Photo & Video Challenge — Preserve the Living History

Cultures Celebration
Living Archive

A photo and video challenge inviting participants, families, organizations, photographers, videographers, students, cultural groups, and community members to preserve the living history of the International Cultures–Immigrants Parade, International Cultures Celebration, UN cultural conferences, cultural festivals, flag ceremonies, awards events, and community participation.

How It Works

Share. Be Recognized. Win Recognition.

A community-powered living archive of world cultures in New York City and beyond.

1

Share a Memory

Submit a link to a photo or video from a past Parade, Celebration, festival, UN conference, ceremony, or cultural community event.

2

Earn Reward Points

Each approved submission earns reward points toward Living Archive recognition and the 2027 travel-prize opportunity.

3

Reach 12 Approved Posts

Contributors who reach 12 approved posts receive a Free Annual Membership valued at $120, subject to verification and program rules.

4

2027 Travel-Prize Entry

Qualified participants are entered for the major prize: 2 tickets for a Travel Around the World experience, awarded at the conclusion of the 2027 International Cultures Celebration. Official rules to be published.

Program / promotion notice. This is a recognition and reward program — a promotion / challenge with official rules to be published — not a lottery or sweepstakes. No purchase necessary where legally required. Eligibility, verification, sponsor availability, sponsor terms, prize conditions, and applicable laws apply. Final rules will be published before formal launch.

Twelve Monthly Recognition Themes

Monthly Recognition for Contributors

Each month, the Cultures Celebration Living Archive recognizes contributors across a rotating theme. Recognition is editorial — selection is based on cultural and storytelling merit, not chance.

Month 01
Culture Story Spotlight
Featured participant profile on the website
Month 02
Best Parade Memory
Monthly recognition of a standout parade moment
Month 03
Best Cultural Dress / Costume
Traditional dress and costume feature
Month 04
Best Flag Moment
Outstanding flag-ceremony or contingent moment
Month 05
Best Dance or Music Clip
Recognition for performance contributions
Month 06
Youth Cultural Voice
Student and young-participant recognition
Month 07
Family Heritage Story
Feature on multi-generational cultural participation
Month 08
Organization Legacy Spotlight
Spotlight on a participating organization
Month 09
Photographer / Videographer Badge
Recognition badge for media contributors
Month 10
People's Choice Gallery Feature
Curated or community-voted selection
Month 11
Passport to the World Bonus Points
Bonus points toward Passport-related recognition
Month 12
Online Cultural Roundtable
Invitation to a virtual roundtable with organizers and cultural leaders

Additional recognition may include: digital certificate of recognition, featured social-media post, priority invitation to Celebration activities, discounted or free Passport to the World access when approved, recognition at the Star of Harmony Awards, organization credit in the Living Archive, "Legacy Contributor" badge, volunteer/service-hour letter for students where appropriate, media-ambassador status, and invitations to help curate a national or cultural gallery.

Submit a Memory

Contribute to the Living Archive

URL submission. Direct file upload coming soon.

1. Contributor

How to reach you about your submission.

2. The Memory

What event was captured and where the media can be viewed.

Paste a link from Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X, Google Drive, Dropbox, or any public website where the photo/video is hosted.
Tell us about the moment, the people, the nation, the culture, or the year.
3. Permissions

Required confirmations before submission.

Final official rules — including eligibility, verification, sponsor terms, prize conditions, and applicable law — will be published before the formal launch of the rewards program. Recognition and points are subject to approval and program rules.

By submitting, you confirm the rights, publication, and contact permissions above.

Quick Answers

Cultures Celebration Living Archive — FAQ

What is the Cultures Celebration Living Archive?

A community photo and video challenge inviting participants, families, organizations, photographers, videographers, students, cultural groups, and community members to preserve the living history of the International Cultures–Immigrants Parade, International Cultures Celebration, UN cultural conferences, festivals, and community participation by sharing photos and videos from previous years.

Who can contribute?

Anyone with rights to photos or videos from past Immigrants Parades, International Cultures Celebrations, cultural festivals, UN conferences, diplomatic events, seminars, flag ceremonies, awards events, community gatherings, national/cultural delegations, performances, floats, costumes, banners, music, dance, or cultural expressions. Individuals, families, organizations, schools, photographers, videographers, and community media are welcome.

How do reward points work?

Approved submissions earn reward points. Contributors who reach 12 approved posts receive a Free Annual Membership valued at $120, subject to verification and program rules. Qualified participants are also entered into the 2027 International Cultures Celebration travel-prize opportunity. The major prize being prepared is 2 tickets for a Travel Around the World experience, awarded at the conclusion of the 2027 International Cultures Celebration. Final rules, eligibility, sponsor terms, and prize conditions will be published before formal launch.

Is this a lottery or sweepstakes?

No. This is a recognition and reward program for community contributors — a promotion / challenge with official rules to be published, not a lottery or sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary where legally required. Eligibility, verification, sponsor availability, and applicable laws determine participation.

What types of submissions are accepted?

Photo and video links from Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X, Google Drive, Dropbox, personal websites, and other public media platforms. We currently accept URL submissions while direct file uploads are being prepared.

What about rights and permissions?

You must own the rights to the media you submit or have permission to share it. Submissions may be reviewed before publication. By submitting, you allow the Cultures Celebration Living Archive to feature approved content with appropriate credit. Final terms will be published in the official rules.

Preserve the Living History of World Cultures

Help build the largest community-powered archive of cultural celebration, immigrant parade, and intercultural diplomacy memories in the world.

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The International Cultures Celebration Ecosystem