Inaugural Student Voices against Youth Violence Art Contest

Public, private and parochial high school students from across Mobile County are invited to give their expressions about youth violence in the Inaugural Student Voices against Youth Violence Art Contest. Created by the Mobile Police Department and Mobile United’s Public Safety Committee, the contest will promote safety through the arts. 

With a submission deadline of April 20, 2017, participants will bring personal perspective and insight to the issue of violence, often not seen or heard by adults. The winning entries in the categories of artwork, poetry and spoken word could be used in the Mobile Police Department’s citywide Against Youth Violence campaign.

“There has been a significant increase in teen-related violence making it necessary to create platforms of this type,” said Mobile Police Chief James Barber. “We must, together as a community, support the voices of young people as we strive to reduce and end youth violence.”

Encouraging students to think critically and express themselves on issues related to safety begins the start to safer outcomes. Organizers of the art contest believe the creative expressions will foster critical thinking that leads to safe, conscientious actions now, and later in life.

Mobile United was recently awarded a grant from the Mobile Bar Foundation to provide prizes. One winner in each category from each grade level will be selected. The prize to be given to each winner is a new Apple iPad Mini 2 Wi-Fi tablet. In addition, the sponsoring teachers will receive a $100 gift certificate to be used at a bookstore or art supply store.

Winners will present their entry to the community and their peers. All entries will be displayed and winners honored at a public presentation Friday, May 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at Bel Air.