SAN DIEGO — In a statewide effort to drive young Californians to the polls this election season, Fund Our Futures Not Their Fortunes is launching an art contest to encourage and mobilize young people to get creative and spark meaningful conversations about issues that matter to them by envisioning and illustrating the California they want to see and experience. The art contest, “California Reimagined: My Vision, Our Future” invites artists between the ages of 13-35 to submit original artwork that reimagines a California for all with grand prizes of up to $1,000.
Art plays a vital role in shaping society, reflecting our history, and envisioning future possibilities. Across California, strides are being made on issues that impact working families yet challenges remain—like the rising cost of housing, pollution from corporations affecting schools and parks, and the need for safer, healthier communities. The path ahead offers opportunities for meaningful change, allowing us to build a future where everyone thrives, regardless of race and place, age, or legal status. Through this art contest, Californians can express the collective future we aspire to, inspiring communities to vote to elect a government that prioritizes the well-being of our people over the interests of greedy corporations and billionaires. “Our youth have always been at the forefront of social change, and this contest is an opportunity for us to creatively express our vision for a better California,” said Jaylynn Choi, Alliance San Diego Civic Engagement Organizer. “Art is a powerful way to communicate complex ideas, and we’re looking to not only engage young voters to turn out on Election Day but also make voting a lifelong habit.” The art contest, organized by five nonprofit organizations in California including Alliance San Diego, will offer a Grand Prize winner, First Prize, and Second prize for each age category totaling (2) $1,000 Grand Prize winners, (2) $500 First Prize winners, and (2) $250 Second Prize winners. Artists can submit their artwork from October 2 through October 22, 2024, online along with a short description of their work and artist bio to participate. With strong outreach to schools, youth organizations, and local art communities, the art contest aims to engage hundreds of young people across California and spark meaningful conversations about the change they “imagine” for themselves, their communities, and their future. As part of Alliance’s efforts to reach more young people, the organization is prioritizing engaging Gen Z voters in the November election, given what’s at stake for our futures at the state and local level on issues that are tethered to ballot measures in California, including rent control, minimum wage, and marriage equality, to name a few. Staff and volunteers have been calling, texting, and canvassing door-to-door to voters across San Diego, as well as educating across digital platforms including through its ”Eating Up the Ballot” video series and targeting young people on Tiktok. Alliance will also host a culminating event, “Roll to the Polls”, on November 2, 2024, to push as many voters to the polls before Election Day and where artists will be invited to display their artwork as part of the festivities. For more information on the “California Reimagined: My Vision, Our Future” art contest, including submission guidelines and rules, visit californiareimagined.com. |
### ABOUT FUND OUR FUTURES NOT THEIR FORTUNES Fund Our Futures, Not Their Fortunes is a statewide campaign aimed at educating and empowering California voters. This campaign is led by five 501(c)(3) organizations including Alliance San Diego, Inland Empire United Education Fund, California Calls, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, and Future Leaders of America. ABOUT ALLIANCE SAN DIEGO Alliance San Diego is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) community organization that is building collective power to create a more inclusive democracy, one where all people can participate with dignity in an environment of harmony, safety, equality and justice. We pursue this mission by developing leaders, engaging the community, advocating for policies, communicating strategically, and protecting human rights. |