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Illustrate Against Hate, BK District Attorney Launches Art Contest for Middle and High Schoolers

Brooklyn’s District Attorney’s Office has launched an art competition for youth, with cash prizes of up to $1,000 up for grabs for original artworks

Creative middle and high schoolers have the chance to win cash prizes of up to $1,000 in a new art contest that takes a stand against hate crimes.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the launch of the unique art contest "Illustrate Against Hate," that's open to all New York City students from grades 7 through 12. Artworks must be express that hate crimes are intolerable and immoral, and can be created with photography, watercolor, acrylic, oil, wood, clay, metal, plaster, pastel, charcoal, collage, pencil, computer graphic art and silk screen.

Gonzalez said fighting against hate crimes included helping educate young people about the irreparable harms they caused, and must be an all-out effort that engaged every aspect of our society.

"That's why I am so proud to partner with the New York City Police Foundation on this exciting and engaging contest that allows our students the opportunity to express themselves through art and convey why hate crimes are abhorrent and can never be tolerated," Gonzalez said.

He added whether students had been victims of bias-motivated offenses, knew friends who had, or choose to stand in solidarity with those who had been harmed, "I hope this competition will give them a medium to educate each other and all of us on this important topic."

Cash prizes, partially donated by the New York City Police Foundation, are offered in the amounts of $1000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place for each grade.

To enter, students need to send photos of their original artwork in JPEG or MP4 formats to illustrateagainsthate@brooklynda.org. Submissions should include the student's full name, grade, age, school and an explanation in 50 characters or less about the submission and why hate crimes are wrong.

Gonzalez's office said artwork would be judged on originality, quality, technique and theme by a panel of judges. Winners will be announced during the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office's Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration on May 20, 2021, which will be streamed on the Brooklyn DA's office website and social media.

Submissions are due by May 14, 2021.




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