The New Hampshire Children’s System of Care is now welcoming submissions for the eighth annual Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest. From now until April 26, students in grades 5 to 12 are invited to share original creative pieces that express their experiences with mental health. Magnify Voices, a Children’s System of Care initiative, aims to elevate youth voices, reduce stigma and inspire meaningful change in support of youth mental health.
The Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest began in 2019 to empower youth to convey their experience with mental health challenges through creative artwork. Since then, more than 600 entries have been submitted from Granite State youth sharing their voices and perspectives with the community.
“Creative expression — whether through visual art, writing, or any other medium — has the power to reveal emotions and mental health experiences that words alone often cannot capture. Magnify Voices goes to the heart of Children’s System of Care’s mission of amplifying youth perspectives to improve mental health, reduce stigma, and inspire hope and change,” said Deb Jurkoic, Magnify Voices Committee member and NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NH Family Network Coordinator.
Magnify Voices calls attention to the mental health concerns of New Hampshire youth and the challenges of the system that serves youth and families. A broad range of organizations and volunteers collaborate to support the art contest to recognize the vital importance of positive mental health for a child’s healthy development.
Magnify Voices accepts a wide range of artistic submissions, including a short video, song, performance, or interpretive dance (two minutes or less); an essay or poem (1,000 words or less); or a design medium such as sculpture, photography, painting, or diorama. An exhibit of all submissions will be featured at a celebration event on May 27 at Kingswood Art Center, Wolfeboro. Twelve finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges, including youth judges, and will be announced at the event, along with a People’s Choice winner. Each finalist will receive a $250 cash prize. The People’s Choice Winner will be voted on at the celebration and will also receive a cash prize.
After the celebration event, submissions will be displayed at other exhibits and events around the state to continue to raise awareness and reduce stigma around youth mental health challenges.
To learn more and submit an entry, visit NHCSoC.org/participate.
About The New Hampshire Children’s System of Care
The N.H. Children’s System of Care is transforming New Hampshire’s children’s behavioral health care services and supports into an integrated, comprehensive system of care. The Advisory Council, established by the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services and the N.H. Department of Education, is comprised of more than 50 child and family organizations and agencies across the state focused on improving mental health and addressing substance use disorders for children, youth, and their families. Through a network of resources and support, CSoC is youth and family-driven and community-based.