Schoolchildren across the U.S. Virgin Islands are being invited to submit artwork for a major annual exhibition that celebrates press freedom, activism and the territory's journalistic heritage.
The Cultural Education Division of the Department of Education is accepting entries from students in public, private and parochial schools at all grade levels, including early childhood and elementary pupils. The submission deadline is Monday, Oct. 26.
The David Hamilton Jackson's All Ah We Exhibition opens Oct. 31 at Cane Roots Art Gallery in Christiansted, St. Croix, and continues from Nov. 16 at Fort Frederik in Frederiksted. Stephanie C. Brown, the division's director, announced the call for entries.
This year's theme is "Who gets to speak? Freedom of Expression and Art for Activism." Young artists are asked to reflect on Virgin Islands history and examine how public expression shapes their communities through their creative work.
Students may submit original drawings and paintings responding to the theme, or complete and enter printable colouring portraits of David Hamilton Jackson alongside this year's honourees: the late Canute A. Brodhurst Sr. and his daughter Rena Brodhurst, both former owners, publishers and editors of The St. Croix Avis.
Cash rewards are offered across three places in each category: $125 for first, $75 for second, and $50 for third.
The exhibition recognises the Brodhursts for their work through the newspaper, underscoring the importance of Black-owned media and journalism in shaping public conversation in the Virgin Islands.
Young participants are encouraged to link the exhibition's theme to matters affecting them personally, such as schooling, environmental care, cultural heritage, economic prospects and neighbourhood concerns.
The show draws inspiration from David Hamilton Jackson's efforts to advance press freedom, workers' rights and political voice in the territory.
Questions about submissions should be directed to Brown at [email protected].
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