New this year, the University of Iowa Chief Diversity Office and the UI Homecoming Committee are launching two contests for youth as part of the 24th Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival.

The art and essay contests are an opportunity for K-12 youth to share their ideas about the importance of cultural diversity and what that means to them.

Art Contest (Grades K-4)

• The art contest is for traditional and homeschooled students in kindergarten through the fourth grade. Artwork will be evaluated on creativity and relevance to the topic prompt.

Essay Contest (Grades 5-12)

• The essay contest is for traditional and homeschooled students, grades 5 through 12. Essays will be evaluated on creativity, clarity, and relevance to the prompt assigned to the appropriate grade range, by a selection committee invited by the Chief Diversity Office and Homecoming Committee.

One winning entry and one second-place entry will be selected from each participating grade level for both the art and essay contests. Winners in each grade level will receive a $25 gift card to the UI Bookstore. Second-place winners in each grade level will receive a $15 gift card to the UI Bookstore.

Winning entries will be displayed on the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival website. All participants are invited to attend the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival on Sunday, Oct. 5, in Hubbard Park on the UI campus from noon to 5 p.m. Essays and artwork will be displayed, and winners will be announced and recognized.

The submission deadline is Monday, Sept. 8.

For contest information and submission guidelines, visit the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival Contest website.

Learn more about the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival here.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this festival, contact Kendra Malone in advance at 319-353-2388 or at kendra-malone@uiowa.edu