In 2024, Ars Electronica together with the consortium members INOVA+, GLUON, and PiNA, was happy to launch the inaugural STARTS Prize Africa as part of the European Union’s project STARTS4AFRICA. This African edition of the well-known STARTS Prize highlighted and awarded continental best-practice examples in the field of creative practices at the intersection of science, technology, and arts.
The partnership with Africa is a key priority for Europe. As its closest neighbour, Africa not only shares a (albeit grim) history with EU countries, but now also common values and interests. By targeting artists, creative professionals, and organizations from Africa, the STARTS Prize Africa aimed to expand everyone’s horizon to highlight new ideas with strong potential to drive positive change and tackle common challenges.
The Grand Prize with €15,000 prize money, as well as five Awards of Distinction each worth €3,000, were offered to honour the initiatives that strive towards a positive social, humanitarian, economic, environmental, or political impact and promote visionary pathways for a diverse and sustainable society.
STARTS4AFRICA is funded by the European Union under the STARTS – Science, Technology and Arts initiative of DG CNECT (GA no. LC-01960720). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or DG CNECT. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
