Environmental film & poetry contest for Dallas youth
Art for Earth is an environmental arts contest for Dallas-area youth ages 13-18 where applicants can submit their film/poetry to be featured in a finalists’ ceremony at the Dallas Public Library.
The theme for the competition is environmental justice and dignity. We encourage you to look at life closely at its macro and micro origins. Feel free to take creative freedom in your approach, though be sure your final result still coincides with the competition theme. We are excited to see your unique style and artistic voice in your submissions. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to email us and ask.
We are accepting submissions from April 1st to July 31st for poetry and short films. The finalists’ ceremony will take place on September 8th at the Dallas Public Library. Once finalists and winners are announced, we will reach out with further details and encourage all participants to attend the event and support their fellow artists as it is free! There will be one winner per art category. Each winner receives a $100 honorarium. Winners and runner-ups will be announced at the celebration on September 8th, have their film screened or read their poem at the Dallas Public Library and participate in a panel to discuss their work afterwards. Finalists will also be featured on the Art for Earth website.
We wish you luck!
JUDGES
María Ramos Pacheco is a bilingual reporter who covers neighborhood issues, environmental justice and all things city of Dallas-related for The Dallas Morning News. Previously, she worked at El Paso Matters covering immigration. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso. In 2021, she participated in NPR's NextGen project and was part of the ProPublica Emerging Reporters cohort in 2020. María was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, where her love for journalism took root.
Kristoddie Woods, professionally known as Black Ceasar Poetry, is a Mississippi native based in Dallas, Texas. With a diverse background in performance arts, he is widely recognized for his Emmy Award-winning performances with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He has also received special recognition from Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson for his contributions to the arts and the community. As a multifaceted individual, Black Ceasar excels as a poet, author, teacher, filmmaker and artist. Driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact, he uses his artistry to promote social change and uplift communities. His work often addresses relevant social issues, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling. Black Ceasar holds a degree in education from Texas A&M University Commerce. He is actively involved in gifted and talented programs at Paul Quinn College, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Dallas, where he inspires young students to explore their creativity and develop their unique voices. Through his commitment to the arts and education, he continues to empower others and create a lasting legacy in the community.