Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC) presents our second annual "Inspire Oakland" graphic art project, co-sponsored by City of Oakland, YP.com, CBS Outdoor, Oaklandish, and Peralta Colleges.

Oakland Digital invites the local community to participate in a collaborative billboard contest. "Inspire Oakland" encourages interest in graphic design and information technologies through creative expression. The ultimate goal of this project is to promote a positive image of Oakland that unites and inspires its diverse population, while encouraging young talent to jumpstart their digital media careers.

Prizes:

• All participants will create a professional design for his/her portfolio.
• The top ten designs will be exhibited at (3) prominent Oakland events.
• The top four designs will be displayed on the digital billboard off Highway (CBS Outdoor).
• The grand prize winner’s design will be displayed on both the digital billboard (HWY 80) and a static billboard in Oakland, and publicly unveiled at Temescal Street Fair, June 5th, 2011.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 @ 11:59 p.m.

Email files to inspire@odalc.org – Questions? Call 510.435.2945

Guidelines:

• Artists should answer the question: "What about Oakland inspires YOU?"
• The billboard must include the words: "Inspire Oakland" and the URL: "www.odalc.org"
• Keep in mind, viewers will have 2-4 seconds to digest your design, keep it simple!
• Artists may submit (2) billboard designs, total; please submit original work only.
• Signed release forms are required for copyrighted images or materials. Release forms are also needed for "subjects," whether public or private citizens. Info@odalc.org to obtain a form.
• When creating your billboard, please remember that the winning designs may be reproduced and formatted to fit various media specifications; again, simple is better than complex!

Files required in e-mail submission ["LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME-FILE"]:

1. Inspire Oakland billboard design(s): 1224x792, 150dpi, .pdf format
2. Artist statement: one paragraph about your work; word or text format
3. Contact information: first/last name, phone number and e-mail; word or text format
4. Artist / self-portrait: 600 x 600 pixels, .pdf format

E-mail your submission with files attached to inspire@odalc.org by Wednesday, May 4th, 11:59 p.m.

If selected as a Top 10 Winner we will contact you; please supply accurate contact information.