Submissions being accepted for Cedar Rapids scholarship art contest

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Kids in Cedar Rapids are invited to express themselves artistically, educate their community about civil rights and earn toward their future education in a scholarship art contest.

This is the eighth year of the Annual Scholarship Art Contest for Cedar Rapids Students launched by the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission.

It is open to all Cedar Rapids students in K-12th grade, including students who are not U.S. citizens and those who are homeschooled. Students will compete in four grade groups: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The theme of the 2023 competition is Access for All: Opening Doors to the Future. Artists should depict its meaning using an approved art form.

Questions for students to consider:

Students will compete for up to $1,000 towards post-secondary education in an Iowa 529 Plan. These funds can be used for any qualified educational institution in the U.S. or abroad, including four-year colleges, community colleges, trade and vocational schools, graduate schools, and online degree programs. In each category, contest winners will be awarded $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third.

Project guidelines by age group

Students in grades K-8 may enter by submitting a poster in standard poster board size, 18 x 24 inches, depicting the theme of Access for All: Opening Doors to the Future. If students need poster boards or art supplies, please contact the Civil Rights office.

There are two categories for students in grades 9-12: Spoken Word and Written Poetry. Spoken Word entries are original poem or prose to be performed as a monologue. Written Poetry entries may be in any written poetic style. All entries must depict the theme of Access for All: Opening Doors to the Future.

The contest deadline for submission is Friday, April 21, at 4 p.m. Contestants must submit the Applicant Entry Form, included in the information packet, to be eligible. Text of Spoken Word and Written Poetry may be submitted via email to civilrights@cedar-rapids.org.

Submissions will be reviewed by qualified judges.

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission will provide poster boards, art supplies and classroom presentations by request. For more information, contact the Civil Rights Office at 319-286-5036 or e-mail at civilrights@cedar-rapids.org.

More information is available at cedar-rapids.org/CivilRights.

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission works to advance justice, promote equity and ensure the protection of civil rights for all people in Cedar Rapids through education and community engagement and the investigation of civil rights violations.

The Commission receives, investigates and resolves complaints alleging discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and education. The Commission provides speakers and programs on civil rights topics, including fair housing.