The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are a regional and national competition founded in 1923 by Maurice R. Robinson, founder of the Scholastic Book Company. The early statement of purpose outlined three goals for the program: to recognize creative students in the same way their athletic classmates were, to promote communication and visual arts in schools, and to help nurture a genuine appreciation for great art and literature in the younger generation. The goal was not to train new artists and writers but to create a safe space for student expression, free from censorship or bias. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art has partnered with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers for over a decade to bring recognition to the next generation of young artists and writers, beginning with art in 2004 and adding writing in 2007. Our role as an Affiliate Partner of the Awards is a natural extension of our mission to present and educate the public about American art. An art museum is a space free from censorship and bias that values inclusiveness, education, and dialogue; therefore, showcasing the burgeoning talent of creative young people and their messages about our current culture, and future, is a perfect match. The Award recipients of Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio join a prestigious list of recognized names like Richard Avedon, Ken Burns, Lena Dunham, Langston Hughes, Robert Indiana, Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Sylvia Plath, Zac Posen, Tschabalala Self, Cy Twombly, Kay Walkingstick, and Andy Warhol. Welcome to the next generation of great American artists and writers.
This program is generously sponsored by the James Foundation and Lawrence Building Corporation.
2021 BY THE NUMBERS
404 students from 76 schools received 689 art and/or writing awards
510 students entered 1410 artworks
448 students entered 776 writing works
147 Gold Key art and writing works
