The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), in partnership with the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of the American States (CIP-OAS), is excited to announce that our 10th annual bilingual art contest will be open January 2, 2019 to March 31, 2019. The art contest is open to all students in grades K-12 residing in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Six finalists from the K-5 category and 6 finalists from the 6-12 category will be featured in NAMEPA’s 2020 calendar and will receive free copies of the calendar. In addition, one Grand Prize winner from each category will also receive a $100 cash prize and gift package.

The theme for this year’s contest is “All aboard! There’s a place for you in the maritime community!” which aims to embrace diversity and inclusion in the maritime community while highlighting the broad range of opportunities the industry has to offer. This theme reflects the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2019 World Maritime Day Theme. Students should submit an original artwork based on the contest theme description below:

Seaborn transportation is one of the oldest industries—and the most exciting!  More than 90% of the world’s goods and energy travel by ship!  The diversity of opportunities in the maritime industry is as diverse as the ocean itself. Seafaring is an exciting career that allows you to travel the world and absorb different cultures. You can also become a successful member of the marine industry without ever getting your feet wet. An opportunity to be a maritime lawyer, accountant, engineer, medical professional, or scientist, could be in your future!

The marine industry is evolving. Now, more than ever, there are technical training and education programs available to people of all backgrounds to ensure a rewarding career in the maritime sector. Today, many people are finding more opportunities in leadership, administrative, and decision-making roles in addition to seafaring jobs.

Successful members of the marine industry can come from any educational, geographic, or cultural background. Can you think of a way to embrace diversity in the marine industry, either on a ship or in a shore-side role? Or, if you’ve ever thought about pursuing a career in the marine industry, can you artistically show us how? Students are asked to submit an original poster depicting creative and imaginative ideas about how to make shipping more inclusive, or how they can chart a future in the maritime industry.

To submit your artwork between January 2, 2019 and March 31, 2019 please visit https://maritimeartcontest.submittable.com/submit.  One entry per student. Artwork will be reviewed by a panel of judges and winners will be notified by May 15th. For more information please visit NAMEPA’s Art Contest webpage or email Nina, Education and Outreach Director, at n.quaratella@namepa.net.

Artwork Specifications:

• Each entry must be a two-dimensional, original piece of artwork done on white poster board or heavy white drawing paper with dimensions of 24” x 18” or 32” x 24” (61 cm x 46 cm or 81 cm x 61 cm) in the landscape orientation. Drawings that do not meet these size and orientation specifications will be ineligible for competition.
• Any art medium may be used; however computer graphics will not be accepted.
• Artwork must be flat with no glued pieces.
• Bright colors should be used because they are best for reprinting.
• A slogan or title may be written on the artwork; however the student's name or school may not appear on the front or back of the drawing.
• Artwork must be completely done by the student, including any written text.
• Any artwork that includes copyrighted or trademarked product names will be disqualified.
• You must take a high-resolution (at least 3072 x 2304 pixels) digital photograph of your poster in order to submit your entry.

Thank you very much, we look forward to seeing your artwork!  

En Español:  www.namepa.net/concurso-de-arte