If Trees Could Walk - 13th International Painting Competition Joy of Europe announced

The City of Belgrade, the Committee of the International Gathering of the Children of Europe - Joy of Europe, and the Belgrade Children’s Cultural Center announce the XII International Painting Competition 'Joy of Europe'.

On the occasion of the first Gathering of the Children of Europe, one of the most notable of Serbian writers, Dusko Radovic, created his "Dictionary of Friendship", choosing fifteen of the ‘most beautiful’ words for children: child, Europe, bread, play, book, love, mother, peace, father, song, friend, bird, joy, freedom, sun.

In line with the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2011 the International Year of Forests, the Event Board decided that the theme of the 42nd Gathering of the Children of Europe be "If trees could walk".

The theme of the visual arts competition should be understood as a general framework of visual expression. And the more so because the tree has been among the most inspiring themes in the long history of human civilization.

The competition is open to individuals, preschools, schools, children’s art studios, children’s cultural centers and similar children’s establishments and associations. All children between the ages of 5 and 18 have the right to take part in the competition.

In addition to awards (gold, silver and bronze Joy of Europe medals), a large number of special diplomas will be awarded.

Winners of the Joy of Europe gold medals in the individual category will be the guests of Belgrade and the International Gathering of the Children of Europe ‘Joy of Europe’ from 1st – 5th October 2011, at the organizers’ expense, and the awards will be officially presented at the opening of the exhibition, which will take place on 1st October.