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call for 2010 entries

The Freedom Project is seeking 2010 entries for its annual contest, Seen and Heard: National Student Expression Contest and Exhibit. The contest encourages teens to depict their thoughts on contemporary freedom issues through film, editorial cartoons, Web design and photojournalism.

Click here to download the 2010 Seen & Heard entry form!

Awards



  • First-place winners in each category win a $500 prize plus roundtrip airfare and accommodations (including one faculty member or one parent or guardian) to Chicago for a special reception and award ceremony on May 1, 2010
  • Second-place winners in each category win $200 plus roundtrip airfare and accommodations (including one faculty member or one parent or guardian) to Chicago for a special reception and award ceremony on May 1, 2010.
  • Third-place winners in each category win $100.
  • One winner will be selected across all categories by a student panel of judges to be presented with the Mary Beth Tinker Award and a $1000 prize plus roundtrip airfare and accommodations (including one faculty member or one parent or guardian) to Chicago for a special day of activities, including a reception and award ceremony on May 1, 2010.
  • The top finalists will have their work displayed in the Seen & Heard exhibit April 17 - May 28, 2010 at the Newberry Library in Chicago, IL


Eligibility
  • Students may attend a high school or be home-schooled and must reside in the United States.
  • First-place winners from Hawaii and Alaska will receive the cash prize, but will not be flown to Chicago.
  • Contest open to U.S. students, grades 9-12, at the time of entry.
  • Entries should focus on contemporary social, political and economic issues.
  • Students may submit up to two entries per category.
  • Group entries will be accepted for the film category only.
  • If a group entry is selected as a grand prize winner, the cash award will be split evenly among the group members.


Important Dates

     Contest entries must be postmarked by February 5, 2010.
     Winners announced on March 5, 2010.
     Awards Reception in Chicago on May 1, 2010

To enter, please mail your work with your entry form (click here to download the 2010 Seen & Heard entry form) and mail to:

     McCormick Freedom Project
     Attn: Seen and Heard 2010
     205 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 4300
     Chicago, IL 60601-5927



General Requirements:
  • Entry must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
  • Entry must be original work.
  • Entry must be exhibition-ready (final artwork, free of folds or tears, no staple holes, residue or other blemishes).
  • References to or depictions of illegal activity (alcohol, drugs, threats of violence, etc.) are prohibited, along with the display of sexually provocative pictures.


Specifications

All entries will be judged on the following criteria:
  • Strength and clarity of voice/journalistic perspective
  • Addresses an issue of social, political or economic importance
  • Visual impact of work
  • Proficiency of chosen media
  • Strength of message
  • Understanding of issue
  • Originality
Editorial Cartoons
  • Cartoons may not contain more than four panels if presented in a panel format.
Photojournalism
  • Must be journalistic and/or observational in nature.
  • Photos may not be post-processed (addition of elements, clip art, graphic effects), but may include minor alteration such as cropping and brightness or contrast levels.
  • All submitted art should be of reproduction quality.
  • Final prints are accepted only. Digital files will not be considered.
Film
  • Must be non-fiction in nature
  • May be filmed using any digital medium
  • Submissions must be .MPG file only.
  • Aspect ratio of 16:9 is preferred, not required.
  • All discs should be clearly labeled and accompanied with two (2) production stills.
  • Press kits and critical reviews are optional.
  • Group submissions are allowed, however, if selected for an award, the prize will be distributed evenly among the winning entry's submitters.
  • Group entries must include names of each member of the production unit who should be eligible for award money.
  • Films should be G or PG rated with no obscenity, nudity, explicit scenes or extreme violence.
  • Works in progress are not accepted.
Web Design
  • Judges will look for opportunities for visitor feedback, functionality and ease of navigation.
  • Entries may take the form of individual web pages, social networking sites or web logs.
  • If operational, URLs of entries should be submitted as part of the application process. If not, please send a flash drive or CD with the contents of your submission including any graphics or multimedia files to which the pages reference or link.

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