Young people’s voices are often left out of conversations about how to make their neighborhoods and schools safe, supportive spaces where they can thrive. The Center for Youth Equity within the Violence Prevention Institute at Tulane University believes young people should be able to express themselves. Their perspectives on fairness, safety, and community can inspire action toward a future free from violence and full of access and opportunity.
From August to October 2022, the CYE invited young artists from the New Orleans area to submit original artwork to our youth art contest and exhibition. Winners in each category received a financial prize, and all entrants now have their artwork displayed in the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Click here to see the award winners and a virtual exhibit.
Theme, Content, Media, & Dimensions
Theme: We would like to know what young people want and need to thrive now and well into the future and have chosen a theme of LIBERATION. What does LIBERATION mean to you? Does it mean freedom from limits on thought or behavior? Is it gaining equal rights or full social or economic opportunities? Or, is it social change that removes traditional and oppressive rules so that everyone can live as their authentic selves? And, how can adults and communities support this? Artists may interpret this in any way most meaningful to them.
Content Guidelines: Because this artwork will be displayed in a space for all ages, submissions that include gratuitous profanity, nudity, or depictions of violence may not be considered for prizes or exhibition. This content is permitted, but it must have a purpose. Our intention is not to restrict artistic vision, so if you have questions about your subject matter, you are welcome to email us at vpi@tulane.edu.
Media & Dimensions: Artwork should be in a visual, two-dimensional, fixed medium and should not exceed a height or width of 36 inches. This includes all forms of painting, drawing, photography, and graphic design. Unfortunately, we are unable to display sculpture or video.
Eligibility: This contest is open to individuals between the ages of 11 and 21 as of October 31, 2022 who are residents of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, or Plaquemines Parish. Tulane University students who were residents of these parishes prior to university acceptance are welcome to submit.
Submission Instructions: Artists must complete a form with the following information:
Submission Options:
Number of Entries: Artists may submit one artwork for consideration; however, that submission can be in multiple parts.
Entry Fee: $0
Submission Deadline: October 31, 2022
Every submission will be displayed in an in-person gallery exhibition on the first floor of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine building at 1440 Canal Street, and every artist will be invited to an exhibit opening and recognition event to see their artwork displayed. At the close of the exhibit, the artwork will be transferred to the Violence Prevention Institute suite for permanent display. Additionally, a website will host digital images of all submissions.
A panel of judges will award prizes in each age group along with a Grand Prize award.
All awards will be shared via press release and on the Violence Prevention Institute’s website and social
media channels.