Today the NYS Division of Human Rights announced the launch of the “Human Rights Through the Eyes of Our Students" Art Competition. This is an opportunity for young artists from grades K-12 to share their artistic interpretation of various themes relating to the NYS Human Rights Law and to showcase their artistic talent on a statewide scale. With this competition, the Division seeks to engage younger generations in a conversation about the importance of civil rights and encourage creativity and artistic expression on the topic.

All participants will have their submission included in a digital public gallery, and ten finalists from each group (Elementary, Middle, and High School) will be featured in a 5-day exhibit on the concourse at the New York State Capitol. Winners – one from each grade grouping – will have the opportunity to have their art publicized on the Division's website, social media, and other publications. Their artwork will also be showcased on opening night of the art exhibit on the concourse, and they will receive a special placard and a gift card for art supplies.

Interested students are encouraged to submit their interpretive artwork in any of a large range of artistic mediums, including but not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and digital art. Entries should be an original creation by the student. Students can learn more about the competition and how to submit an artwork by visiting dhr.ny.gov/nysdhr-art.

The NYS Division of Human Rights is the state agency that enforces the NYS Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, education, and in places of public accommodations, among others. The Division accepts complaints of discrimination and investigates, adjudicates and provides remedies to successful complainants. For more information about the Division and the NYS Human Rights Law, visit dhr.ny.gov.

Submission Deadline: September 9, 2022

Competition Website: https://dhr.ny.gov/nysdhr-art