OPEN CALL | Romani Gili Contest 2026

The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) announces the launch of the Romani Gili Contest, a social media-based initiative dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and promoting Roma musical heritage.

In Romani, “gili” means song — a form of expression that carries memory, emotion, and identity across generations. Roma songs have long served as living archives of history, storytelling, and resilience, passed from voice to voice, often beyond written records. Through this contest, ERIAC invites participants to share their own interpretations of these songs, contributing to a collective and evolving digital archive of Roma musical expression.

UPDATE. Deadline extended to 30 May 2026.

How to Participate

– Record a video of yourself performing a Roma song
– Publish the video on Instagram or TikTok
– Include the hashtag #RomaniGili
– Tag ERIAC’s official account: Instagram (@eriac_org) / TikTok (@eriac.org)
– Ensure your post remains publicly accessible throughout the competition

Eligibility

The contest is open worldwide. Participants under the age of 18 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Selection Process

All submissions will undergo a validation process. Up to 20 entries will be shortlisted.

The final results will be determined through a combined evaluation:

– 50% jury vote (independent experts appointed by ERIAC)
– 50% public engagement (likes, shares, comments)

Evaluation criteria include authenticity, artistic quality, creativity, and cultural significance.

Prizes

– First Prize: €2,000
– Second Prize: €1,000
– Third Prize: €500

Deadline

30 May 2026 (23:59 CET)

Participants retain full ownership of their content. By entering, they grant ERIAC the right to share, promote, and archive submitted materials within its cultural activities, with appropriate attribution.

Join on Instagram   

 Join on TikTok

For full terms and conditions, please refer to ERIAC documentation: Terms and Conditions of Participation – Romani Gili Contest
For inquiries regarding the contest, please contact: eriac@eriac.org

Follow ERIAC for updates and featured entries: Instagram: @eriac_org / TikTok: @eriac.org