We extend a huge THANK YOU to every child that participated in our 2020 Census Art Competition. These kiddos surely have learned about the importance of counting every kid and baby in the 2020 Census. Taking that education and making art is a benefit we all have the opportunity to enjoy!
Counting all Wisconsin kids is more important than ever. The long history of our society in ignoring the critical role of early childhood has led to the 0-5 years of age of being the most undercounted compared to any other age group in the past Census. This has led to inadequate federal and state funding for the field. And its shortage is critically felt during a moment of crisis like at the moment when we need to support essential workforce responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to know, “What does Wisconsin look like when EVERY kid is counted?”
We are proud to present the top 5 entries (in no particular order) created by children throughout Wisconsin, with the support of their families. Read on to learn more about each piece.
Layla, Age 10
1. How did you talk to your child about the Census and how did that help them create their artwork?
I helped Layla understand that in order for our government to know who needs support and where, that we needed an accurate account of everyone in our communities. I let her know that if EVERYONE is counted that EVERYONE can benefit from programs that make us healthier, safer, and happier.
2. How does your child describe their artwork depicting “What does Wisconsin look like when EVERY kid is counted?
Layla aimed to design an image of a strong community where no matter who you are, you are supported.
3. Did the pandemic have an impact on your child’s art or the opportunity to work on this project with you?
With Layla being quarantined with her family, she embraced the opportunity to focus her energy and talents into this art project. As her mom, I appreciated this contest to give kids like Layla a better appreciation for the census and why her classmates and their families should be counted and supported.
Remington Jane, Age 2
1. How did you talk to your child about the Census and how did that help them create their artwork?
We have chatted about the Census with her and told her the importance of Every Child being counted. She is pretty little but is very caring and loves other kiddos so I know it will be important to her as she gets older.
2. How does your child describe their artwork depicting “What does Wisconsin look like when EVERY kid is counted?
She calls her Artwork, “Her Mingo” (flamingo). Her favorite animal at the zoo is the flamingo so she was pretty excited to create this one.
3. Did the pandemic have an impact on your child’s art or the opportunity to work on this project with you?
Yes the pandemic definitely had an impact on this project as the zoo has been closed, this was a lot of fun for her to create something that represents her favorite animal while still not being able to go see them in person. Also, being at home has given us so much time to do fun projects like this and create lasting memories.
Phoebe, Age 9
1. How did you talk to your child about the Census and how did that help them create their artwork?
My daughter (Phoebe) said my explanation of the Census helped her come up with an idea of what to draw. I explained to her that the Census takes place every 10 years and that’s how local, regional and federal governments get information such as how many people of age, race, educational level [and many other things] live in each town, county, state and ultimately, the country as a whole.
2. How does your child describe their artwork depicting “What does Wisconsin look like when EVERY kid is counted?
Phoebe says: “My inspiration for my art was imagining that if one day in the future, each kid was counted, everyone could play together outside and include each other in their games. Especially since each one of us really does count because every person is special in some way.”
3. Did the pandemic have an impact on your child’s art or the opportunity to work on this project with you?
I would say the pandemic (thankfully) hasn’t really impacted our lives too negatively at this point. Phoebe has always loved to paint, draw and make crafts. (Doodling fashion designs is one of her fave ways to pass the time). However, I will admit that we are typically pretty busy in our “normal lives,” thus I am not sure if I would have noticed the art competition in time for Phoebe to participate pre-COVID.
Lucy, Age 9
1. How did you talk to your child about the Census and how did that help them create their artwork?
We talked about how kids and even babies are people too, and how they need to be counted so we know how many services for children our states needs to provide.
2. How does your child describe their artwork depicting “What does Wisconsin look like when EVERY kid is counted?
Lucy says her painting “… represents the joy of how kids matter, with a bonus of nature!”
3. Did the pandemic have an impact on your child’s art or the opportunity to work on this project with you?
Because of the stay-at-home order I was able to see Lucy go through several steps of creating her painting including struggles and successes. I think because she had more time to work on it she was able to do more planning and add thoughtful details.
Viola, Age 11
(waiting on response and will post shortly)
1. How did you talk to your child about the Census and how did that help them create their artwork?
2. How does your child describe their artwork depicting “What does Wisconsin look like when EVERY kid is counted?
3. Did the pandemic have an impact on your child’s art or the opportunity to work on this project with you?
Kids Forward extends a special THANK YOU to all of our wonderful and thoughtful artists. Your efforts to engage children in the importance of the 2020 Census were thoughtful, creative, and beautiful. Let’s make sure EVERY kid and baby is counted!