HeARTwork Against Hate

The Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) partnered with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City in November to launch the first-ever “HeARTwork Against Hate” art contest for New York City youth.

The contest prompted young people between the ages of 10 and 18 to creatively express the positive values that make their city great while raising awareness about how everyone can stand against all forms of bias, discrimination, and hate.

Winning submissions were chosen by a panel of judges from OPHC, the Mayor’s Fund, and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and were awarded prize money. Their artwork was also shown across the city on Link NYC digital display kiosks and digital screens throughout the MTA system during the month of December.

First place and a prize of $500 went to 17-year-old William Fuentes from the High School of Art & Design. The second-place winner, 15-year-old Paula Kupin of Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, was awarded a $250 prize. Seventeen-year-old Yisneily Morales received the third place prize of $100.

Three young artists’ submissions were also recognized as Honorable Mentions and received $50 awards: Emaan Fatima, 14 (Brooklyn Technical High School); Aniyah Rodriguez, 12 (P.S./I.S. 119); and Alyccia Polynice, 12 (P.S./I.S. 208).

“The young people of New York City have been and will always be a source of inspiration on how we can fight against hate by honoring our values of diversity and respect,” said Deborah Lauter, Executive Director of OPHC. “Our communities thrive when we come together to stand up against bias and discrimination, and we’re grateful to these young artists for setting an example for the whole city.”