Can more then one student enter in on a single project?

Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student only.  Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry. 

An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed except in the Special Artist Division. See the specific arts category rules and special artist division rules for details.

Can a student enter in more than one category?

Absolutely! Students may enter in one or more categories. The same art work may not be enter into multiple categories.

Can a previous work of art be use to enter?

Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the current year’s theme may be submitted.

Is a title and description of the work required?

Each entry should contain a title or noted as "untitled" and all entries must include an artist statement. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work. The statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words. Please do not include your name in the title and/or artist statements.

Can I use copyrighted material?

Use of copyrighted material is prohibited, except for background music in dance choreography and film production entries. If used in dance  choreography and film production entries, background music must be cited on the entry form. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Use of PowerPoint templates are prohibited.

How long can my video or music entry be and what is the size limit?

Dance Choreography, Film Production, and Music Composition entries must not exceed 5 minutes in length and not exceed 1,000MB.

How should my work be submitted?

Dance Choreography & Film Production - No longer than 5 minutes, does not exceed 1,000MB Acceptable formats are: MP4, MOV or AVI. Please submit file on a flash drive inside of a 1 gallon size zip lock bag with a completed entry form.

Music Composition* - No longer than 5 minutes, does not exceed 1,000MB, Acceptable audio formats are: MP3 and WAV. Please submit file on a flash drive inside of a 1 gallon size zip lock bag with a completed entry form.

*Notation (score/tablature) in PDF format is only required for middle and high school divisions. In place of a notated score entrant may include a written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how you wrote the music (100 words or less).

Literature - Acceptable formats are:  single-sided print on 8½x11” paper, PDF file. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words and may be hand-printed or typed. Please place writing (or flash drive if submitting a PDF) in a 1 gallon size zip lock bag with a completed entry form.

Photography - Printed photographs must be between 3x5 and 8x10. Prints must be mounted on on mat or poster board no larger than 11x14 inches.  Framed entries are not accepted.  Project must be wrapped in clear cellophane. Entry form should be place in a gallon zip lock bag and attached to the back of the print.

Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution). Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. Please submit file on a flash drive inside of a 1 gallon size zip lock bag with a completed entry form.

Visual Arts - Works of both fine and design arts are accepted, including but not limited to: architectural drawing and models, ceramics, collage, computer generated images and graphics, crafts, drawing, fashion clothes and jewelry, fiber work, mixed media, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

2D Artwork - Must be mounted on sturdy material (poster board or mat board preferred) and no larger than 18x24 inches with matting. Framed entries are not accepted. 2D artwork project must be wrapped in clear cellophane. Entry form should be place in a gallon zip lock bag and attached to the back of the piece. Please include one digital image of your artwork with your submission.

3D Artwork - Artwork submissions no larger than 18x12x10 must contain 3 digital images of artwork at different angles. Image(s) are used for artwork identification, judging and exhibition purposes. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. Please submit file on a flash drive inside of a 1 gallon size zip lock bag with a completed entry form.

Special Artist - Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division OR grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. See Official Rules for details.

How are finalist selected?

Entries are reviewed at local, regional, state and national levels.  Entries will be reviewed primarily on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme, their originality and creativity.