February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). In support of healthy dating relationships, Northwest Assistance Ministries is hosting Uniquely Artistic, a Youth Creative Arts Challenge. It is a chance for Houston area youth to create art for an audience. Winners of the challenge will receive prizes and will be featured in NAM's monthly newsletter, on our website, and in our lobby for others to see, experience and appreciate.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Category 1: Middle School
• Category 2: High School
• There will be three pieces chosen from each age category for written, art, and performance.

WRITINGS

• Create an original poem, short story or essay based on a theme about healthy or unhealthy relationships.
• Must be 100 words or less (title does not count).
• Paper size must not exceed 12x12.
• Do not add name to front of submission.

ART

• Create an original piece of artwork based on a theme about healthy or unhealthy relationships.
• May be in any form (drawings, paintings, digital media, photos, or sculptures).
• Paper size must not exceed 12x12.
• Sculptures must not exceed 12x12x12 inches.
• Do not add name to front of submission.

PERFORMANCE ART

• Create an original skit, song, or spoken word piece about healthy or unhealthy relationships. 
• Must be 3 minutes or less.
• Must be school appropriate. Must be submitted via email or on a flash drive in MP4 format.
• Do not add name or credits (that includes participants' names) to your work.

THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO ENTER AND SUBMIT:

1. Teachers can mail entry/entries to: 
   Uniquely Artistic Creative Arts Challenge
   Northwest Assistance Ministries
   C/O Family Violence Center
   15555 Kuykendahl Rd, #311
   Houston, TX 77090
2. Teachers can drop off entry/entries at Northwest Assistance Ministries. (Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
3. Teachers can email [email protected] or mail a flash drive (for PERFORMANCE ART ONLY and in MP4 format).

All entries must include a submission/parent permission form. Click here to download the complete set of instructions and submission form.

All submissions must be received by the Family Violence Center no later than Friday, February 14, 2020 by 3 p.m.

Winners will be chosen on February 21, 2020, and will be contacted by phone and email on February 25, 2020.

NAM will host a viewing party and reception on Thursday, March 5, 2020, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where the winning works will be unveiled and on display in the NAM lobby from March 5 - 31, 2020.

We're looking forward to seeing all of the creative and artistic entries from the talented youth in our community.