Hope of Harmony

Speak Your Truth

In collaboration, Hope of Harmony and A.R.T.S proudly present the nationwide Speak Your Truth competition—an open call for creators of all ages to express their unique perspectives through art, music, writing, or photography. Winners in each category and division will be awarded certificates, with First Place receiving a $100 cash prize.

First place

$100cash prize + trophy
Speak Your Truth

About the Theme

What change do you want to see in the world? What injustice weighs on your heart? This year’s theme, Speak Your Truth, calls on artists, musicians, writers, and photographers to explore the issues that matter to them most.

Entries may respond to global issues like climate change, racial injustice, mental health, gender equity, poverty, or other topics that deserve awareness and action. The theme is intentionally broad—your truth is yours to define.

Participants are encouraged to explore and communicate their truths through various artistic disciplines, responding to the issues and experiences that matter most to them.

Categories

A young girl gathering flowers in a field
01

Visual Art

Submit original works in any visual medium—such as drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, digital art, or sculpture—that visually convey a message, idea, or issue you believe deserves attention. Each submission must be accompanied by a brief artist’s statement (up to 100 words) explaining the meaning or intention behind the piece.

Specific Guidelines

SYT: Visual Art

  • Take a picture of your work in natural daylight if possible (avoid direct sunlight or harsh shadows).
  • Use a plain, clean background (white, black, or neutral preferred).
  • Make sure the photo is in focus and not blurry.
  • Do not use filters, heavy color editing, or digital enhancements.
  • Do not trace or copy other artists’ work, including from books, the internet, or other media.
  • The use of AI is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
A violin resting on sheet music
02

Music

Record and submit original musical works in any style, including instrumental compositions, vocal pieces with lyrics, or other forms of musical expression. Your music should speak to a truth you want the world to hear. Each submission must include a brief statement (up to 100 words) describing the inspiration or message behind the piece.

Specific Guidelines

SYT: Music

  • Memorization of the music score is not required.
  • The video recording must not exceed 5 minutes.
  • Video must be in one continuous shot (no cuts, fades, or edits).
  • Record in a quiet environment free from background noise.
  • Ensure that the instrument and the performer’s face and hands are clearly visible at all times.
  • Live audio only (the use of sound effects, enhancements, overdubs are strictly prohibited).
A hand writing on paper
03

Writing

Submit original written work in any form, including poetry, short stories, personal essays, narratives, academic essays, or other creative or analytical writing (up to 1,500 words) that explores themes, experiences, or topics meaningful to you.

Specific Guidelines

SYT: Writing

  • All submissions must be original work by the author (plagiarism will result in disqualification).
  • Submission must not exceed 1,500 words.
A camera held in the photographer’s hands
04

Photography

Submit photographs—color or black and white—that capture a subject, moment, or scene reflecting a truth or issue that matters to you. Submissions may be symbolic, abstract, or direct in representation. Each entry must be accompanied by a brief artist’s statement (up to 100 words) explaining the significance or intention behind the image.

Specific Guidelines

SYT: Photography

  • All photos must be original work by the submitting photographer.
  • AI-generated or copyrighted images are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
  • Minimal retouching is allowed (i.e. exposure, contrast, color balance, etc…)

Divisions

Entries will be judged within their respective divisions to ensure fairness and age-appropriate evaluation.

  1. Junior DivisionGrades K–7
  2. Senior DivisionGrade 8 and above (open to all ages regardless of school enrollment)

Submission Guidelines

Speak Your Truth

  • All entries must be submitted through the official submission form.
  • Participants may submit multiple entries, either within the same category or across different categories.
  • All work must be original. Plagiarism of any kind will result in disqualification. Entries that are heavily influenced by the work of other artists (even without direct copying) will not be considered original. Additionally, we do not accept work created using AI tools or incorporating AI-generated content.
  • All judging decisions are final. Winners will be recognized within each category and division. First-place recipients will receive a $100 award and a trophy; second- and third-place recipients will receive a trophy.

Submission Deadline

Rolling Basis

Submit your work