BECAUSE THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION IS UNDERSTANDING

For decades, Sister Cities International has leveraged the power that art has to transform societies and transcend cultural boundaries through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, or YAAS. The Showcase has given youth worldwide the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Chair Rachel Malone and her committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

Congratulations to all the artists and authors who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classic)

• 1st Place: Caya Crum, Paschal High School – “Water is a Human Right”
• 2nd Place: Juliet Anaya, Northside High School – “Soften Downcast” 
• 3rd Place: Dorian Levya, Western Hills High School – “In Their Shoes”
• Honorable Mention: Divya Patel, Westlake Academy – “Nature’s Tear”
• Honorable Mention: Lucia Payton, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA – “Water is the World’s Blood”

Artists (digital)

• 1st Place: Hudson Finley, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – “Strawberry Banana”
• 2nd Place: Pastel, Westlake Academy – “Sustainability Starts with Us” 

Authors & Poets

• 1st Place: Bronwyn Logan, Crowley High School – “Water is Life”
• 2nd Place: Celia Miller Pitt, Young Women’s Leadership Academy – “Funeral March”
• 3rd Place: Henry Hamilton, Trinity Valley School – “Lacking Water”

Photographers

• 1st Place: Elise Ledford, Stripling Middle School – “Precious Resource”

Musicians

• 1st Place: Ruby Meza, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA – “A Droplet’s Journey”
• 2nd Place: Jazmine Peoples, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA – “Tropical Dance”

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 21, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 20th Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards will be held Nov. 11, 2021 at the River Ranch Stockyards. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Dr. Rachael and Carlo Capua are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities celebrates its first sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Global Awards will also be presented to individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability and international commerce in the following categories.

Jerry Boonyaratanakornkit and Rich Petronis – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. This is a new award created to recognize a trail-blazing business based on their vision to achieve their goals and to promote Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships and establishing global connections to provide understanding of other cultures.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD. This award recognizes organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives. Last year’s awardee was the Links, Inc.

The Kimbell Art Museum – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD. Awarded last year to Cook Children’s Health Care System, this award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD. This award is based on an individual’s role in promoting Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships, and establishing connections, particularly in the areas of business, culture, education, immigration, and tourism. Past honorees include: 2015 Recipient: U. S. Congresswoman Kay Granger 2017 Recipient: Bob Jameson 2019 Recipient: Ross Perot, Jr.

Fort Worth, TX- Local student wins national photography award

Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings international attention to Fort Worth with its nine sister cities in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico since 1985.

This month local Fort Worth student Marissa Heckmann from I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA was announced as the third-place finalist in the photography category of the 2021 Young Artists and Authors Showcase held by Sister Cities International.

The YAAS has given youth from around the globe the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original artwork and literature. The 2021 showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by the theme “United in Hope.” Young artists and authors shared their vision of unity and highlighted the importance of hope and perseverance in both local and global communities to navigate these difficult times.

“Since its inception, youth have been submitting their inspiring artwork to the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. Every year, we are increasingly in awe of the youth’s work. This year’s entries are especially creative and expressive, exemplifying the theme in ways we never would have imagined. We’re excited to share the next generation’s work with the world on our website” said Leroy Allala, Sister Cities International President and CEO.

In past years, Sister Cities International has sent the artwork on tour to several cities across the U.S. However, due to the pandemic, this year it will not be possible to do so. This year’s winners and finalists will have their work showcased on the Sister Cities International website, making it accessible for many to appreciate the artwork. Additionally, the artwork was displayed in an art gallery during the Youth Leadership Summit Public Forum on August 12, 2021.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “While international travel is limited, that doesn’t mean global relationship building can’t continue. We are so proud of Marissa’s creativity and her desire to make our world a better place.”

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for the production of the 35 Things in 35 Days social media campaign. The awards competition, which is open to over 500 sister city programs nationwide, recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and community sister city programs that are promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International was established on June 26, 1985, making the year of 2020 the organization’s 35th anniversary. Because meeting in person was not an option, 35 Things in 35 Days was born with the goal of educating the community about the cultures of Fort Worth’s sister cities and celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary through fun and informative videos. Starting 35 days prior to June 26, 2020, a new video was debuted each day live on Facebook featuring one of Fort Worth’s sister cities.

This project was a unique way to connect with supporters not just in Fort Worth, but all over the world. Volunteers and colleagues in Fort Worth and all nine of Fort Worth’s sister cities participated. Participants were able to stay involved by contributing their time and talents to the organization from home. They were energized when invited to participate and developed creative ways to engage with others from cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, tai chi classes, asparagus picking in France and more.

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2021 Annual Conference held virtually July 15-16.

Click here to watch the presentation of Fort Worth’s award by Sister Cities International President and CEO Leroy Allala.

Click here to watch the videos from 35 Things in 35 Days.