Knowledge is an Art Form

Knowledge is an Art Form is an art competition that uses artistic talent to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation in the community. Artists are invited to create work in any visual medium that communicates the impact vaccines have had throughout history, provides accurate information about vaccine function, and addresses concerns behind vaccine hesitancy. The competition is funded by the CDC Foundation and is one of only 30 such projects supported nationally.

The competition takes place in two rounds. Round 1 requires submission of artwork proposals (up to 10 images and 1 video). Artists must view the Knowledge is an Art Form Kickoff Meeting recording prior to submitting. Proposals will be juried based on scientific accuracy and artistic excellence. Up to 20 finalists will be selected to advance to Round 2. All finalists must be artists who live or work in the Hampton Roads region (within 50 miles of 809 Brandon Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517). Participants under 18 require parental consent.

Round 2 finalists will each receive $500 to create their piece, with approximately 5 weeks for completion. All finalists must sign work agreements prior to receiving payment, which grants the CDC Foundation a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the work. Four non-cash prizes will be awarded: Best in Show, Most Effective Communication of Scientific Subject Matter, Most Effective Communication of Social or Historical Subject Matter, and Best Use of Medium. Both rounds are juried by medical and scientific experts and regional artistic leaders. Completed pieces should be travel-ready as they will be exhibited throughout Hampton Roads.