Design an original poster that creatively incorporates a significant quote from a banned book. Your poster should make a clear visual and thematic statement about censorship or freedom to read. Whether highlighting the historical impact of a long-challenged novel or showcasing a recent title that has sparked controversy, each poster should make a clear, compelling statement about why access to literature matters and how banned books continue to shape conversations around truth, identity, and justice.
Awards
Winning students will be notified by email and will have their work published on the NEHS Museletter blog. They will also receive a $50 check and an official award certificate.
Eligiblity
Applicants must be NEHS student members enrolled in a school with an active NEHS chapter.
Submission Requirements
- Students must submit an original poster design that celebrates Banned Book Week and creatively incorporates a significant quote from a banned book
- The poster can be hand-drawn on letter size paper 8.5 inches wide (216mm) by x 11 inches high (279 mm) or created digitally in the same proportions. If hand-drawn, the design must be scanned at high resolution for submission. Submissions must not be photographed.
- All designs must include:
- A significant quote from a banned book.
- A reference to the banned book.
- All submissions must be a high resolution PDF (300 dpi or more—the higher the better).
- Your digital file must be less than 400MB in size.
- All artwork used for the poster design must be created by the student (applicants cannot use existing artwork/graphics or AI to create their piece).
- Each submission must include a brief text (150 words max.) outlining the key elements of the design and the reasoning behind their inclusion as well as expressing a clear message or perspective on censorship, banned books, and/or the freedom to read.
Submission Process
- All submissions must be made via the NEHS AwardSpring platform during the Fall Awards Cycle.
- Individual student members must upload a high-resolution PDF (.pdf) file of their poster design. Covers uploaded in other formats will be disqualified.
- Each student member must submit a 150-word text synopsis outlining the key elements of the design and the reasoning behind their inclusion.
- Applicants must complete demographic data questions prior to submitting their documentation.
- All student members must include a 150-word (max.) third-person biography and high-resolution portrait photo.
- Applicants must agree that they are willing to provide a written report and photos detailing the impact the award has had on them, which can be used by NEHS to promote this and other opportunities in future years should they win an award.
Evaluation Process
All submissions will be evaluated by at least three members of the NEHS evaluation team.
All submissions will be evaluated against a rubric containing (but not limited to) the following categories:
- Creativity and originality
- Visual impact
- Relevance to symbolism, imagery/theme, quotes, etc.
- Integration of selected titles
- Rationale for the design
