The call Art-4MSEF “Art-4MSEF Art for Malawian Sustainable Energy Future” is developed within the EU Twinning Project between MERA and GSE which, among other objectives, aims to raise awareness on the Malawian energy sector through innovative approaches and involving young generations.
The call Art-4MSEF is an art-competition and an exhibition to be implemented at national and international levels. Art-4MSEF aims to raise awareness on the Malawian sustainable future issues and key topics represented by:

  • Energy access and energy security
  • Energy sustainability (i.e. renewable energies and clean cooking)
  • Energy affordability

Art-4MSEF invites Malawian young emerging-artists to produce an original artwork related to the Malawian sustainable, inclusive and just energy transition— a tangible expression that makes the energy transition aesthetically perceptible. All approaches, opinions and interpretations are welcome. It is crucial, however, that one of the Malawian energy transition topics mentioned above are addressed in the artwork.
The artworks produced could be paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures. There are no limitations for artworks submissions if they are within the discipline of visual arts (paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography). The potential use of reuse/recycling materials is allowed (i.e. fabric/textile, metal, plastic, glass etc.). Limitations exist on the artwork’s size (max 85cmx65cm or equivalent size) and weights (max 10kg).
Applicants must be individuals, with Malawian citizenship and domiciled in Malawi, with maximum 35 years old, with a certified artistic education (degree level).
An international expert jury, composed by 5 members including high-level Italian artist, MERA, GSE and University of Malawi, will select 10 artworks and the winner of the call. The 10 selected artworks will be exhibited at MERA headquarters from June 2025 and could be part of the other national and international initiatives to be organized in 2025-2026.
THE AWARD
The winner will be awarded with a scholarship, fully covering the costs of attending a 4 weeks specialization course in fine art developed in collaboration with IED European Institute of Design based in Rome, Italy. The art-course will start in Rome on July 7th 2025.

The other 9 artists will gain in terms of visibility and CV, having the opportunity to be exhibited in MERA offices and being part of other exhibitions on Art4MSEF project to be organized at national and international levels.
REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have:

  • Malawian citizenship and domiciled in Malawi
  • Maximum 35 years old
  • An academic art degree (certified)
  • Have a valid Malawian passport by May 2025 with at least 6 months validity HOW TO APPLY
    To apply to the call, artists must ensure the following steps:
  1. Send an email to eu-art@mera.mw, the Artist’s CV (including address, telephone, email) and the Art degree certification, by March 20th 2025. Applicants will receive confirmation to participate in the contest by March 30th.
  2. Produce the artwork and deliver it to MERA offices by April 30th 2025. Artists have to deliver their artwork by April 30th 2025 in one of the following MERA offices indicating the Art4MSEF initiative: MERA Head Office – Lilongwe, MERA Regional Office – South – Blantyre, MERA Regional Office – North – Mzuzu
  • MERA Head Office – Lilongwe
    MERA Complex, Next to Civic Offices, City Center, P/Bag B-496, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
    -MERA Regional Office – South – Blantyre
    Chayamba Building, Mezzanine, M-Floor, Along Victoria Avenue, P.O. Box 2619, Blantyre
    -MERA Regional Office – North – Mzuzu
    Mpico Building, Mzuzu
  1. Send an email with a photo of the artwork to eu-art@mera.mw by April 30th 2025 + Artist written consent granting MERA the rights to use the artworks for the Art-4MSEF project

The 10 selected Artists, including the winner of the competition, will be contacted via email by MERA by May 20th 2025.
The 10 artworks exhibition will be held in Lilongwe at MERA Head-Office in June 2025.