Last fall, PAME (Performing Arts Master Classes and Events) and the Peoria Art Guild collaborated on a photography contest, asking middle and high school students to submit pictures showing what diversity and inclusion means to them. “Show us an image that highlights the richness that makes our society and our universe a beautiful, intriguing and inspiring place,” went the call for entry. “The beauty of being different!”

“We wanted to create consciousness highlighting the importance of diversity to show that it can mean different things to people given their diverse backgrounds and circumstances,” explains Carolina Huser of PAME. “Ultimately, we wanted to promote acceptance and appreciation of all communities regardless of race, religion, gender or disability, and through the arts it was a great way of having children expressing themselves.”

“The thought-provoking photos and statements from these young students gave me hope that there can be a more loving and unprejudiced world on the horizon,” adds Shannon Cox of the Peoria Art Guild. The campaign closed on November 8, 2019, with an event at the Guild showcasing the top 30 inspiring images.