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Show us what YOU think will make a difference to the future of west central Minnesota.

Contest Details

THE CONTEST HAS OFFICIALLY CONCLUDED. YOU ARE INVITED TO VOTE FOR THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD THROUGH SEPT. 3, AND ATTEND AN EXHIBIT AND ARTISTS' RECEPTION AT M STATE--FERGSU FALLS ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 10, 5:30-7 PM, WITH AWARD CEREMONY AT 6. LEARN MORE AT www.wcif.org/event/artist.
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What does a shining future for west central Minnesota look like to you? Do you envision growing business? Flourishing communities? Thriving children? Engaged leadership? Clean lakes? Green energy? West Central Initiative (WCI) is interested in finding out.

The foundation is launching a new juried photo and video contest for both amateur and professional photographers/videographers. The goal is to find imagery that depicts a part of WCI’s vision statement: “Creating a Better Tomorrow for West Central Minnesota.”

The online contest opens Monday, May 3, 2010 and runs through Friday, July 16, 2010. Arts professionals from the region will judge the entries.

Cash prizes in each category will be $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for each of the three honorable mention places. A $300 people's choice award will be selected by votes from the general public prior to the awards ceremony either online or at the artists' reception.

WCI will host an artists’ reception open to the public on Saturday, September 10, 2010 at M State—Fergus Falls. Entries will be on exhibit either as print pieces (photo prize winners) or shown electronically.

WCI plans to display the exhibit in four locations throughout west central Minnesota as a way of sharing the artists’ work and message with the region.

Contest Requirements

1. Entrants will submit photographs or videos that best exemplify the theme,“Creating a Better Tomorrow for West Central Minnesota.”

2. Photos and videos must be shot in the counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse or Wilkin.

3. Each entry must include an approximately 100-word essay (entered in the description box) on why it depicts the theme. Any entry without an essay will not be accepted.

4. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

5. Each photo or video will be entered in one of two categories, amateur and professional. Professionals are considered those who earn part of their income from photography or videography. The Amateur category is essentially open for every one.

6. Up to six photos/videos per person can be entered. Videos must be no more than 10 minutes long.

7. Entries will be accepted online from May 3 through July 16, 2010.

8. You must obtain permission from your subjects to enter their photo/video. A parental release form is required for all children under 18. Download release forms here: http://www.wcif.org/?photovideocontest

9. ALL entries are considered your property but by submitting them you are giving West Central Initiative unlimited use for its promotional materials (print and electronic).

10. WCI staff and board and immediate family members are not eligible to enter the contest.