L to R: National prizewinners: Evynn, Myla & Presley (8, 12 & 9); Regional Prize-BC: Maxime (12); Regional Prize-AB: Callum (10); Regional Prize-MB: Sheldon (10); Regional Prize-ON: Murray (9)
In celebration of National Child Day, the CHILD Cohort Study is proud to announce the 2021 CHILD Arts Contest winners – meet them and see their work here.
The contest elicited a tremendous creative response from Study participants, spanning many forms of artistic expression. Kids from accross the country submitted their creations about the Study, its discoveries and their experiences as Study participants. Submissions were received from participants ranging in age from 3 to 14 years old at all four Study sites across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Manitoba and Toronto).
The 2021 Arts Contest welcomed artwork in any form, and invited entries not just from core CHILD cohort members, but also from any family members participating in CHILD’s COVID-19 add-on study.
The submissions demonstrated a stunning variety of artistic approaches: animated and TiKTok videos, constructions in Lego and modelling clay, needlework in sheep’s wool, Rainbow Loom weaving, a complete illustrated book, and many drawings using different media and styles.
Out of this abundance, a pan-Canadian panel of judges managed to select 20 finalists, and then five top prize-winners.
The judges, drawn from across sectors – broadcast journalism, government health services, community organizations, youth advocacy – share a commitment to children’s wellbeing and a connection to CHILD.
“The creativity and talent shown in the work was exceptional,” says judge Deb McNeil (Scientific Director of Alberta Health Services). “As a whole, all of the artwork demonstrates both the tangible and long-term intangible benefits of the CHILD study for the participants.”
“Having the opportunity to be a CHILD 2021 Arts Contest judge was a great experience,” comments judge Tricia Zakaria (PHE Canada). “It was wonderful to see the creativity and engagement of children and youth across the country! The empowering, positive, and motivational messages shared by children and youth were truly inspiring.”
Congratulations to the prizewinners, to all the kids who submitted their wonderful art, and to all the CHILD families whose commitment to the Study is helping kids to live healthier lives.
View the winners’ gallery | Meet the judges | See all the artwork