Contest Rules and Info

Who can apply for the contest?

Middle school and high school aged students who reside in Oregon or S.W. Washington may apply for this contest.

May I work in a group?

Students may work in groups up to 3 and will need to specify this on their "Exhibit Planning Form". Group members must be from the same school and submit in the same contest category - Middle School or High School. Update: students may only work in groups if they can do so safely while practicing social distancing.

What is a "Make your own exhibit" contest?

Put yourself into the museum curator's shoes. Think science fair meets action plan! Create a tri-fold poster board, design a Powerpoint photo exhibit with captions, or a short film (5-6 minutes) to capture your redress plan. We encourage contestants to get creative in how they will address a civil rights violation that our country should redress.

Make your own exhibit requirements. (Review the "Contest Checklist" in Resources)

• Clearly explain the civil rights violation that requires remedying.
  • The topic for redress should relate an event, action, or violation that occurred in the history or recent past of the United States.
  • Projects may not be on the Japanese American incarceration during WWII.
• Collect the stories and capture the experiences of the group that was wronged.
• Identify the community leaders and allies who can lend support to a redress movement.
• Present a solution that can work to right the wrong.
• Relate how Minoru Yasui's legacy in the Japanese American redress movement of the 1970s and 1980s informed or inspired the exhibit.
• In an artist statement, explain why this topic is important to you.

Contest Rubric.

Students projects will be judged on a rubric with the following categories:

• Content Mastery
• Creativity of Exhibit
• Clarity and Relevance of Topic
• Connection to Minoru Yasui's Legacy

How do I submit my exhibit for the contest?

Update: the in-person component of this contest has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Please note the new steps for completing two forms.

Contestants will be required to send their "Make your own exhibit" in two steps:

1. Submit an Exhibit Planning Form.
   • Complete this form first
   • Early submissions are highly encouraged to give the Contest team time to review each proposal.
2. Submit a Final Submission Form.
   • Due by Friday, May 15, 2020 by 11:59 pm

Bring your "Make your own exhibit" to the 2020 Minoru Yasui Day Event in Portland, OR.

• Saturday, March 28, 2020
• University of Oregon Portland
  • 70 NW Couch St. Portland, OR 97209

Contest Guidelines:

• Contestants must have their topics approved through the Exhibit Planning Form to be considered for 2020 Minoru Yasui Day Student Contest.
• Entries must be the original work by the contestant.
• Projects must include original writing by the student.

Need help?

Please refer to the Resources page to find planning worksheets, readings, and guides to strength your exhibit for the contest. Make sure to refer to the writings by Minoru Yasui, including excerpts from his 1981 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Testimony.

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon will also have a limited supply of tri-fold poster boards for contestants who are interested. Update: if students do not have access to a tri-fold poster board, they are encouraged to create a slide show presentation.

For any further questions please contact the Japanese American Museum of Oregon.