Shake the Field Poster Contest

2022 Instructions and Guidelines

Deadline: March 18th, 2022, 11:59pm

The Empowering Communities Program of ¡HICA! is hosting their first annual Shake the Field Poster Contest. We are asking artists and anyone interested to create a poster that answers the following question: 

What is YOUR immigrant story? 

We want to hear how you, or your family, immigrated to this country. This could include details of the journey here, how being an immigrant has impacted your life, or how culture and traditions exist for you and your community here. 

Here is an excerpt from an immigrant story we heard recently,  

“I am a 1st generation American. My family came to the United States from El Salvador in the early 90s. They suffered through poverty and near-death in El Salvador during the civil war in the 80s. Coming to the United States granted them a security they did not have there. My mother felt that there was no other option but to immigrate. My life bears the impact of this story. I am an American, but I do not always feel as though I am. The racism and discrimination that has been thrown at me lead me to hating the skin that I am in. Seeking a graduate level of education was my way of proving that I am not just another negative statistic. It gave me the power to feel that I am in control of my story and who I am. It has given me the power to learn to love who I am and where I come from. 

I am a 1st generation Salvadoran American y me encanta mi cultura.” 

Criteria

The contest is open for individuals ages 16-30.

Contestants may be immigrants themselves of a close relative of immigrants. People who consider immigration and how their ancestors came to the United States an integral part of their identity may also be considered.

Must submit original artwork completed by the contestant.

The artwork should be an original two-dimensional drawing, painting, or digital design. Pictures of sculptures and collages of copyrighted materials will not be accepted. For example, any pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night are copyrighted. No one is allowed to post these pictures on social media or use them without the permission of the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel.

Artwork can be mailed to the office, delivered to the office in person, or submitted digitally through the link below. Attachments must be JPEG, PNG, or PDF format.

The size of the poster cannot exceed 18 x 24 inches.

All contestants are encouraged to include a small paragraph to give context to poster, but it is not required.

Your submission must include the following information:

  • Artist name

  • Date of Birth

  • Address

  • Phone Number

  • Email Address

Submission Instructions 

Contestants may submit their poster under one of two categories. The categories are Level I and Level II.  

Level I is for those who: 

  • Do not consider their art skills to be developed or professional  

  • Think they possess no art skills but still want to share their story 

  • Are beginners in art 

Level II is for those who: 

  • Consider their art skills to be more developed and professional 

  • Possess more art skills and/or knowledge 

  • Are more advanced in their artistic creations 

Posters must be received in the mail, in person, or digitally by March 18th, 2022, 11:59pm. Late submissions will not be considered.  

¡HICA! - Empowering Communities Program 

117 Southcrest Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 

 
 

Judging 

All posters will be assessed on how well they convey the message of “What is your immigrant story?”, originality, creativity, and if they meet all the criteria requirements outlined.  

Awards 

Level I: 

  • First place: $75 

  • Second place: $50 

  • Third Place: $25 

Level II: 

  • First place: $200 

  • Second place: $125 

  • Third Place: $75 

The ¡HICA! staff will also vote on their favorite submission which will be awarded $50. Submissions who win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd will not be eligible for the ¡HICA! Favorite award.