Beyond the guidelines below, you are limited only by your imagination. Consider thinking outside the confines of a traditional monument, and design a memorial that addresses the past and present conditions of our university.
Content
The submitted poster should be accompanied by a manifesto (see below) that serves as either an abstract supplement or a scholarly explanation of your design. The following ideas are not meant to hinder or restrict the creative process. They are mere general thoughts which should be considered within the context of competition submissions. Additionally, the section entitled Relevant Documents may provide further background on the broader issues surrounding the legacy of slavery at UVA.
- Contemplation: The submitted designs should be the vehicle of expression for the contemplation of enslaved labor at UVA, construction of the University, social inequalities, and/or history.
- Learning: Without understanding the history and complex relations that slavery has created, one cannot appropriately commemorate it. Education about the role of slavery in the history of the University, via the memorial is an integral facet of the competition.
- Site: There is no recommended physical site. Because this is an “ideas” competition, the conceptual quality is more important than structural detail. Competitors are encouraged to choose a location that is prominent, appropriate, and meaningful. Various possibilities and suggestions for a site can be found in notes from focus groups (see Important Materials section).
- Historic authenticity: The memorial submission could evoke a sense of historical significance and authenticity. Historical authenticity or significance can be evoked through the inclusion of actual artifacts or through a particular location.
Poster:
Designs ideas and drawings should be presented on a 24 x 36 poster. All plans, blueprints, drawings, or other representations of the design should be confined to that space.
*Please indicate on the registration form whether you may require financial assistance in printing.
Manifesto:
The Manifesto is a document that best explains the idea behind the memorial submission in written form. It should offer an explanation of the major goals and concepts that the submission conveys. The description should clearly explain the project based on the content and goals of the competition. This document can be either a .doc file or in .pdf format, and must be between 500-1000 words. The manifesto can either be an opportunity for a literal explanation, or a platform for written expression through poetry, and other forms of creative writing. The manifesto is ideally the foundation of the overall submission to the competition. The manifesto should offer a clear explanation of the project so the jurors can understand the idea behind the submission. In addition to submitting a hard copy of your manifesto with the poster, a second electronic copy must be mailed to memorialforenslavedlaborers@gmail.com
Submission Instructions:
All items must be submitted by March 1, 2011. All items submitted must be labeled with the competition ID number. In order to ensure impartiality, do not include your name on any submitted items.
All submissions will be delivered to the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at:
UVA MEL Competition Institute for Environmental Negotiation University of Virginia 104 Emmet St. North, Charlottesville, VA 22903- If you are not registered for the competition, do not submit materials to the above address. Only those who have a Competition ID Number will be considered for judging!!
Please submit:
- A Written manifesto of 500 to 1000 words. Please submit this as either a word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF. Label written component as: Competition ID Number (number above) _ MANIFESTO. This must be emailed to memorialforenslavedlaborers@gmail.com, along with submitting a paper copy with the poster.
- A 24 X 36 poster of the design. If you used a digital program to construct your design, we kindly ask that you save the file in a .jpg or a .pdf format and email it to memorialforenslavedlaborers@gmail.com. (This is in addition to submitting a hard copy of the design to the address above) Furthermore, instructions and resources for printing shall be provided at a later date to registered students.
After designs are submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to you once your design is received. If you do not receive any confirmation within seven days, notify us. Please DO NOT inquire prior to seven days.
Judging Criteria
The judges will consider each project based on the content as well as the following:
• Creativity: The originality and strength of the design.
• Response to Content: How well the design addresses contemplation, learning, site, authenticity, discourse, memory, and identity.
The top tier designs that best fulfill the judging criteria, objectives, mission statement, and content will be asked to present at the Memorizing our Past, Framing Our Future symposium in Spring 2011. Allocation of entries, will be determined as space permits.
Prizes
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three designs as follows
First Place……………………………………………………. $250
Second Place………………………………………………….$150
Third Place…………………………………………………….$100
Preserving Our Past, Framing Our Future 