The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” invites artists to submit exciting out-of-the-box ideas to be considered for our “Wild Idea” competition in both adult and youth categories.

We are seeking ideas that reconnect urban residents with nature and raise awareness of urban birds and greening through the arts.  Ideas might include activities, music, dance, installations, masks, garden art, exhibits, messages, etc, and must involve the public at Celebrate Urban Birds events.

The top wild idea will receive $500.

The selected idea in the youth category will receive $50.

Celebrate Urban Birds is a citizen science project that can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime, at no cost. Participants receive a free, bilingual, colorful kit with everything needed to watch birds for science. Since our launch in May 2007 we have distributed 12,000 kits and partnered with 1,000 organizations. We encourage organizations and individuals to hold Celebrate Urban Birds events combining the arts and sciences throughout the continent. Some “events” are small and involve only one person watching birds for 10 minutes while other events involve entire communities in the creation of murals, giant cardboard birds, scavenger hunts, data collection, native habitat restoration, gardening for birds, and much more. We are looking for art ideas to share with participants and group leaders.

Requirements:

•  Ideas must combine the arts and birds
• Ideas must be simple/easy to duplicate and involve the public
•  Activity must be easily done by group leaders at public events
• Art must bring attention to urban birds (see bird guide) 
• Even better if ideas involve gardening for birds in cities
   

The top five WILD IDEAS for Celebrate Urban Birds and templates/artwork will be promoted on our web site and at “Celebrate Urban Birds!” events in cities throughout the continent.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will have full, non-exclusive rights to use the images to promote the Lab’s programs or projects, but the artist will retain the original art and all rights.

Please submit ideas and sample art pieces (if desired) electronically or via postal mail (don’t send originals please— artwork cannot be returned) by March 31, 2008 to:

Celebrate Urban Birds!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

urbanbirds@cornell.edu

Individuals from traditionally underserved communities are strongly encouraged to participate. Amateur artists and children are welcome.

For more information, please contact Celebrate Urban Birds: urbanbirds@cornell.edu

Download PDF of this announcement HERE.