We’re huge fans of the citywide Culture Shapers Art Contest that is held annually in Houston, TX. High school student artists have the opportunity to compete for nearly $100,000 in cash prizes, which makes this art contest for teens one of the largest art contests in the country, as far as we’re aware.

It’s even bigger than the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s art contest (which has garnered complaints about how little of the funds they raise actually go to the students).

The 2006 Culture Shapers art contest for students features seven categories… drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, electronic media, film and sculpture! Culture Shapers awards a Grand Prize of $5,000 in each of the seven categories, plus they award all the way through 10th place! That’s right… even if you place 10th in a category, you still win cash prizes!

Also, check out their performing arts contest for young singers, called Young Voices of Houston! This monthly competition features up to 12 talented young singers who compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to win even bigger money from the annual FINAL competition. Come hear some of the finest young singers in Houston!

For more about Culture Shapers and how YOU can help support young artists, visit: www.cultureshapers.com, call 281.444.5484 to talk with Shawn, or email me at ‘kay@cultureshapers.com’.