The County of Summit and the City of Akron have again teamed up to sponsor the 31st Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest. The contest recognizes students in Summit County and abroad for their writing and artistic talents. The contest is available to students in grades 6-12, living in Summit County, as well as students in Kiryat, Israel, Chemnitz, Germany and Weihai, China, Akron’s sister cities.
The theme for the 2019 Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest is: Lessons of the Holocaust: Opposing Hatred and Discrimination, ‘It Started with Words’. All entries are due by February 1, 2019 at 6:00 pm. Entries may be submitted on the contest website https://www2.akronohio.gov/holocaust or can be dropped off at the Ohio Building, 175 S. Main St., 8th Floor, Akron, OH 44308.
“The annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest provides an opportunity for students to examine the history of the Holocaust and to creatively express their reaction to man’s inhumanity to man, while engaging in high-quality learning,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “I look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and am proud of our community’s continued commitment to this special event.”
The three forms of entries are visual art, writing or spoken word. Spoken word is a new addition to the contest. It is an oral art that focuses on the aesthetics of word play such as intonation and voice inflection. Spoken word entries must be submitted in a video format with a transcript. Students are each permitted one entry.
“This contest highlights the incredible harm that can result when hatred is tolerated and eventually becomes law,” said City of Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “I am thankful for our partners and the many teachers who encourage their students to participate in this meaningful contest. The lessons of the Holocaust remain essential for today’s youth who will be tomorrow’s leaders.”
The local first place winners and their teachers will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C., with the opportunity to visit the United States Holocaust Museum and other historical sites. International winners also receive a prize. The Akron-Summit Holocaust Commemoration and Contest awards ceremony will be held April 30, 2019 at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch. The winning art and writing entries will be displayed at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch from April 11-May 8.
“I am delighted that the City and the County have chosen to join together to continue this contest for the 31st year. The contest encourages student awareness of the lessons of the Holocaust and provides an opportunity for them to engage in meaningful reflection,” said Susan Yingling, contest committee chairperson.
For complete contest entry criteria, rubric & guidelines, and additional information for students, parents and teachers, please visit https://www2.akronohio.gov/holocaust.
For additional information, please contact Klair Heesand, Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest & Commemoration Coordinator, at 330-375-2979, 330-375-2345 or info.holocaust@akronohio.gov.
