(Photo: United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta)

By Justin Goulet

Submissions open for 2021 #YQL Expressions of Reconciliation Art & Media Contest

Sep 21, 2021 | 9:14 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – For the fourth year in a row, local artists of all ages and abilities are invited to submit their work in the #YQL Expressions of Reconciliation Art & Media Contest.

The competition is a partnership between the United Way, Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee, the Lethbridge Indigenous Sharing Network and the Gallery at CASA. One of the goals of the contest is to create opportunities to have discussions about reconciliation in southwestern Alberta, on the heels of Lethbridge’s Reconciliation Week in September.

The theme for the 2021 competition is ‘Voice and Representation’, which coincides with the theme of Reconciliation Week in the city. Each submission must incorporate the theme.

United Way’s executive director Janelle Marietta said, “it will be really interesting to see this year’s submissions.”

“After a year when so many things have gone digital, people may be thinking more about digital art forms like audio or video. With a theme like Voice and Representation, there are so many different directions for artists to go.”

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Marietta commented on the increase in artwork created by Indigenous artists that can be found around Lethbridge.

“Things like that, or multimedia that’s easily accessible online can really help people to pause and think. Seeing or hearing the creativity of others can inspire people to want to learn more about Indigenous culture, and educating ourselves is perhaps one of the most important steps in reconciliation.”

First, second and third-place winners will be selected by a jury comprised of representatives from contest partner organizations. Submissions will also be featured on United Way’s Facebook page for the People’s Choice portion of the contest. For two weeks, members of the community can vote for their favourites. In addition to taking home a cash prizes, contest winners will have their artwork displayed publicly at The Gallery at CASA following the competition.

First, second and third-place victors will receive a cash prize, as will the winner of the People’s Choice vote. Prizes are also sponsored collectively by United Way, the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Council, and the Lethbridge Indigenous Sharing Network.

The first place winner will receive $350, the second place winner will get $200 and the third finisher will receive $150. The People’s Choice winner will get $100. Full contest rules are available here.

The deadline to submit artwork is Friday, October 29 at 5:00 p.m. Winners will be announced in mid-November.