Second annual Florida Art Contest launching during Youth Art Month

ORLANDO, Fla. — Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the launch of the second annual Spring 2023 Florida Art Contest.

March is Youth Art Month and last week, Nunez was at Dante B. Fascell Elementary in Miami to make the announcement.

This year’s theme: Time Travel to 2123: Florida’s Future as the Space Capital.

Students in grades K-5 are encouraged to create an art piece inspired by this year’s theme.

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“I am proud to launch the 2nd Annual Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest. Last year, we had a tremendous response, with over 2,500 original art submissions from K-5 students,” said Nuñez. “Imagining what the space industry in Florida will look like in 100 years through art allows students to explore the seemingly impossible and tap into their creativity. I look forward to seeing what this year’s students dream up.”

Space Florida, a sponsor of the art contest, believes supporting STEAM education initiatives is an integral part of its mission.

“Both space and art are about exploration, imagination, and pushing forward to what’s next for humanity,” said Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello. “The future is right here in the minds of our children and expressed through colors and paper. We are proud to work with Lt. Governor Nuñez on this important initiative.”

Miami-made artist Romero Britto was announced as this year’s featured artist for the contest.

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“Sharing the creative process with children is one way we can inspire the next generation of creators,” said Romero Britto, this year’s featured artist. “The partnership between art and space creates new realities that captivate in unexpected ways. I’m proud to work with Lieutenant Governor Nuñez and Space Florida this year and look forward to helping propel these children forward.”

“Florida’s historic space achievements would not have been possible without harnessing the power of science and math,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “It was great to join Lt. Governor Nuñez today as we launched an exciting space art contest and announced new professional development opportunities for Florida educators.”

The contest is open to all Florida students from K through 5th grade.

Each participating student will submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme.

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Submissions will be broken down into two categories: K-2 and 3-5. Six art pieces from each group will be selected as finalists.

Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and also have the opportunity to work alongside our featured artist to paint a custom-created piece of art imagined and sketched by the artist.

Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming SpaceX mission!

To find out more info on the Florida Space Art Contest, CLICK HERE.

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