“Everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country . . .”
~from Article XXI of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights invites Idaho students to create original works of art and writing in response to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ Article 21: the Right to Democracy. Consider the following questions: What does the right to democracy mean to you? In what ways should people be able to participate in their country’s government? How can you promote and protect this right in your community? Art and writing submissions should explore one or more of these questions.
Guidelines:
- Each K-12 student who attends an Idaho school may submit one piece of art in any medium (painting, drawing, ceramics, digital, cartoon, film, mixed media, photography, sculpture, etc.) and/or one piece of writing (poem, short story, essay, letter, dramatic script, etc.). There is a 2,000 word limit for all writing submissions.
- Art and writing submissions will be evaluated for creativity, vision/voice, and technical skill.
- Art submissions must include an artist’s statement that briefly describes the student’s creative process, inspiration, and vision. (250 words or less).
- All entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/WassmuthAwards.
- Participants must include a signed media release with each submission. These are available in the submission portal or at https://tinyurl.com/WassmuthMediaRelease.
- If you would like to submit the original piece of art in addition to the photograph submitted online for the judges to evaluate, you can deliver or mail it to the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights (775 West Fulton Street, Boise, Idaho 83702). Clearly print your full name, school, and grade on the back of the submission. Artwork can be picked up from the Wassmuth Center during the first week of May or donated to the Center.
- All entries must be submitted online by Friday, March 1, 2024.
First, second, and third places will be awarded for each grade level category (K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12) in both art and writing. Winning submissions will be displayed at the Wassmuth Center’s new Philip E. Batt Building and included in an anthology. Students will also receive contributions to their IDeal college savings accounts ($150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place) and be recognized at the Wassmuth Center’s Celebration of Human Rights on Thursday, April 25 at 6pm at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in Boise. Please see here for official rules.