Student Art Contest Rules and Guidelines

Student Art Contest Rules and Guidelines

Eligibility

Open to all K-12 students who are residents of Utah, including children of military members overseas, and undergraduates at the University of Utah.

Requirements

  • Original Work: Art must be created by the student without AI or digital generation. Original digital art is allowed.
  • Grades: Participants must be enrolled in grades K-12 or be an undergraduate at the University of Utah.
  • Entries: One entry per student.
  • Submission Format: High-resolution images (min. 2,400 x 2,400 pixels), under 5 MB, in .jpg or .png. Literary works must be submitted as a PDF or Word document.
  • Art Mediums: Accepts drawing, painting, and original digital art. Literary works (poetry, short stories, essays) up to 3 pages or 1,500 words are also accepted.
  • Submission: For applicants under 18 years of age, art must be submitted by a parent/guardian or a teacher with a Click here to download the permission form.

SubMISSION PERIOD

November 1, 2024 – January 8, 2025, at midnight MDT. Submit through the Jotform on the UtahPresents website.

Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on originality, interpretation of subject matter/theme, creative techniques, composition, and overall art appearance.

Judging Criteria

The entries will be evaluated by a panel of three judges, each of whom brings a wealth of experience as artists, educators, and writers. They will collaboratively assess each submission based on the following criteria:

  1. Originality: How unique and inventive is the artwork? Judges will look for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that stand out.
  2. Interpretation of Theme: How effectively does the artwork convey its intended message or theme? Judges will evaluate how well the piece resonates with the theme. We invite students to create a visual or literary piece inspired by Joy Harjo’s poignant poem “Remember” that honors the remarkable women in our lives.
  3. Creative Techniques: What artistic techniques and methods have been employed? The judges will consider the skillfulness and creativity demonstrated in the execution of the artwork.
  4. Composition: How well is the artwork arranged? This includes the balance, structure, and overall visual appeal of the piece.
  5. Overall Appearance: What is the overall impact of the artwork? Judges will assess the emotional and aesthetic response it elicits from viewers.

Each judge will cast votes based on the established criteria to determine which pieces will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as honorable mentions. Awards will be given in five different age categories to ensure that students compete against their peers—K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and University of Utah Undergraduates. This approach guarantees a fair evaluation, as younger students will not be competing against undergraduate art majors.

Exhibition

Winning artworks (1st-3rd place in each respective age category) will be displayed at Kingsbury Hall from March 3, 2025, to April 7, 2025.

AGREEMENT TERMS

By submitting artwork to the K-12 & University of Utah Undergraduate Art Contest, you agree to the following terms:

  1. Originality Certification: You certify that your submission is an original work created by you and has not been copied from any other work, photograph, illustration, or website.
  2. Permission to Display: You grant UtahPresents permission to display your submission across various public media channels and at Kingsbury Hall if selected for exhibition. This includes potential distribution through print, online platforms, and public performances.
  3. No Compensation: You acknowledge that no compensation will be provided by UtahPresents or any of its authorized third parties for the use, reproduction, or public display of your submission.
  4. Release of Claims: You hereby unconditionally release UtahPresents, its employees, contractors, and representatives from any and all claims and demands arising from the activities authorized by this agreement.
  5. Age Certification: You certify that you are at least 18 years of age, or you have obtained the necessary permission from a parent or guardian.

By submitting your artwork, you accept these terms and affirm your commitment to the integrity of the contest.