Statewide Competition to Honor Collegiate Artists

              Contact: Don Sevener, 217.557.7334
Cell: 217.836.7395
sevener@ibhe.org
November 24, 2003
STATEWIDE COMPETITION TO HONOR COLLEGIATE ARTISTS
SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the pivotal role the arts play in a state’s cultural landscape, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has announced a major statewide competition for undergraduate artists at Illinois colleges and universities.
The Annual Collegiate Artists Competition, open to all undergraduates, will culminate in an awards ceremony and student art exhibition next May at the University Galleries at Illinois State University.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has endorsed the competition as a statement of the value placed on the arts by the state.
“Art is a key to the quality of our cultural life, and I am delighted to lend my support to this project to foster the creative expression of college students throughout Illinois,” Governor Blagojevich said. “This arts competition will recognize student artists and underscore the value we place on their contributions to a rich and vibrant cultural life in Illinois.”
IBHE Chairman James L. Kaplan welcomed the Governor’s support for the project and stated that the arts competition demonstrates that even in lean fiscal times, colleges and universities can be innovative in promoting the arts and serving the interests of students.
“The Board of Higher Education is delighted to offer this unique opportunity to display and reward the artistic talents of our undergraduate students,” Kaplan said. “We anticipate this competition will become a longstanding venue for showcasing the valuable work of our fine arts faculty throughout Illinois higher education.”
The Board, in partnership with the Art in Architecture program at the Capital Development Board, will issue a Call for Entries for the competition to all Illinois colleges and universities with undergraduate students. There is no limit on the number of students who may enter the competition from a single institution.
Students may enter artwork produced in the past year in any one of eight categories: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, prints, fiber, ceramics/glass, and kinetic/electronic
Printed on Recycled Paper