The 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards open on September 14! A lot has stayed the same, but some things have changed this year. Here’s what you need to know:
Originality is Key!
We’ve seen a lot since the Scholastic Awards began in 1923. From the Roaring Twenties to the Millennials, we’ve been at the forefront of the art and literature movements that define every generation. But the one thing we haven’t seen is YOU. Every artist and writer has a unique vision–and we want to see the world through your eyes. Before submitting, make sure your submission is an original work. Your submission should represent YOU. Our motto this year is Be You! Be Original!
You can check out our copyright and plagiarism page for more info.
Category Updates!
We made a few changes to the categories this year. Be sure to review all the information for your category to make sure your piece meets the requirements. A brief overview of the updates is below–be sure to click through to each category description to read the full requirements!
Art Category Updates
Architecture is now Architecture & Industrial Design. This category encompasses plans for or models of structures, environments, systems, or products.
Handcrafted functional objects belong in Ceramics & Glass.
Art created for commercial or applied purposes belongs in the Design category. Design includes work that has a defined use such as advertising or communications.
Drawing & Illustration is for art composed of marks made with a manual or mechanical instrument on a two-dimensional surface. Drawings include all renderings made by an instrument on a surface and may include formal, realistic and/or abstract imagery. Illustrations are works that graphically depict a concept or subject. Either drawings or drawn illustrations may be submitted to this category.
Photography submissions are limited to 16 individual submissions per student.
Art Portfolios must contain a series of 8 distinct works that communicate a single cohesive idea or visual investigation. The works can come from one category or any combination of multiple categories. Your Artist Statement should answer the following questions:
- What idea or visual investigation does your portfolio explore?
- Why is this exploration important to you?
- What do you hope (stays with people/changes within people/people see differently) after they view your portfolio?
Writing Category Updates
Novel submissions must be an excerpt from a long-form prose narrative. Please submit an excerpt no longer than 3,000 words as well as the text of the completed novel in a PDF. Novel submissions must also include a brief summary of the entire novel.
You can now include Novels in your Writing Portfolio submission! Writing Portfolios must contain a series of 8 distinct works that demonstrate versatility as a writer and diversity in writing technique and styles. The works can come from one category or any combination of multiple categories.
Scholarships!
We have a new scholarship opportunity for students!
New York Life Award
Through a new partnership with the New York Life Foundation, we will be able to offer $1,000 scholarships to six students who have experienced the death of a close loved one and explored issues of grief and bereavement in their creative work.
Here are our returning scholarship opportunities:
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartoon, sponsored by The Herb Block Foundation
Gedenk Award for Tolerance, sponsored by The Gedenk Movement
The RBC “Flaunt It” Award, sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada
Neiman Marcus Award for Fashion, sponsored by Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus Award for Jewelry, sponsored by Neiman Marcus
Best-in-Grade Award, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies
Now you’re all set! On September 14, all you have to do is create your account, upload your work, and send in your submission forms and payment or fee waiver! Then give yourself a pat on the back for submitting to the 2017 Scholastic Awards–you deserve it.