Exposing Stigma: Mental health art, poster contest | Community Spirit

Children's Mental Health Awareness Art and Poster Contest
Help raise awareness for children’s mental health and reduce stigma! Participate in the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health Art and Poster Contests. Share your interpretation of what it means to bring mental health out of the shadows, exposing stigma and shedding a positive light on mental wellness. The winner of the art contest will be given a $50 gift card, and the winner of the poster contest will have their art work featured on our Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2013 Poster!

Eligibility:
All youth and young adults up to the age of 21 are eligible. The art contest will be for all youth ages 4 - 13. The poster contest will be for all youth ages 14-21. Individuals with emotional, behavioral and/or social challenges are encouraged to participate.

Theme:
Out of the Shadows: Exposing Stigma!

Tell us what “bringing mental health out of the shadows” means to you! It is important that we welcome conversations surrounding mental health, and educate the public in order to eliminate stigma and discrimination towards individuals dealing with mental health challenges, and their families. Please send us art that reflects how you feel about coming out of the shadows, exposing stigma and shedding light on mental wellness.

Submission Guidelines:
Art or poster entries must be related to the contest theme in some way. Entries must be done in paint, marker, crayon, watercolor, ink or colored pencil. Photography is welcomed. All submissions must be the original work of the participant. Reprinted work will not be accepted. Entries must be no smaller than 8.5"x11" and no larger than 11" x 17". All participants must complete the contest release form giving the National Federation permission to use the artwork. Submissions by individuals under the age of 18 must have signatures of both the child or youth and the parent/guardian on the form. Please mail entries in a flat or tubular package. Art should not be matted, mounted, laminated, framed or folded. All entries should be submitted with a contest release form to be eligible for the contest; also the back of the poster should include the name, date of birth and address of person submitting the piece.

Participant and Winner Information:
All contest participants will gain the opportunity to have their artwork submissions displayed on the National Federation’s website. Art and poster contest winners will receive a $50 gift card and have their artwork featured on the National Federation’s website, social media sites, annual conference and future products intended to raise awareness surrounding children’s mental health. Poster contest winners will have their artwork featured on our Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2013 Poster Art and poster contest winners can opt to have their photo and a biography published and featured in the National Federation’s newsletter. The winners will be announced mid March, 2013.

How to Enter:
Each item must be submitted with a release form attached. All items, with release forms, must be postmarked by Thursday, February 25th in order to be eligible for the national contest. Please specify whether your submission is for the art contest (ages 4-13) or poster contest (ages 14-21). Any items not accompanied by a completed release form, or postmarked after February 25th will be ineligible for judging. Please contact Just Care Family Network for more information: 901-222-4500

Please mail or deliver your entry to:
National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
Attention: 2013 Art or Poster Contest
9605 Medical Center Drive, Suite 280