Latino Art Beat announced its 11th consecutive Hispanic Heritage art competition for 11th and 12th graders at the recent opening day reception of the Latino Art Beat retrospective art exhibit hosted by the US Department of Education in Washington, DC. The exhibit, consisting of winning artwork from previous Latino Art Beat art competitions themed "What Hispanic Heritage and Culture Means to Me," opened to a full house in the Lyndon Baines Johnson building in the nation's capital. Various dignitaries, Latin American consulates, federal, state and local government organizations, senate and congressional offices, DC arts organizations, museums, businesses, and students were present.

Once again this year, Latino Art Beat will team up with the Office on Latino Affairs (OLA) and DC Public Schools (DCPS) to launch this year’s competition in Washington, DC. “This competition serves to celebrate the extraordinary talent of our youth while allowing them an opportunity to express the great pride they have in their own culture”, commented OLA Director, Mercedes Lemp.

The competition is open to all currently enrolled District of Columbia high school students in grades 11-12. Only high school juniors and seniors may qualify for scholarship awards. Contestants may enter the competition through the "Drawing and Painting" category by their artistic interpretation of "What Hispanic Heritage and Culture Means to Me." All media accepted, mounted or matted not to exceed 30" x 36". Guaranteed scholarship awards are 1st Place: $1,000; 2nd Place: $750 and 3rd Place: $500. Winning students who are accepted to Latino Art Beat’s academic partner colleges may qualify for higher scholarship awards. Garcia-Menocal, the 2007 national winner was awarded a $60,000 scholarship to attend MICA.

Additional competition categories include "Film and Animation", whereby students submit a DVD or video five minutes or less about "My Life" or a short narrative. New for 2008 is "Photography" in which students may interpretively portray the theme "My Concern for the Planet."

Competition entries must be submitted on or before June 6, 2008 to the art office of a participating school or to either of the following offices: Office on Latino Affairs 2000 14th Street, NW, 2nd Floor or DCPS Office of Bilingual Education, 1200 S Street, NW.
For more information about the rules and guidelines for this year’s Latino Art Beat Hispanic Heritage Art Competition please check our website at www.ola.dc.gov.

LAB- Art Competition- Entry Form for District of Columbia Contest 2008*

LAB Rules 2008*