Students throughout New Jersey will have the chance to express their feelings of living and learning through the pandemic by participating in the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) “Hope, Healing and Resilience Through the COVID-19 Pandemic” showcase and arts installation project.
The NJDOE announced the program today by inviting New Jersey students from preschool to 12th grade (ages 3 to 21) to submit a photo of original artwork created after March 2020.
Selected artwork will be displayed as part of a digital library on the NJDOE website and will also be placed in NJDOE offices.
The NJDOE is accepting photos of artwork through March 31, 2022 that conveys positive messages of hope, healing, and resilience.
Students may submit their own artwork, or educators, parents, or guardians may submit artwork on behalf of the student.
Example media types for submission include paintings, drawings, photography, digital designs, or other similar 2-D media that do not exceed one inch in depth.
“Art allows students to express themselves during difficult times,” said Governor Murphy.
“I am proud that New Jersey has 100 percent of our public schools offering arts programs and we must continue to allow students opportunities to participate in rich and engaging art projects.
I cannot wait to see artwork from our talented students on display.”
“We want to elevate the voices and perspectives of our diverse and brilliant New Jersey students,” said Dr Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education.
“While many students have faced difficulties, they have overwhelmingly demonstrated resilience and we are sure that this artwork will inspire us all with feelings of hope and healing. Students are our focus and their voices must lead us.”
“This opportunity validates the importance of the arts for all students,” said Bob Morrison, Director of Arts Ed NJ.
"Providing an opportunity for students to address the impact of the pandemic through their artistic expression represents the intersection of creativity and social-emotional learning, a tool for healing.”
More information, including the selection criteria, submission survey, and contact information, can be found at the “Hope, Healing and Resilience through the COVID 19 Pandemic” website.