In 2023, the competition consisted of 1233 works, coming from 144 schools in 12 countries - Ukraine, Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Latvia. The artworks were evaluated by an international panel of judges, representing Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. 111 Commendations, 20 Bronze Medals, 17 Silver Medals, 11 Gold Medals were awarded. Special prizes from UNESCO LKR and Youth Jury were also given.

All children and young people from the countries over the world are invited to participate in the 20 th International Visual art competition 'I live by the Sea'!

ON THE SHOULDERS OF WATER GOD

• Personal myths and legends

Anyone who has been to the sea at least once as a child has encountered a magical story or a mythical adventure with seemingly no logical explanation. Those who grew up near the sea get to it better. Their childhood memories also have a story or a game related to the unknown nature, joy, fear, magic of the sea.
This year competition focuses on the personal mythological experience related to the sea and how this experience has created habits, rituals, traditions, and their reflection in art works. We invite young artists toindulge their deepest childhood memories, lifetime experiences or feelings created by the inexplicable.

• Games and plays

The theme invites us to remember childhood games and activities, in which something of the mysterious rite of eternity or the ceremony of "secret knowledge" of adults is manifested, to learn the twists and turns of nature and human driving forces.
Life cannot be put into structures or systems, it is much deeper, more unexplorable, sometimes incomprehensible, and therefore magical.