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....
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