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About the Visual Arts Contest...

The annual Culture Shapers Visual Arts Contest enables student artists to compete for more than $85,000 in cash prizes in seven categories... drawing, painting, electronic media, mixed media, film, photography and sculpture. The contest takes place in the Fall, and is open to all High School Students in Harris, Waller, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.

Students receive a commemorative t-shirt with their entry fee of $15. Entry forms are downloaded from the website and parents, students or teachers deliver the entries to the drop-off location.

Each year, the Culture Shapers Volunteer Staff receive about 1,500 entries! This year, jurying took place on three Sundays in January. The top ten finalists in each category are personally invited to the exclusive Awards Night, where the winners are finally announced!

About the Culture Shapers Jurying Process...

Culture Shapers jurors are a combination of educators and professionals, who come highly recommended to us by other notable organizations, such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), as well as others. Many of our jurors have experience both in and out of the classroom, which gives them a unique and valuable perspective on evaluating student artwork. Click here to read more about the Culture Shapers jurying process.

The Visual Arts Awards Ceremony

Click here for details about the Visual Arts Awards Ceremony!

About Young Voices of Houston...

In 2005, Culture Shapers expanded into the performing arts, with the Young Voices of Houston performing arts contest. Featuring ten to twelve of the top vocalists from area high schools, Young Voices provides these talented students the opportunity to perform vocal works for a live audience and compete for cash prizes! Young Voices of Houston competitions are held several times throughout the year. Click here to learn more about Young Voices of Houston!

Culture Shapers is a group of Houston-area businessmen and women who are dedicated to serving student artists in many ways, including unique visual and performing arts contests. If you attend High School in Harris, Waller, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend or Montgomery counties - you are eligible to compete for more than $100,000 in cash prizes!

Visual Arts Contest

The annual Culture Shapers visual arts contest is divided into 7 categories: Film, Electronic Media, Photography, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, and Sculpture. The entry fee is just $15, and each student receives a commemorative t-shirt with their entry.

The entry period for the visual arts contest is typically in the Fall, after students return to school. Judging takes place in November, and the top ten finalists in each category are then invited to an elegant awards banquet, where the winners are announced.

In addition to the cash prizes in each category, one student each year is recognized with the commemorative Danny Wood “Heart in Art” Award. This prestigious award is presented to a single student who best represents character traits of leadership, social skills, service, character and overcoming adversity. Click here to learn more about the Danny Wood “Heart in Art” Award.

Culture Shapers also recognizes the invaluable role of the many art teachers and administrators who help to develop young artists. Each year, one teacher is awarded “Teacher of the Year” and one administrator is awarded “Administrator of the Year.” Recipients of these awards are nominated by fellow teachers and peers. Click here to learn more about the Culture Shapers visual arts contest!

Click here to learn more about the Visual Arts Contest!

Young Voices of Houston Performing Arts Contest

In 2005, Culture Shapers expanded into the performing arts, with the Young Voices of Houston performing arts contest. Featuring ten to twelve of the top vocalists from area high schools, Young Voices provides these talented students the opportunity to perform vocal works for a live audience and compete for cash prizes! Young Voices of Houston competitions are held several times throughout the year. Click here to learn more about Young Voices of Houston!

Click here to learn more about Young Voices of Houston!

Our Goal…

Our goal is to encourage young men and women all over the city to use their creative talents to affect their future in a positive way and to become “Culture Shapers”. We are committed to this goal for years to come, but we know that we will only be successful with the support of folks who, like us, are committed to making a lasting investment in the next generation! To find out how you can become involved in Culture Shapers, click here to email us!

Made possible by…

Culture Shapers would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors like Administaff, The Nathaniel Foundation and many, many others. These companies share our vision for investing in the next generation and encouraging them to become “Culture Shapers.” If you would like to become a sponsor, or would simply like more information about Culture Shapers, please contact us today!


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Made Possible By...

...generous donations from folks just like you, who are committed to preserving the arts for our high school students. THANK YOU for helping to keep the arts alive in our schools!