Looking back on the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities

5 min read

At IE University, the humanities play an essential role in the development of our programs, our students’ professional journeys and our overall purpose. With this in mind, we created the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities. Having recently celebrated their 8th edition, the prizes give students and faculty members a chance to put their creative muscles to work and showcase their unique voices.

Thanks to the support of IE Foundation, we are able to honor these creative achievements and usher the IE University community into a new humanistic age. With six categories available to enter—poetry, short story, short essay, photography, video and digital art—entrants can focus on the medium that best communicates their ideas.

However, it’s not only about winning. The IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities give students an opportunity to think outside the box and pursue what they’re passionate about, no matter which program they are enrolled in.

The 2023 IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities were held at IE Tower and welcomed a range of new perspectives from the heart of the IE Community. We caught up with some of the winners to hear about their experiences:

Can you tell us about your project?

“The first prize is a short poem called “Petricor.” The poem uses rain, clouds and puddles as a metaphor for situations that can appear negative, but end up having a positive impact on our lives. The second prize is essentially a love poem about the year I spent in Segovia—my first year at IE University—which still prompts and motivates my artistic creation to this day.

The Prize demonstrates that IE Business School—somewhere not traditionally associated with arts—can still be where creativity, the arts and humanities are center stage.”

“The atmosphere at IE University is rich in the humanities. Inspired by this, I chose a photo series that delves into the history, culture and politics of Chinese society. My entry consisted of five photos showcasing my grandparents in front of iconic landmarks in China.

This series of photos is not just a record of family history; it tightly intertwines personal experiences with social history, conveying cultural identity, historical emotions and love for the homeland of a generation. The blending of these elements is precisely what the humanities focus on.”

How did you get involved? 

“While I had already been writing as an emotional outlet for myself, I didn’t realize I could really connect with others until I started posting my poetry anonymously online. I then took a writing workshop at IE University, and the professor was really integral to my formation as a writer now. Thanks to his advice and encouragement, I submitted my work for the prize.”

Why are the humanities so important? 

“When we grow up, we sometimes lose the sense of play and creativity that we innately have inside us. The humanities allow us to remain in touch with disciplines and activities that reflect precisely what our species is capable of; composing music, writing poetry, creating art, and so much more. With the rise of AI and increased automation seeping into every aspect of our lives, engaging in anything related to the humanities ultimately helps us hold on to the beauty and potential that come with being human.”

“What motivated me to pursue my Master in International Development is the same force that inspired me to write my poem which secured the second prize. What began as a feeling of hopelessness to help humanity transformed into a quest to make a difference.

I didn’t write the poem as a means to speak out, but having this platform made me realize just how impactful our voices can be.”

What have you learned from participating in the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities?

“I actually wanted to participate in the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities before I was even accepted into IE University, so it’s been an important journey for me. It showed me that I am capable of a meaningful contribution to the humanities.”

Do you have any advice for fellow students looking to pursue the humanities?

“I encourage everybody to be passionate when it comes to pursuing their studies. Thanks to the humanities, I’ve not only enjoyed my studies but have learned a wide range of new skills and met great people who forged my personality and gave me the tools for my first professional steps.”

“Hold on to a very broad understanding of humanities: it can be whatever you’re interested in. I think the level of freedom that comes with the humanities is quite unique. So bring your fascinations, however niche, find some more, and it’ll be fun because the last thing the humanities are is boring.”