Student Earth Day Competition
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Creative Arts Program
Discover Usolec Company's commitment to sustainability through our ongoing creative arts program. Engaging students through art, music, film, and fashion, we aim to inspire climate action, community involvement, and social change. Our program provides a toolkit for students anywhere to mirror the create arts competition and make a positive impact on the world.
Creative Arts & Climate Action Competition – Student Overview
What Is the Creative Arts Climate Action Competition?
The Creative Arts & Climate Action Competition is a student-centered initiative created to amplify student voices through art, music, film, writing, performance, and creative storytelling in response to the climate challenges of our time.
This competition invites students to explore, interpret, and communicate climate action through creative expression — helping communities witness what we are facing, imagine solutions, and inspire meaningful action.
Students are encouraged to use their creativity not only as self-expression, but as a tool for awareness, dialogue, and change.
Who Can Participate?
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The competition is open to currently enrolled Southern Oregon University students
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Students from all majors and disciplines are welcome
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Individual and collaborative submissions are accepted (unless otherwise noted by category)
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No prior professional experience is required — this competition values authentic student voices
Participation is free for students.
What you can submit
Students may submit original work in one or more of the following creative categories:
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Visual Art (painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography, digital art)
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Music (original compositions, songwriting, instrumental or vocal works)
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Film & Video (short films, documentaries, experimental video, animation)
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Performance (theatre, dance, spoken word, interdisciplinary performance)
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Fashion & Design (sustainable fashion, wearable art, design concepts)
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Digital Storytelling & Multimedia (interactive media, audio storytelling, emerging formats)
All submissions must be original student work created by the submitting student(s).
Climate Action Focus
Submitted works must meaningfully engage with the Earth Day theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.”
This theme emphasizes:
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Renewable energy and sustainable solutions
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Collective responsibility and community action
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Environmental justice and equity
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The relationship between people, planet, and future generations
Students may interpret the theme creatively and broadly. Works may explore:
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Personal or community experiences with climate change
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Climate solutions, resilience, or hope
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Systems, structures, or stories connected to environmental impact
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Emotional, cultural, or spiritual responses to the climate crisis
There is no single “correct” approach — originality, clarity of message, and creative integrity are valued.
Judging & Evaluation
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges with backgrounds in the arts, sustainability, and community leadership.
Works will be evaluated based on:
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Creative quality and originality
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Clarity and strength of the climate action message
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Alignment with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”
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Craft, effort, and thoughtful execution
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Overall impact and communication
Each category may have its own scoring rubric tailored to the medium.
Awards & Recognition
Winning submissions will receive:
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Cash prizes (amounts vary by placement)
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Public recognition during the Earth Day season
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Opportunities for in-person or online showcasing during Earth Day Week (April 22–26)
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Inclusion in competition materials and documentation
Beyond prizes, students gain:
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Portfolio-ready work
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Resume-building experience
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Public presentation and exhibition opportunities
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A platform to share their creative voice on climate action
Faculty Involvement (Optional)
Faculty participation is welcome but not required.
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Professors may choose to incorporate the competition into coursework or offer extra credit
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Students may submit independently, whether or not their work is connected to a class
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Faculty may support students as mentors, reviewers, or advisors at their discretion
What students get
This is for you if.....
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You care about the climate, sustainability, or social impact
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You want your creative work to reach beyond the classroom
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You're interested in using art as a form of activism or storytelling
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You want to be part of something progressive, collaborative, and forward-thinking
Your Creativity has Power. Your Perspective Matters. This is your invitation to help shape the future.
How to Participate
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Review the submission guidelines for your category
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Create original work aligned with the competition theme
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Submit your entry through the official Student Competition Submission Form by the deadline
Questions are always welcome.
Meet Our Competition Judges
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
We are honored to be joined by a diverse panel of artists, educators, sustainability professionals, and community leaders who bring a wide range of creative, academic, and lived experience to the Creative Arts for Climate Action Competition. Our judges share a commitment to environmental responsibility and creative expression, and they will evaluate student work using a structured rubric aligned with the Earth Day 2026 theme, Our Power. Our Planet. We are grateful for their time, insight, and dedication to uplifting student voices and creative approaches to climate action.
Empower Creativity
Make Impactful Change
Engage in a transformative journey with Usolec Company. This platform offers more than just submissions; it's an opportunity to unleash your creativity and make a real difference. In a world where climate change can be overwhelming, we believe that the arts serve as a powerful bridge to inspire action and drive positive impact. Join us in redefining consultancy through innovation and imagination.
