We all know the power of music: it can make us smile and set our heart aflutter, or it can bring tears to our eyes. It’s the key component in setting a mood or enhancing a moment. As an art form, music communicates across language barriers and traverses cultural lines; it empowers individuals and fuels social movements. Music gives people a voice!

Well, we’d like to hear from you! Enter our We’re Listening contest by submitting either a piece of artwork or a short essay.  Here are the details:

THEME: How does music make the world a better place?

CATEGORIES:

1. Kindergarten to Grade 2
2. Grades 3 – 5
3. Grades 6 – 8

The winning entries in each category will be awarded with a prize, and the grand prize winner will win a set of Music-themed books for his or her school!!

GUIDELINES:

Artwork must be created individually, and should be an original drawing or painting.

Original essays, composed individually, should be no longer than two typed pages, double spaced.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Submit ESSAY entries to cultural@state.gov.
Send ART entries to:

Cultural Affairs Officer
Public Affairs
P.O. Box 866, Station B
Ottawa, ON, K1P 5T1

The deadline to enter is February 15, 2011.

We’re looking forward to seeing what you come up with!!!