Darkspark’s VERSIONS Project Wins Anthem Award for Inspiring Global Change

We are proud to announce that our groundbreaking VERSIONS initiative has been recognized as a Winner in the Education, Art & Culture category at the 4th Annual Anthem Awards.

This accolade places Darkspark among esteemed honorees such as Sesame Workshop, Christie Turlington’s Every Mother Counts, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, and the Smithsonian Institution, all celebrated for their impactful contributions to culture and society.

The Anthem Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, honor purpose-driven work from individuals, companies, and organizations worldwide. With entries spanning over 30 countries, the awards celebrate transformative initiatives that address pressing global challenges and inspire meaningful action.

About VERSIONS

VERSIONS is an innovative global initiative that helps youth rise above oppression and lead meaningful change in their communities. Inspired by the Jamaican tradition of versioning—a practice where artists create songs over shared beats that has long empowered communities and laid the foundations for hip-hop—the program fosters leadership through training, collaboration, and purpose-driven art.

Participants in the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship, hailing from Canada, the U.S., and across Africa and the Caribbean, explored systemic barriers impacting their communities, developed and implemented social impact projects, and collaborated with Grammy Award-winning mentors, celebrity artists, and thought leaders to produce The Versions Soundtrack. This powerful collection of songs and stories amplifies their voices and showcases their leadership on a global stage.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Anthem Awards,” said D’Ari, Co-Founder of Darkspark. “VERSIONS reflects our belief in the transformative power of youth voices and creative expression to drive meaningful social change. This award reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusion and helping the next generation of leaders find their voice through music and storytelling.”

About the Anthem Awards

Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, the Anthem Awards celebrate mission-driven work that inspires global change. By spotlighting impactful initiatives, the awards set a standard for creative efforts addressing core causes such as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Education, Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; and Sustainability.

The 4th Annual Anthem Awards was the most competitive season yet, with over 2,300 entries from 34 countries worldwide. By recognizing and amplifying voices that drive change, the Anthem Awards set a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action. A portion of the program’s revenue also supports The Anthem Fund, which allocates grants to social-impact organizations.