Updated March 20
While schools and daycares are closed for the immediate future, Violence Prevention Grey Bruce is reminding students in grades seven to twelve that they can create submissions for the Art for Change contest until June 30th. The contest was launched in October to encourage teens to start conversations about healthy and unhealthy relationships. In February, a submission category was added for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities as well.

“With so many community gathering places and resources closed right now, we know that parents, caregivers, and teens are looking for interesting ways to make the most of their time at home,” said Violence Prevention Grey Bruce Coordinator, Jon Farmer.
“Social distancing is highlighting the importance of relationships in our lives and this is a good opportunity to start conversations and create art to spread messages about healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics generally. We’re encouraging folks who are looking for projects to turn their creative energies into positive messages that we can amplify through this process”.

The contest includes cash prizes for the top three submissions in each age and art category. Students in grades seven to twelve can submit visual art or graphic design. Students in grades nine to twelve can also submit one-minute videos. Adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities can submit visual art or videos as well. The contest offers total creative freedom as long as the art addresses the topic. Videos could include anything from dramatic skits and music, to poetry, Rick Mercer-style rants, or dance. Currently, Violence Prevention Grey Bruce plans to announce the winners and showcase submissions at an awards ceremony that has now been postponed to the fall..

“We’re paying attention to the public health recommendations about public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic and have decided to change the event plan. The first step is still for people to create, make, and submit their art. We’re hopeful that people will take this opportunity to turn time at home into a call for healthy relationships in our communities”, Farmer said.

The Art for Change contest is made possible in part through a grant from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce. All contest details are available online at www.vpgb.ca\