Deadline Approaching for VisionGreenwood ‘s Statewide Artificial Intelligence (AI) Art Competition for 9 th -12 th Graders: Entries due by Wednesday, October 16
Greenwood, S.C. – (October 11, 2024) –VisionGreenwood, a community-driven organization focused on making Greenwood a thriving place to live, work, and grow, announces the second Artificial Intelligence (AI) High School Art Competition. Originally introduced by Lakelands Emerging Technology Council (LETC) as a unique creative challenge for local high school students, this year’s competition is open to students across South Carolina.
With AI technology at the heart of this initiative, students in grades 9-12 are tasked with creating original works of art using Midjourney, a leading AI art-generation platform. Themed “Emotion of Code,” the competition allows students to explore new frontiers in artistic expression by blending technology and creativity.
"AI has opened a new realm of possibilities for both innovation and creativity," said Kay Self, Executive Director of VisionGreenwood. "I can’t wait to see how these students interpret the theme and bring their vision to life using AI. Their work is a testament to how emerging technologies can fuel the imaginations of the next generation."
Jennifer Smith, Gallery & Marketing Director at The Arts Center of Greenwood, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "We’re thrilled to join forces with VisionGreenwood for this innovative competition. It’s a perfect way to inspire students to think outside the box, explore the possibilities of AI, and express their artistic voices in a new, tech-driven way."
“VisionGreenwood wants to thank our presenting sponsor, Comcast, as well as Greenwood Capital and Associates and the Arts Center of Greenwood for their support of the event,” added Self.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Click here for the detailed application form.
The AI-generated artwork created by South Carolina’s high school students will be on display at The Arts Center of Greenwood during a special public exhibition and reception on Saturday, October 19, in conjunction with the iMAGINE Lakelands STEAM Festival, which is designed to showcase PreK-12 education and career pathways in Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the reception beginning at noon, followed by the announcement of competition winners at 1:00 p.m. First, second, and third-place winners, along with the People’s Choice award, will receive cash prizes totaling $550.
As a prelude to the event, starting Friday evening, October 18, the AI-generated artworks will be projected onto various locations throughout Uptown Greenwood, offering the community a captivating glimpse into the creative efforts of the students.
"This competition gives our young people a unique platform to engage with cutting-edge technology in a way that’s both creative and meaningful,” Self remarked. "What excites me most is that this could be the start of something much bigger — something that extends beyond Greenwood and impacts the entire state, and maybe even the region."
About The Lakelands Emerging Technology Council
With a focus on emerging technology and innovation, VisionGreenwood established the Lakelands Emerging Technology Council (LETC) to bring opportunities to the Lakelands region. Recognizing the relevance and pace of evolving technology, the Lakelands Emerging Technology Council (LETC) helps connect, advance, and advocate for technological advancements in the Lakelands region.
Members of the LETC include:
• Brandon Smith, Mayor of Greenwood and Chairman, VisionGreenwood
• Kay Self, Executive Director, VisionGreenwood
• Charles Angel, President, Due West Robotics & Software Developer, Greenwood Genetic Center
• Les Brown, M.Ed., Director of Information Technology, Self Regional Healthcare
• Kevin Farren, Chief Information Officer, Greenwood Genetic Center
• Dennis Fassuliotis, South Carolina Blockchain, Inc.
• Abdallah Haddad, Chief Information & Technology Officer, Lander University
• Robert Matheson, Founder, NFT Museum, Newberry SC
• John R. McElligott, CEO, York Exponential
• Matt Wiggins, Dean – Workforce Innovation Division, Piedmont Technical College
About Vision Greenwood
VisionGreenwood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with deep roots in the Greenwood community. Throughout the past 20 years, VisionGreenwood (formerly known as the Foundation for a Greater Greenwood County, Inc.) has invested over $2.9 million into the community by supporting collaborative community development initiatives that provide economic prosperity and enhance the growth and success of Greenwood. The Foundation was originally created to support the former Greenwood Partnership Alliance's charitable operations with a focus on community and workforce development. The Foundation became a stand-alone organization in 2020 and was rebranded as VisionGreenwood in 2021. By intent and design, VisionGreenwood continues to be a community partner that is focused on Greenwood's future, economic growth and development, and quality of life. Learn more at www.visiongreenwood.org.