Madison Alumnae Creative Writing Contest

The Creative Writing Contest, sponsored by the Arts & Letters Committee, is open to Dane County high school students (Grades 9-12).

2023-2024 Creative Arts Contest

“My Dream for A Just World”

ELIGIBILITY

For many years, the ​Arts & Letters Committee of the Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has sponsored a ​Creative Arts Contest to highlight the creative endeavors of local students. The contest is open to Dane County middle school and high school students of color (e.g., African-American, Latinx/Hispanic, Native American/American Indian, or Asian/Pacific Islander) in grades 6-12.

Students are invited to submit original work in the following areas that reflects the theme "My Dream for a Just World":

Poetry (​One poem of at least 20 lines)

Spoken Word ​(Not longer than 3 minutes)

Short Story ​(750-word minimum - 1500-word maximum)

Musical Selection - singing, rapping, playing an instrument (original songs only, maximum 3 minutes)

Art Painting, drawing, photography, visual art, sculpture

For 2023-2024, students should submit entries reflecting their own dreams for a world that is fair, inclusive and free from discrimination.

*1st Place Winners will be asked to share their submission at the Urban League of Greater Madison Breakfast on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Entries that include strong sexual references, extreme violence, racism, and/or other content that is not appropriate for a mainstream literary audience are not eligible. Subject matter that is positive, uplifting, and inspirational is encouraged.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

CONTEST DATES: December 1, 2023 – DECEMBER

1. One (1) creative writing submission per person is allowed.

2. Entries ​may not​ have been previously published online or in print, and must represent the author’s original ideas, thoughts, and work.

3. Works must be intended for an audience composed of school-aged readers.

4. Submit all entries along with a photograph of the student ​via the Google Form. Forms must be received ​via email ​by ​December 31, 2023 no later than 11:59 PM CST.

5. Email all questions ​​to ​macdstcreative@gmail.com​.​

SELECTION

All works will be judged based on originality, creativity, and artistic quality as well as spelling and grammar. Works not meeting the requirements may be disqualified. Works containing profanity, vulgarity or offensive material are automatically disqualified. The panel of judges consists of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Madison Alumnae Chapter Arts & Letters Committee. All decisions made by the judges are final.

PRIZES

1​st​, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected for each school-aged group.

Each winner will receive a cash prize ranging from $100 (1st Place), $75 (2nd Place) and $50 (3rd place) and a Certificate of Achievement.

NOTIFICATION

Winners will be announced on or around January 8, 2024. Winners will be notified by email and their awards will be presented during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Urban League of Greater Madison Breakfast in January 14, 2024.

DEADLINE

Entries and Permission to Publish Photo Release Forms must be received via the Google Form​ ​by ​December 31, 2023 by 11:59 PM CST.

PRIVACY POLICY

The Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. collects personal information for the purpose of notifying contest winners. All personal information submitted is kept in confidence, will not be leased, sold or shared and is used solely for notification purposes and shall not be made public by the Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Minor children must have parental permission to enter the contest.

LEGALITIES

No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by The Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. All rights reserved. All information provided herein pertains to the 2023-2024 Creative Writing Contest. This information may be updated or changed for future contests.