National Association of Counties Launches “I Love My County Because…” Art Contest
York, PA – The National Association of Counties (NACo) has launhed a student art contest titled “I Love My County Because…” in an effort to bolster civic education and educate communities on the role of county government—a role that is often largely unknown or misunderstood.
The art contest, co-sponsored by Americans for the Arts—one of the nation’s largest arts advocacy and research organizations—aims to spread the word about county roles and responsibilities and raise awareness about county programs and services that impact people’s lives every day.
The contest is open to all students, grades K-12, and accepting online submissions through September 29, 2023.
Submitted artwork must present a county activity that shows how “Counties Matter,” and take inspiration from the sentence “I love my county because…” The artwork must reflect some aspect of a county government function, service or program. Winning submissions will be included in the 2024 NACo “Counties Matter” calendar.
Along with the artwork, each student is required to submit an “Artist’s Statement” that explains how “Counties Matter” in their community or complete the sentence “I love my county because…”. Submitted artwork should reflect the spirit of the statement submitted.
To encourage participation from York County students in the national competition, the Cultural Alliance of York County and the York County Board of Commissioners are partnering to promote the contest through arts groups, camps, county school districts, private and home school students.
“This is a wonderful opportunity of our local students to show their artistic creativity and promote what makes York County special to them,” said President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. Commissioner Doug Hoke added; ““This art contest will showcase talent of local students in a way that promotes knowledge and awareness of York County Government.”
To apply, students can visit the National Association of Counties website at www.naco.org/resources/i-love-my-county-because-art-contest and click the “Get Started” button. Students will need to provide contact information and details about their school before uploading the digital file and copying their “Artist’s Statement.” Participation is free, and only one submission per student is permitted. Additional deadline and submission details should be reviewed at www.naco.org/resources/i-love-my-county-because-art-contest.
The Cultural Alliance and the County of York want to promote our local submissions! If participating in “I Love My County Because” contest, please email a copy of your digital artwork you submitted to kelley@culturalyork.org and we will post the entries throughout the coming months.
Founded as a United Arts Fund in 1999, the Cultural Alliance’s annual campaign currently supports arts organizations and artists that are essential to arts and culture in our community. Over the past 23 years invested $13 million in cash and $2.5 million in in-kind support for the arts. Through critical operational grants, the Cultural Alliance is the lifeline for arts and culture in York County.
For more information, call the Cultural Alliance at 717-812-9255, visit our website at www.culturalyork.org, visit the Cultural Alliance of York on Facebook, and follow @CulturalYork on Instagram.
