Challenge Rules

Eligibility & Rules

The Challenge is open to all residents of New Hampshire. Students living out of state but attending NH schools are eligible. Submissions are welcome in the following five categories:

Elementary School (Grades K-2)
Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
High School (Grades 9-12)
Adult

Each participant may submit only one poem or one artwork for review. Collaborative submissions are allowed for both poetry and visual art.

Poems may be no more than 1 to 2 pages and limited to 50 lines. Poems should be submitted in Times New Roman font, size 12; line spacing 1.5.

Visual artwork should be unframed and may not exceed 16x20 inches.

We encourage the use of various art mediums to create comics, graphic art, and cartoons as well as photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures, and other 3-D submissions. Please note, 3-D submissions may be no larger than 12x12x12 and weigh no more than 10 pounds.

Paintings and drawings must fit within the following standard frame sizes:

4 x 6”
5”x7”
8” x 10”
8.5" x 11”
12" x 12"
11” x 14”
16” x 20”

Students may enter a collaborative project that includes a poster-sized submission up to 36x48 inches.

Please reach out to us at artpoetry.racialunityteam@gmail.com if a disability requires accommodations.

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When and Where to Submit your Entry

Now open for submissions. Participants must submit their poem or their original artwork by August 31, 2024.

The first step is to complete the Submission Form online.

Next, email a copy of your poem to artpoetry.racialunityteam@gmail.com.

Or, take a photo of your artwork. Then mail the original artwork to: Racial Unity Team, PO Box 101, Stratham NH 03885 so that it is received by August 31, 2024.

For sculptures and 3-D artworks, you are welcome to mail them, given they are packaged safely. We will also establish designated drop off locations around the state for sculptures and other 3-D artwork that will be picked up by August 31, 2024.

The Racial Unity Team does not take responsibility for lost or damaged artwork.

Judging

Professional writers/poets/teachers/artists will select the winners from among the participants, who remain anonymous in the judging process. Judges use the following criteria:

Artwork:

1. The artist’s point of view is clear.

2. There is a clear focus on the theme of: “Belonging.”

3. The work shows bias or its effects. The bias may be related to race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, ability, faith, gender expression, or gender identity.

4. The work shows originality.

5. The work is clear and detailed.

Poetry:

1. The poet’s point of view is clear.

2. There is a clear focus on the theme of “Belonging.”

3. The work shows bias or its effects. The bias may be related to race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, ability, faith, gender expression, or gender identity.

4. The poem shows originality.

5. There is supportive imagery that is clear, insightful, and detailed.

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Opening Ceremony and Traveling Exhibit

There will be an awards ceremony and opening exhibit of all submissions in October 2024. The Racial Unity Team will frame the artwork and poems. Submitted artwork will be kept for up to two years as the exhibit travels the state of New Hampshire in local libraries and art galleries.

In addition, award-winning poets may be invited to read their poems to local audiences and art winners to describe their art in select ceremonies around the state. This is an offer each participant is free to accept or decline.

There will also be a virtual exhibit on the Racial Unity Team website.

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Non-exclusive Permission

By entering the Art & Poetry Challenge, you are granting the Racial Unity Team a non-exclusive perpetual license to reproduce images of your artwork or poetry on our social media pages, website, and in the marketing of the Art & Poetry Challenge to the general public. Artworks will not be used for any other purpose than that which is stated here. All entries will be displayed on the Racial Unity Team website and may be displayed during other public events.

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Art & Poetry Challenge 2024

Join the Challenge

Eligibility & Rules

When and Where to Submit your Entry

Judging

Awards

Opening Ceremony and Traveling Exhibit

Non-exclusive Permission

Art & Poetry Challenge 2024

Join the Challenge

Eligibility & Rules

When and Where to Submit your Entry

Judging

Awards

Opening Ceremony and Traveling Exhibit

Non-exclusive Permission

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