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Civic‑engagement arts competition encourages teens to explore community issues through creative expression
The DC Public Library is challenging teens to turn their passion into power through "Know Your Power," its civic‑engagement arts contest that rewards young people for exploring issues that matter to them and their communities.
Running through Aug. 31 as part of Discover Summer, the contest invites teens ages 13–18 to create original poetry, visual art, music or multimedia projects that address local or national civic issues. Winners will receive prizes such as a laptop computer, digital camera, guitar and graphics tablet.
“Teens have strong voices and clear ideas about what needs to change in their world,” said Richard Reyes‑Gavilan, executive director at the DC Public Library. “The Know Your Power contest gives them a platform to be heard and the tools to keep creating.”
Participants may submit entries in four categories: written word, visual arts, music and audio, or digital media. Contest guidelines are intentionally broad, allowing teens to tackle everything from neighborhood concerns to national policy issues. Submissions will be judged on creativity, civic engagement and personal voice.
The contest is supported by Pepco and the DC Public Library Foundation, organizations committed to investing in young people’s civic development. Winners will be announced in September, with entries displayed at Library locations citywide.
Teens can submit entries through the Library’s website. Contest guidelines and requirements are available here.