EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT association OF TEXAS

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), in partnership with Texas Systems of Care and Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, presents the 2019 Mental Health Awareness Creative Arts Contest for both children and adults.

This annual event is designed to shine a light on the often-taboo topic of mental illness and further the effort to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. As a result, we believe more Texans of all ages will seek help when needed.

The theme of this year’s event is “Why Mental Health Matters to You.” The contest is open to all Texans as we invite students and adults to participate in their respective age-group: Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Adults. Through their entries, contestants will help demystify mental illness and spread awareness by sharing their unique expressions of what mental health looks and feels like to them.

Poetry/Writing (no longer than 300 words)

Art and/or Poster Art

Photography

Judging

A team of judges will select the top submissions for each category and grade level. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, and how well an entry expresses this year’s theme. 

HHSC and its partners will award a special prize to each winner. Winning submissions will be recognized in public galleries, including a showing at the Texas State Capitol in May 2019, and featured on the state’s public websites.

Submissions

This year the contest will feature an all-electronic platform that can be found at https://gallery.txsystemofcare.org/. This link will lead you through the online gallery of past winners and into the new feature allowing for electronic consent and submission.

The contest will open December 10, 2018, and all entries must be received by March 11, 2019, at 5:00pm Central Standard Time. More information on entry rules and guidelines can be found through the link above.

If you have questions regarding the 2019 Mental Health Awareness Creative Arts Contest please email MentalHealthAwareness@hhsc.state.tx.us.