Right to Democracy, an organization working to “dismantle the undemocratic colonial structure that governs the US territories, launched a youth art competition and is encouraging applicants before the deadline of October 10, 2023.
Providing a space for expression of opinion, especially for youth, is one of the goals the organization has for the competition. The entire project will get kids thinking about topics like the effects of democracy in communities and how it relates to our rights. Specific prompts were designed to both engage artists and inspire creative pieces related to this year’s topic, “What does democracy mean to you?”
The competition is taking place in all five of the US territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands. For those who live in one of these territories and are between the ages of 12 and 17, you are eligible. Submittable pieces include visual art, like drawing, paintings, and photography, as well as compositions like songs, poems, or written pieces. Overall, the competition is striving to inspire young people to share their views on democracy through visual arts, music, or words. Winners will receive prizes of $500, $250, and $100.
Right to Democracy’s main goal is to create a movement that encourages people to recognize that the US shouldn’t have colonies, as people who reside in the territories should have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process that greatly affects their lives.
The project founded by Adi Martinez Roman and Neal Weare is overcoming challenges to unite, rather than divide, and empower communities and community leaders. Addressing 125 years of colonialism and undemocratic governance in US territories remains a top priority and goal that the organization is focused on achieving.
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