Human Rights Art & Writing Awards Program

The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights invites Idaho students to create original works of art and writing in response to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What does it mean to be “born free and equal”? How can individuals respect and promote the dignity of each person? How might you protect this right in your community? Art and writing submissions should explore one or more of these questions. 

 Guidelines:  

• Each K-12 student who attends an Idaho school may submit one piece of art in any medium (painting, drawing, ceramics, digital, cartoon, film, mixed media, photography, sculpture, etc.) and/or one piece of writing (poem, short story, essay, letter, dramatic script, etc.). There is a 2,000 word limit for all writing submissions.  

• Art and writing submissions will be evaluated for creativity, vision/voice, and technical skill. 

• Art submissions must include an artist’s statement that briefly describes the student’s creative process, inspiration, and vision. (250 words or less.) 

• All entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/WassmuthAwards25

• Participants must include a signed media release with each submission. These are available in the submission portal or at tinyurl.com/WassmuthMR 

• If you would like to submit the original piece of art in addition to the photograph submitted online for the judges to evaluate, you can deliver or mail it to the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights (777 S. 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702). Clearly print your full name, school, and grade on the back of the submission. Artwork can be picked up from the Wassmuth Center during the first week of May or donated to the Center. Submissions without names, schools, and grades will be disqualified. 

• All entries must be submitted online by March 1, 2025. 

First, second, and third places will be awarded for K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12 grade levels in both art and writing. Winning submissions will be displayed at the Wassmuth Center’s new Philip E. Batt Education Building and included in an anthology. Students will also receive contributions to their IDeal college savings accounts ($150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place) and be recognized at the Wassmuth Center’s Celebration of Human Rights on Thursday, April 24 at 6pm at the Wassmuth Center.