The Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with the Adobe Foundation, today launched an online video contest to amplify U.S. public diplomacy using web-based outreach campaigns and social media platforms.
The interactive Video Contest “My Culture + Your Culture=? Share your Story,” is expected to draw thousands of people worldwide to the new ECA social networking website http://connect.state.gov/. People all over the world ages 14 and older are invited to submit videos, no longer than three minutes in length, containing any form of artistic expression including, but not limited to, dance, spoken word, poetry, and song. This contest is a call for engagement and action. Videos will be judged on originality, creativity, effectiveness, and production quality. The contest is expected to be an annual event.
Four winners (two in each of the age categories: 14-17 years and 18+ years; one non U.S., one U.S.) will be selected. International winners will be eligible for a two-week all-expenses paid exchange trip to the United States; the American winners will receive the same to an overseas destination. Members of the ExchangesConnect international social network community will vote on their favorite top 40 video entries. A blue ribbon panel of judges of ECA alumni will review the final round of videos. The panel of judges includes:
• Toni Blackman – Musician, Performer and Writer (U.S. Cultural Envoy and The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad alumna);
• Fran Drescher – Actress; Founder, Cancer Schmancer Movement (American Public Diplomacy Envoy);
• Milton Glaser – Graphic Artist (Fulbright Program alumnus);
• Raafat Khalid – President, Cultural Civic Education Organization, Egypt (International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus);
• Bob Shaye – Founder and Former Co-Chairman, New Line Cinema; Principal UNIQUE FEATURES (Fulbright Program alumnus); and
• Bob Simon – CBS News Correspondent (Fulbright Program alumnus).
The contest is open to the general public worldwide and runs from December 1, 2008 through January 26, 2009. Employees and contractors of the U.S. Government, and their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, and spouse or “step” of each) and those living in the same household, are not eligible to enter the Contest.
Find more videos like this on ExchangesConnect Online Video Contest
this is so cool. i’m glad we are seeing more of these contest. as far as i know, epa’s radon contest was the first one and it’s set a good standard. plus this fits in perfectly with state’s mission. good luck!
Thanks so much. We’re really excited about this and the dialogue we’re hoping it will generate.