The Culture of Giving Movement exists to create a stronger, more connected community by providing the resources, information and tools to build upon Boulder County’s growing philanthropic culture.

Since 2003 middle and high school students have created artwork depicting their visions of what giving can mean to a community. Culture of Giving volunteers and staff visit classrooms and talk with students about philanthropy and Boulder County’s non-profit organizations. A panel of community leaders and local artists select three winners , and cash awards are given to students in each age category. Half of each student’s award money is donated to a non-profit organization selected from www.cultureofgiving.org. The awards are presented annually at an art show, during Culture of Giving Week. Hundreds of middle and high school students participate each year and their work is displayed to inspire other community members to action.

Entries due by 5PM on Monday, November 24, 2008

Theme:
Visit www.cultureofgiving.org (click on “Search Non-profits”) and choose a listed non-profit organization on which to base your artwork. Using this specific non-profit organization illustrate your vision of giving through one of the accepted mediums listed below. Include a typed narrative; no longer than 150 words describing why the illustrated non-profit organization is needed and how people can become involved.  Label the narrative with your name, teacher’s name, and school (if applicable). When submitting your artwork, the narrative and entry form must be attached to your artwork.

Judging Criteria:
Works will be judged primarily by interpretation of the theme, the ability of the artist to depict the work of the non-profits and the importance of giving, and the strength of the supporting narrative. Consideration will also be given to originality and technical proficiency.

Upon submission, artwork will be placed into the five following categories for judging: Education, Health and Human Services, Environment, Arts, and Civic Engagement. These categories represent interest areas in which Boulder County non-profit organizations work.

Eligibility:
The contest is open to all Boulder County youth, in the following grade ranges: 
     High School Category: Includes students grades 9-12
     Middle School Category: Includes students grades 6-8

Prizes:
A cash award will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, in each grade category, and in each of the five non-profit interest areas (i.e., Education, Health and Human Services, Environment, Arts, and Civic Engagement). Half of the cash award will be shared with a www.cultureofgiving.org non-profit organization of the winner’s choice.

Total Cash Prize Amounts: 1st Place: $800; 2nd Place: $500; 3rd Place: $200.

Entry Specifications for Accepted Mediums:

Hanging Art

• A piece suitable for wall display prepared in the medium of the student’s choice. For example: brush art, photography, textiles, mixed media, ad posters, mural art, digital art, etc.
• Submissions must be completely original. Works that infringe on copyrighted material will be disqualified.
• Dimensions: No larger than 36 x 48 (including a mat). Please do mount your piece on a mat, but do not frame it.  Please be sure that the artwork is securely fastened to the mat using good glue or masking tape. Small brads or masking tape will be used for the hanging art pieces.  If your piece weighs more than 10 lbs. (e.g., a   bust, box, etc.) and you would like to have it hanging, please provide wire or another hanging device.

Sculpture

• A piece suitable for table or floor display created in a medium of the student’s choice. For example: pottery, recycled art, metal work, textiles etc.
• Dimensions: No larger than 18x18x36 and not to exceed 30 pounds.
  

Technology Arts

• Short documentary, commercial, video, interview, animation, etc.  Must be submitted on a disc playable on a standard TV and DVD player or computer and be 3 minutes or fewer in running time.
• Works with a practical, commercial application, including but not limited to: logos, icons, characters, CD/DVD/book covers, or advertising campaigns.
• Submissions must be completely original. Works that infringe on copyrighted material will be disqualified. This includes audio, video, and music. If using specific software to create your project, include an additional short description (100 words or fewer) of the process you went through and the software you utilized to create your work. and  giving credit to the program you used.  This is in addition to and does not replace the narrative. It is meant to be a “bibliography.”
• Original designs will be judged on how cleverly, effectively and aesthetically they support the theme.

Contest Timeline:

September - October 2008: Culture of Giving representatives available to visit classes (approx. 25 min. presentation) and talk about the contest, Boulder County non-profit organizations, and philanthropy. Please let Angie Jeffords, Junior Philanthropy Coordinator, know if you would like to schedule a presentation:

November 24th before 5pm: Entries due at 1600 Pearl St. (former Borders Bookstore)

December 1st-4th: Pieces on display to the public.

December 1st-7th: Culture of Giving Week

December 3rd, 5:30 PM: Culture of Giving Celebration and Art Show, including presentation of awards — teachers, parents, and students all invited.1600 Pearl St. (former Borders Bookstore)

For questions or to schedule a visit to a class, please contact Angie Jeffords 303-554-5587 or


An application is available as a Microsoft Word form. You can download it, fill it out on your computer, print it, and submit it with your artwork.