Contest Overview
Art is a powerful tool to share social messages and inspire change. Visual artists like Shepard Fairey, musicians like Beyonce and authors like Mira Jacob have used their creative voices to speak truth to power and raise awareness of the important issues facing us today. Pepco, the DC Public Library Foundation and DC Public Library invite you to find your power and use it to creatively address a topic that is important to you. What change would you like to see in the world? We are calling on youth between the ages of 13 - 19 to use their creative voice to make a difference.
We are excited to share the results of the 2023 Know Your Power contest.
"Sink" Illustration by Skye Jones, 2022 visual art winner
Submit Your Entry
Submit an entry to the 2024 Know Your Power civic engagements arts contest
Submissions open on May 28, 2024 and close August 9, 2024.
What are the Contest Rules?
- This contest is open to participants between the ages of 13 and 19.
- You can submit multiple entries in multiple categories.
- Writing can be up to 1,500 words long and be in the format of a poem or short story.
- Photography entries may include 1 - 10 photos that make up a photo story.
- Video entries can be up to 6 minutes long.
- Music should be submitted as an .mp3 and be 1 - 3 minutes in length.
- Your submission must be original work.
Attend a Know Your Power Event
Know Your Power Party
Saturday, June 8, 1 p.m., Southwest Library
Teens are invited to a celebration of arts and activism with food, art activities, creative writing, music and performers from Words, Beats, and Life, an open mic, prizes, info and activities from local organizations like Writopia Lab, Artechouse, and the National Gallery of Art, and a special author talk from Politics and Prose. This program is made possible by the DC Public Library Foundation and Pepco.
Children of Anguish and Anarchy with Tomi Adeyemi
Wednesday, June 26, 7 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
DC Public Library is excited to host #1 New York Times bestselling author, Tomi Ademeyi, for her book Children of Anguish & Anarchy, the highly anticipated and final book in the trilogy. One of the most exciting books of the summer, and we're hosting the author, right here in DC at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library downtown. Grab your teens & come out for a thrilling evening!
Know Your Power Residency with Imagination Stage
Thursdays at 4 p.m., Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library
Unleash your creative talents in this workshop series with Imagination Stage. By the end of the program series, teens will have created an original work of art, writing, or music based on an issue they are passionate about that they can submit to the Know Your Power civic engagement arts contest. Teaching artists from Imagination Stage will help teens brainstorm ideas through a variety of creative exercises and explore different types of genres. At the last session, youth will showcase their work in a celebratory public event at the library.
Know Your Power with Project Create
Multiple Dates, Multiple Locations
Are you looking for a space to get your creative juices flowing? Come join a workshop to learn from brilliant teaching artists as they share their expertise in a variety of artistic disciplines as you practice your creative skills and bring your beautiful ideas to life!
Youth Poet Laureate Tour
Multiple Dates, Multiple Locations
Teens are invited to hear spoken word poetry performed by one of the DMV’s Youth Poet Laureates, then write poetry of their own in a free workshop.
