SISTER CITIES COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Discuss Sister Cities Commission & Sister Cities Foundation Local YAAS Art Competition and define roles and responsibilities
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DEPARTMENT: Mayor’s Office
SUBMITTED BY: Rachel Pruneda, Assistant to the Mayor and City Council
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Sister Cities Commission
DISCUSSION:
The Sister Cities Foundation, in collaboration with the Sister Cities Commission, proposes to host a local art and literary competition aligned with the 2026 Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) sponsored by Sister Cities International. The national theme for YAAS 2026 is “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow.” This competition offers local students a creative platform and the opportunity for advancing to the national showcase and recognition on an international stage.
PURPOSE:
To establish a local YAAS competition which will select winning entries in multiple categories to be forwarded for consideration in the 2026 national competition. This initiative supports youth engagement in the arts, promotes cultural exchange, and aligns with Sister Cities International’s mission of fostering international understanding through creative expression.
Proposed Local Competition Framework
1. Theme:
• Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow reflecting youth perspectives on current issues and future aspirations.
2. Eligible Participants:
• Students ages 12-18.
• Participants must follow local entry guidelines and complete all required application materials by March 14, 2026.
3. Submission Categories & Requirements:
Local competition categories will mirror the national YAAS standards to ensure eligibility for advancement:
A. Classic Art
- Traditional 2-D art (oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, colored pencil, mixed media).
- Digital photo or scan in JPG/PNG format.
- Original student work.
B. Digital Art
- Digital image files (minimum resolution required).
- Created using digital tools/programs (e.g., Photoshop, Procreate).
- No moving/animated pieces.
C. Photography
- High-resolution photographs in JPG/PNG format.
- Limited edits allowed (filters, cropping, lighting); major manipulation prohibited.
D. Essay
- Written in English; up to 500 words.
- Must reflect the theme.
E. Poetry
- Written in English; up to 200 words.
- Must explore the theme creatively.
F. Original Music
- Original compositions (audio only, MP3 format).
- Up to 4 minutes; may include lyrics or instrumental.
4. Judging Criteria:
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
• Interpretation of the theme
• Originality and creativity
• Technical skill and composition
• Overall impact and expression
All judging will be conducted anonymously.
5. Advancement to National Competition:
• Local winners in each category will be submitted to Sister Cities International’s YAAS national competition, with winners featured internationally and eligible for cash awards.
• National deadlines and requirements (e.g., Submittable application by April 1, 2026) will be incorporated into local guidelines.
6. Recognition & Awards:
• Local recognition (certificates/prizes determined by the Commission/Foundation).
• National YAAS awards include cash prizes for first, second, and third places per category and age group.
Roles and Responsibilities
Commission and Foundation members should identify which Commission and Foundation members will be responsible for each aspect of the competition:
• Overall art competition project lead
• Marketing/communications
• Collecting Student Submissions
• Potential showcase event
• Judging submissions and awards
• Submitting to nationals