White January is more than a month dedicated to reflecting on mental health: it is an invitation to empathy and action. In a world where, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost one billion people live with adverse conditions related to mental health and in which many of them face the silence imposed by stigma, the BELO Movement emerges as a beacon of hope.
Everyone deserves to shine, even in the darkest of times – this is what this global initiative reminds us, which, with courage and purpose, gives voice to stories that challenge prejudices and inspire change. Created by the Europamundo Foundation, the then BELO Project (an acronym for Shining in the Dark) had a transformative impact in 2024.
Its main initiative, the “Lights in the Dark” contest, mobilized almost 900 participants from 14 countries, resulting in more than 2,000 works that brimmed with creativity and courage. From paintings to music, from texts to videos, each creation brought to light the experiences of people with mental health conditions, their families and professionals in the sector. “Each work is a spark of emotion that helps overcome barriers and open spaces for dialogue,” highlights Luis Garcia, founder of Europamundo and creator of the project.
It is important to note that the competition is not intended to evaluate the technical quality of the work, but rather to consider the strength with which the production expresses the emotions of the individual in the process of experiencing his or her mental health. “That is, it is not necessary for participants to be artists, writers, musicians or have any kind of training in art to register their productions,” says Marina Leal, leader of the BELO Movement in Brazil.
From Project to Movement
In 2025, BELO takes on a new role: moving from a project to a global movement. The creation of autonomous regional groups marks this evolution, promoting a decentralized and collaborative approach. These groups will lead the competition categories and also become protagonists in the mission to combat stigma. “This transformation reflects our commitment to mobilize humanity on mental health, promoting inclusion and hope,” Garcia reinforces.
Autonomous groups play an essential role in the structure of the BELO Movement and they can choose and fund a competition category, with prize money allocated to participants. This autonomy allows categories to be tailored to the needs of different regions, such as local themes or types of artistic expression. Furthermore, groups are free to select their own judges and directly manage the prizes, ensuring full transparency and community involvement.
For sponsors, joining the BELO Movement is an opportunity for significant social impact. In addition to contributing to the fight against stigma, sponsors have wide visibility in promotional materials, on the official website and on the project's social networks. Companies and organizations can also collaborate with other institutions to co-finance categories, expanding support networks and creating impact. “It is a way to transform intentions into concrete actions that make a difference in the lives of millions of people,” Marina argues.
The expectation for 2025 is ambitious: to double the number of participants, reaching even more people around the world. With this, the BELO Movement hopes to amplify its message of empathy and understanding, building a future in which stigma no longer has a place.
Calendar 2025
Registration for the 2025 edition will be open between March 15 and June 15 for patients undergoing treatment and people who have overcome adverse mental health conditions, as well as family members and health professionals who deal with the subject.
The judges' verdict will be announced on August 15 and the awards ceremony will take place on October 9, the eve of World Mental Health Day in Spain. The ceremony will be held in a hybrid format, with an in-person event in Madrid and a live broadcast, as well as simultaneous local celebrations organized by the autonomous groups.
Call for Action
The BELO Movement invites businesses, organizations and individuals to join as sponsors, volunteers or creators of autonomous groups. With values such as compassion, inclusion and transparency, the initiative seeks to promote a future in which all people can shine. More information is available on the website .