Toyota USA is continuously preparing for the future of mobility—and the Plano-based automotive manufacturer believes that future could lie with our children.
Designed to inspire creativity, the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest invites kids to imagine their ideal vehicle and put pen (or crayon or paint) to paper. The intent is to spread the idea that “the dreams that you imagine have the power to change your future.”
The contest was first launched in 2004 by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, and encouraged children from around the world to participate. Since, as many as 6.2 million kids have gotten involved, according to Toyota.
Today, the contest is held on a national and regional basis. Some 90 countries now hold their own rendition with the same rules, but different submission periods. This year marks the tenth annual Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest. It opens today, November 16, and closes January 31, 2021.
Toyota USA has now put out a call for submissions. Youth aged 4-15 can send in original artwork in three age categories—4-7 years old, 8-11 years old, and 12-15 years old—using any standard drawing medium. It must be accompanied by an entry form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Grace Sun with her Jellyfish Car [Photo: Courtesy Toyota]
It’s then judged in three categories of execution, uniqueness, and artistry of concept.
Nine winners, three from each age category, will be chosen from the U.S. and announced during March 2021. They will all receive a Toyota MasterCard Reward Card equipped with $750 per Gold Award U.S. Winner, $500 per Silver Award U.S. Winner, and $250 per Bronze Award U.S. Winner.
Among last year’s winners were two sisters, Grace and Lynn Sun, who took varying artistic approaches applicable to their individual interests. Nine-year-old Grace went with The Jellyfish Car, inspired by her love of fantasy and fictional stories, while eleven-year-old Lynn sketched The Eco Car, which was inspired by everyday objects.
For interested applicants, here’s a little hint from Toyota: “protecting the environment and imagining a better world are prominent themes among many of the award-winning car designs.”
To learn more about the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest, go here. To explore a full list of past winners and finalists, go here.
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