Application/Entry Information and Guidelines

• Participation as a performer, writer, composer, and/or exhibitor at the International Voices for Children Festival is by invitation. 

• Each applicant is required to submit specific samples of their art (for details please refer to your respective category) that will permit the Organizers to assess their quality.

• Application Fee:
  - Individuals: US$ 10 / applicant per category
  - Ensembles: US$ 10 / applicant per category
    up to a maximum of US$ 50 / ensemble per category.

• Applicants have a choice to compete for award ribbons (these will be presented at the final ceremony); those who choose to attend non-competitively shall receive a certificate of participation.

• The list of invitees will be announced by April 10, 2007.
  WCC will provide letters of invitation and support for selected artists to present, if applicable, with their US visa applications.

• Each invitee can be accompanied by one parent and his/her teacher or director.

• There is no charge for festival participation. However, everyone invited is responsible for making her/his own arrangements and paying for travel, hotel, meals, and other related expenses.

• A land package is available through Friendship Ambassadors Foundation - a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization. Call 1-800-526-2908 or email friendlyam@faf.org.

• Invitees who can come early for four days of pre-Festival rehearsals on June 19 - 22 may apply for one of the festival ensembles (chorus, dance, drumming, and theater). Festival ensembles will perform during the Festival
  (June 23 -25).

• Students selected for one of the Festival Ensembles will pay an additional US$ 100 each to help defray the cost of Pre-Festival Rehearsals.

• Those who cannot come early for pre-Festival ensemble rehearsals will be given opportunities to perform during the Festival (June 23 - 25).

• Exhibitions of winning entries in crafts, visual/fine arts, and creative writing, as well as performances for circus arts and performing arts winners will be scheduled in the Washington, DC area.

• Festival ensembles, and all competition winners will perform together in the Final Festival Concert. Tickets for the Awards Ceremony will be available at a discount for participants.

Requirements and Deadline

• Students who are 10 to 18 years old at the time of the Festival may apply.

•  All Crafts, Creative Writing, Music Compositions and Visual/Fine Arts entries must be original works and must relate to themes explored in the Peace Collage conversations and collage making.

• Each entry must be the work of only one child or teen or ensemble; Exception: Songs with lyrics (one composer and one lyricist)

• Entries in the Performing Arts categories must be new recordings and must be provided on CD or Cassette Tape (music applicants), VHS or DVD for other performers. VHS and DVDs must be formatted to work on US equipment.

• Mail applications / entries in time to arrive on or before April 7, 2007

Entry Requirements by Category

All applicants must also send
the following information:

1. One to two page narrative that includes biographical information and the reasons why you feel you should be invited to perform or exhibit at the International Vices for Children Festival. The information should focus on your training and experience.

2. Three letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals in your field who are familiar with your creative/artistic work

3. If available, copies of contest awards, newspaper reviews, magazine articles, etc.

4. A recent photo of student or ensemble.

5. Any other information/items that support the application.

6. Summary of Peace Collage conversations and one collage