Celebrate the Arts Writing Contest

Writers, channel your imagination and share your talents with this 13th annual contest for all ages!

Enter your original work in any genre for a chance to showcase your creativity in the community newspaper, ThisWeek Westerville News & Public Opinion. All entries will be published in a professionally bound compilation book. Finalists will be honored at a reception among peers on Sunday, April 28.

Be creative and have fun! Submissions accepted from January 2 through March 1, 2019.

About the Contest

Sponsored by the Friends of the Westerville Public Library and ThisWeek Westerville News & Public Opinion. In partnership with The Arts Council of Westerville and Westerville Public Library, this contest is one of many events organized by the Arts Council to mark April as "Celebrate the Arts" month in Westerville.

Guidelines for 2019

• An entry may be in any genre (short story, poem, etc.) and on any topic. Artwork is not considered. Every entry must have a title.
• Electronically submitted entries are preferred and need to be in a Microsoft Word, 8 1/2 by 11 portrait.
• No more than 800 words may be submitted by an author. If more than one entry is submitted, total words may not exceed 800.
• No out-of-state submissions will be accepted.
• Entries containing wording or themes inappropriate for presentation to all ages will not be accepted.
• Those affiliated with sponsoring organizations are not eligible.
• Submissions will not be returned.
• Email submissions to artscouncilwesterville@gmail.com. Or deliver your work to the desk in the children's area at the Westerville Public Library.
• Entry deadline is Friday, March 1, 2019 at 9pm.

Entries must be submitted according to the author's grade/age level:

• Students, Grades K-2
• Students, Grades 3-5
• Students, Grades 6-8
• Students, Grades 9-12
• Adults, Ages 18+

Entries must include the following information about the author:

• Author's name
• Address
• Email
• Phone
• Grade/Age Level

Attention: Teachers, we must have student contact information for entry to be considered.

Awards Reception & Published Works

• Winners will be contacted the first week in April. 
• Winners will receive their prizes and be invited to read from their work at a reception for family and friends. The Awards Reception will be held on Sunday, April 28 at the Westerville Public Library. Readings will be held at 2pm for Grades K-5 and 3pm for Grades 6-Adult.
• 1st place finishers for each level will be published in the local community newspaper, the ThisWeek Westerville News & Public Opinion (print version) in April. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention entries will be published online. Note: Entries are subject to being excerpted due to length or not published due to innappropriate content.
• All contest entries will be published in a professionally bound book available for purchase through Lulu.com and available for checkout at the library. Winners will receive a complimentary copy. The Arts Council reserves the right to exclude an entry from the Lulu book.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Tamara M.