2026 First Annual SC Mosaic Arts Awards

Celebrate the vibrant talent and creative spirit thriving within our community

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Submission Deadline: January 30, 2026

Please include brief description of the submission and category being entered.

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Contest Criteria

Category 1: The Interdisciplinary Voice Award (Best Written Work)

This award celebrates excellence in written expression that demonstrates critical thinking, clear communication, and compelling creative or intellectual exploration. This category is for works that directly showcase the intellectual rigor of the Liberal Arts.

Criterion	Excellent (10 Points)	Good (5 Points)	Developing (1 Point)
Clarity & Argument/Theme	The central message, theme, or argument is profoundly clear, insightful, and supported with intellectual rigor.	The message/theme is evident and coherent, with adequate development and supporting ideas.	The message/theme is vague, simplistic, or obscured by confusing structure or expression.
Craft & Style	Writing demonstrates superior command of language, with sophisticated style, precise diction, and flawless mechanics (grammar, punctuation, etc.).	Writing is well-crafted with a clear voice; minor mechanical errors are non-distracting.	Numerous mechanical errors or an awkward style significantly impede clarity and flow.
Liberal Arts Connection	The work skillfully applies critical analysis, research, or complex humanistic concepts to create a truly transformative piece.	The work shows a connection to Liberal Arts skills like research or analysis in a straightforward manner.	The piece is purely narrative or descriptive, showing little evidence of critical thinking or intellectual depth.

Category 2: The Digital Narrative Award (Best Visual & Media Storytelling)

This award recognizes entries that use visual, audio, and digital mediums (video, social media art, photography, animation, etc.) to tell a story, express an idea, or convey a powerful perspective. This category highlights innovation and technical application.

Criterion	Excellent (10 Points)	Good (5 Points)	Developing (1 Point)
Creative Storytelling	The entry uses the chosen medium in highly original ways to convey a compelling and cohesive narrative or concept.	The narrative or concept is clear and engaging, and the medium is used appropriately to deliver the message.	The message is difficult to follow, or the entry is a collection of unrelated visuals/ideas.
Technical Execution	The quality of production (e.g., sound, editing, lighting, visual composition, design) is professional and flawless, significantly enhancing the work’s impact.	Production quality is solid and competent, with no major technical errors that distract the viewer.	Poor technical quality (e.g., blurry visuals, bad audio) detracts significantly from the work.
Audience Engagement	The entry is immediately captivating and leaves a strong, memorable impression on the audience.	The entry holds the audience’s attention but does not achieve a powerful or lasting impact.	The entry struggles to hold attention or is difficult to consume (too long, confusing, or unpolished).

Category 3: The Mosaic Cultural Expression Award (Most Diverse & Authentic Voice)

This award specifically honors the work in any eligible medium (music, art, essay, poetry, etc.) that most authentically and powerfully celebrates cultural diversity, inclusive excellence, or unique personal identity within the Schoolcraft community.

Criterion	Excellent (10 Points)	Good (5 Points)	Developing (1 Point)
Authenticity of Voice	The work features a distinct, confident, and deeply honest personal or cultural voice that resonates throughout the piece.	A personal or cultural voice is present and clear, though its expression may be somewhat reserved or generalized.	The work lacks a discernible voice or relies heavily on stereotypes or clichés.
Relevance to Inclusivity	The entry skillfully addresses, reflects, or celebrates diverse cultural perspectives or identity with sophistication and nuance.	The entry clearly relates to the theme of diversity or inclusivity in a direct, thoughtful manner.	The connection to diversity or cultural expression is weak, superficial, or unclear.
Emotional/Cultural Resonance	The work successfully evokes a strong emotional or intellectual connection to the unique experience being presented.	The work is generally appealing, but the emotional or cultural connection is not deeply felt.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact us:
Phone: 734-462-7322 | Email: [email protected]