Drive-Through Book Giveaway Kicks Off Annual Student Art Contest

CUTLER BAY, FL — All Kids Included, a program of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, hosts a drive-through giveaway of the book “I Believe I Can” Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. to kick off its 2021 districtwide student visual art competition. The event, held at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center located at 10950 SW 211 Street in Cutler Bay, is free and open to the public.

The theme of the 2021 art contest, "Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Empowerment," is inspired by the book “I Believe I Can,” which was written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo. “I Believe I Can” is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background and ability to love and believe in themselves. The poetic text and beautiful illustrations are an uplifting tribute to the limitless potential of all boys and girls to dream big and achieve their full potential.

The All Kids Included student art competition is held every year in conjunction with the All Kids Included Family Arts Festival, an annual interdisciplinary community arts festival for children and families with or without disabilities. The art contest is open to all Miami-Dade students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Student artists are invited to submit original artwork depicting the competition’s theme, "Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Empowerment," and are asked to draw on the book for inspiration.

Submissions are being accepted through Miami-Dade County Public Schools art teachers. Individual students can submit their artwork directly at any Miami-Dade Public Library System branch. The 2021 art competition deadline is Monday, Feb. 1. Contest forms and details can be found here.

The All Kids Included initiative promotes inclusive arts and cultural programs in school settings and throughout the community enabling kids of all abilities and their families to participate fully in the arts. It continually raises the bar with excellence in programming that demonstrates and promotes the benefit and importance of inclusionary arts and cultural programs for children and youth. The program is an initiative of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County mayor and commissioners, and, in part, through grant funding provided by The Children’s Trust. The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.