A Creative Call to Celebrate Sudan’s Convalescence

Damar and Emaar Project

 

 

The National University of Sudan, guided by its long-standing commitment to community engagement, social responsibility, and national recovery, is proud to launch a national creative call under its Damar and Emaar Project.

This initiative warmly invites artists, communicators, students, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media professionals, and creative institutions across Sudan to take part in a collective effort to document the impact of war on the lives of Sudanese people and to celebrate the beginning of Sudan’s convalescence and rebuilding journey.

Participants are encouraged to produce powerful short videos, posters or infographics, photography series, and cartoons or animations that reflect lived realities, resilience, dignity, and hope capturing both the scars of conflict and the spirit of renewal emerging across the country.

Background

Sudan is entering a critical and defining phase of recovery following prolonged conflict. As communities work to rebuild homes, livelihoods, institutions, and social cohesion, storytelling and creative expression become essential tools for documentation, reflection, healing, and mobilisation.

Creative media can preserve collective memory, give voice to affected communities, counter misinformation, and inspire solidarity and action. Through this initiative, the National University of Sudan seeks to harness creativity as a force for national healing and reconstruction.

Objectives

The Damar and Emaar Project aims to:

  • Document the social, economic, and human impact of war on Sudanese communities
  • Highlight the initiation of Sudan’s rehabilitation and pathways to community resilience
  • Increase public understanding of how conflict has affected everyday Sudanese life
  • Engage youth, students, and creative communities in national recovery efforts
  • Produce high-quality, shareable creative materials that contribute to documentation, advocacy, and awareness

Awards and Recognition

Awards for Excellence in Sudan’s Convalescence Campaigns

Outstanding submissions will be recognised in the following categories:

  • Best Short Video
  • Best Poster / Infographic
  • Best Photo Series
  • Best Cartoon / Animation
  • Most Impactful Community Outreach Material

Student and Youth Category

  • Best Entry by a Student Group or Young Creator

Winners will receive certificates of recognition and benefit from wide visibility across national platforms and partner networks affiliated with the National University of Sudan.

Deliverables

Short Video

  • Length: 60–90 seconds (up to 3 minutes for extended storytelling)
  • Format: MP4 or MOV, up to 1080p resolution
  • Content: Clear narrative reflecting the war’s impact and Sudan’s recovery journey, with a strong call to action
  • Subtitles: Arabic and English recommended for accessibility

Poster / Infographic

  • Size: A2 or A3 (print-ready and digital formats)
  • Content: Strong visual concept, concise messaging, and a clear call to action

Photo Series

  • Quantity: 5–8 high-quality photographs with captions
  • Suggested themes: Communities, displacement and return, livelihoods, health and education, rebuilding efforts, resilience

Cartoon / Animation

  • Length: 30–60 seconds
  • Style: Simple, culturally resonant, and easy to understand across audiences

All formats must include:

  • A short, plain-language explanation of the war’s impact
  • A clear message promoting recovery, resilience, unity, or action

Creative Guidelines

Submissions should adhere to the following principles:

  • Accuracy: Faithful and responsible portrayal of the effects of war on Sudanese life
  • Clarity: Accessible messaging suitable for diverse audiences, including youth and rural communities
  • Sensitivity: Avoid harm or stigma; portray individuals and communities with dignity, respect, and agency
  • Cultural Relevance: Reflect Sudanese culture, values, local languages, and familiar imagery
  • Accessibility: Include subtitles or captions, descriptive text for images, and adequate visual contrast

Submission Requirements

Each submission must include:

  • Title of the entry and a brief concept note (maximum 300 words)
  • Name(s) of creator(s), contact details, and institutional affiliation (if applicable)
  • Deliverables (uploaded files or accessible links)
  • Language(s): Arabic and/or English (with translations or subtitles where applicable)
  • Brief description of the context and intended contribution
  • Written consent for identifiable individuals, locations, or proprietary materials
  • Permission for public sharing and non-commercial educational, documentation, and advocacy use

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevance to Sudan’s convalescence and national recovery
  • Clarity, authenticity, and accuracy of the message
  • Creativity, visual impact, and storytelling quality
  • Feasibility of dissemination across media platforms
  • Potential for public engagement and positive social impact

 Rights and Usage

By submitting an entry, participants grant the organisers non-exclusive rights to use, adapt, and share submitted materials for educational, documentation, awareness, and advocacy purposes.
All materials will be used with appropriate credit and attribution to their creators.

How to Submit

  • Submit entries through the designated online submission portal
  • Follow the specified file formats and size requirements
  • Clearly indicate any licensing preferences (e.g., Creative Commons)

Support and Resources

Participants may benefit from:

  • Background briefing notes on ethical storytelling and conflict-sensitive communication
  • Optional guidance workshops on storytelling, scriptwriting, photography, and visual design
  • Peer exchange sessions with creatives and academics

Submit Now

Let your creativity document Sudan’s journey from devastation to renewal and help shape a shared vision of recovery, resilience, and hope.   Submit Now