the convergence of human and animal, the fading whispers of endangered species, and the visual expression of our interconnectedness.
    Baris Gencel
  • Harmony in Ascent
    ``Harmony in Ascent`` is a captivating artwork that transcends the canvas, echoing the urgent call for environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
    Isaac Lukambagire / Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  • Eco Shangri La
    My alternate vision of Shangri La is not about material aesthetics or an idyllic eldorado. 'Eco Shangri La' is a sustainable, green, eco-friendly and biodiverse community catering for clean water, excellent sanitation, renewable energy, innovation and infrastructure.
    Obinna Okerekeocha / Moniepoint Inc
  • Resilience Amid Ruins
    In a landscape ravaged by neglect, ``Resilience Amid Ruins`` confronts viewers with the aftermath of environmental and societal collapse.
    Watson Hartsoe / Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Creative Bites: Children of the Future
    ``Creative Bites: Children of the Future`` is an AI-generated art collection that explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies to redefine our lives and unlock the full spectrum of human creativity.
    Iwona Fluda / Ministry of Creativity LLC
  • Contrast and Harmony: An Ode to Interconnected Worlds
    Balance and symbiosis are the messages this art wants to deliver. it depicts that the height of urbanity (symbolically the height of human existence) depends on the teeming depths of ocean biodiversity and sustainability.
    Muneeswaran mariappan / iucn
  • The Sustainable Aquatic Haven of the Future School
    n my artwork titled ``The Sustainable Aquatic Haven of the Future School,`` I aim to challenge the conventional norms of education by envisioning a school building that breaks away from traditional designs and embraces innovation.
    Barbara Anna Zielonka / Nannestad High School
  • Hello human, what happened to my home?
    ``Hello human, what happened to my home?`` is a powerful piece of artwork that captures the heartbreaking reality of climate change and its devastating impact on the natural habitat of polar bears. In this composition, a polar bear is face to face with a woman, both positioned on a tiny space of ice in the midst of the North Pole.
    Kevin Abanto / Studio Kevin Abanto
  • Hope in the Face of Adversity
    In the captivating monochromatic image I shared, a poignant scene unfolds, bathed in shades of brown and grey, evoking a surreal and emotional ambiance. At the heart of the composition, a majestic zebra, adorned with distinctive black and white stripes, gracefully bends down to share an intimate moment with a small, vulnerable child.
    Alex G. Mkwizu / University Of Dar es Salaam
  • Artistic Diplomacy
    ``Artistic Diplomacy`` serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between art, diplomacy, and sustainable development, urging us to embrace the transformative power of artistic expression in forging a more inclusive and prosperous world.
    Lisa Russell / Create2030
  • A Tiny Act, A Global Impact
    My work, “A tiny act, a global impact”, displays a queen bee pollinating a flower with new kind of stamens made of glass. Through such depiction I have tried to craft a thought-provoking piece that sparks intrigue and evokes a fascinating blend of wonder, curiosity, and contemplation.
    Nissan Leviathan / NissanLeviathan
  • The Hands that Shape Tomorrow
    The image depicts a young child on a stool reaching up to complete a large jigsaw puzzle that is mounted on a wall. The puzzle itself is visually striking; it appears to represent a transition from a grey, unfinished lower section that blends into the wall to a vibrant and colorful upper section.
    Thomas Cassoudesalle / Pictet
  • Snow Leopard in AI Focus
    This AI artwork represents a breakthrough in wildlife conservation communication. Snow leopards, known for their elusive nature, rarely grace the human eye, let alone a camera lens, without the risk of disturbance.
    Alena Gorbacheva/UNDP
  • Hydro - Futurism
    It’s my heartfelt belief that it is crucial to ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed ethically, with transparency and fairness at the forefront.
    Matt Parry / The Future Collective
  • The Desperation of Earth
    A Cry for Help, but from Whom? The artwork is a digital mosaic derived from a large climate change satellite dataset (10,000 satellite images from 1980 - 2020) demonstrating rising sea levels and deforestation, transformed via the GAN technique.
    Rema Lab, Benedikt Falkenstein, Emine Arikan and Reshma Ramrattan

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