Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County is looking for residents of nearly any age who have an artistic flair or video-making chops to create original art or a video to promote the continuing importance of practicing COVID-19 safety.

County Executive David Coulter today announced the ‘Oakland Together’ Safety Video & Visual Art Contest as a way to encourage residents ages 10 and up to offer creative ways of sending the message that practices such as wearing face masks or social distancing continue to be critical components of fighting the pandemic.

“I know first-hand how creative and imaginative the residents of our county can be,” Coulter said. “This isn’t a new message, but it remains an important one. Wearing a face mask does make a difference in stopping the spread of the virus; washing your hands makes a difference and so does social distancing. You’ve heard me say it many times. I’m certain there are a lot of creative minds out there who can deliver the message that COVID-19 is still with us and it will take all of us working as Oakland Together to beat this insidious virus.”

The contest has two ages divisions: 10-17 and 18 and above; and video or visual arts/2D categories for each. There is no limit to the number of times a person may enter but each entry must be done separately. Entry deadline is July 20 at 11:59 p.m.

The contest is open to original artwork submitted by the original creator, including but not limited to video, painting, drawing, photography, illustration and printmaking.

Artwork should promote and encourage COVID safety, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state of Michigan protocols.

A panel of judges will select the top three entries from each age group and category. Criteria include creativity, overall artistic impact in communicating safety during COVID-19 and the skill in mastering of the chosen medium.

Coulter will announce the finalists on July 28, whose creations will then be displayed online for a vote by the public to determine the order of finish. The winning entries will be considered for a virtual exhibit on OakGov.com, the county’s website and featured on Oakland County’s social media accounts and promoted in OaklandCountyProsper.com, the county’s biweekly electronic newsletter. They will also be considered for use in upcoming public service announcements. The artists will be given credit if their creations are used.

The contest is only open to residents of Oakland County. A complete list of rules and details on how to enter the contest are found at www.oakgov.com/covid/contests.