Regional Agencies Seek Photo and Video Submissions from Youth

Regional Agencies are inviting Bay Area youth to picture the future through the first ever Art on the Horizon: Youth Confronting Climate Change photo and video contest. Asking the question, “What can you do to stop climate change?” the contest asks young people in the Bay Area ages 13-23 to submit photos and videos that communicate what you, including your family, friends and the community at large, can do to combat climate change. The contest is open now and closes on Friday, March 22, 2019.

 

MTC and ABAG are interested in tapping into the passion and creativity of the region’s young people to show what’s possible. “Young people are very concerned about the impacts of climate change,” says Alix Bockelman, MTC/ABAG’s Deputy Executive Director for Policy. “We want to give them a voice – that they can have an impact in solving the climate crisis.”

 

Art on the Horizon is part of MTC/ABAG’s Horizon initiative, a blue sky planning effort aimed at exploring various issues and challenges Bay Area residents may face through 2050. The 18-month effort started in early 2018 by asking residents, “What are the most pressing issues we should consider as we plan for life in 2050?” The answer overwhelmingly included preservation of the region’s natural resources, open space and clean air, with a strong desire to reduce our environmental footprint. Art on the Horizon seeks solutions to this ongoing challenge. 

 

The contest submissions will be judged by a jury representing MTC, ABAG and art professionals in two categories (video and photography) based on age group (13-17 years old and 18-23 years old). The submissions will be judged on how well they address the theme, creativity and quality and technique. The artwork must be submitted via this online form, must be either video or photograph, address the contest theme and must not contain identifiable persons. For participants under the age of 18, a parental consent form must be submitted. 

 

“We are excited to see what inspires the youth of the Bay Area,” continues Alix. “We hope that they will show us a path forward, that change is possible.” The winners will be announced at an event on the UC Berkeley campus on April 25, 2019, as well as through MTC’s social media channels. The first, second and third place winners in each category will receive monetary prizes. 

 

MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. ABAG is the official regional planning agency for the nine counties and 101 cities and towns of the Bay Area.