Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes Announces 'Heartwork Against Hate' Youth Art Contest Winners

December 7, 2020

Winning submissions to be showcased on digital displays across New York City

Visit nyc.gov/heartwork to view a gallery of winning submissions.

NEW YORK—The Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) today announced winning submissions from the inaugural “HeARTwork Against Hate” art contest.

Young artists from across the five boroughs between the ages of 10 and 18 shared their expressions of positive values that celebrate the City’s diversity and help promote unifying messages that take a stand against stereotypes, discrimination, and hate.

“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 the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “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.”

Thanks to a generous partnership with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, selected participants will receive prize money. Winners were selected by a panel of judges from the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.

The winning artwork will be shown across the city on digital displays in the Link NYC digital display kiosks and digital screens throughout the MTA system during the month of December.

“These works of art are examples of the promise that our city holds. With the visions of these artists propelling our city forward, we are sure to become an even more respectful, loving, and diverse community in the years to come,” said Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Deputy Executive Director of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. “We are honored to celebrate these young artists and the vital message their work sends to all New Yorkers.”

First Place, $500: William Fuentes, 17 (The High School of Art & Design)
Second Place, $250: Paula Kupin, 15 (Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts)
Third Place, $100: Yisneily Morales, 17 (Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School)

Three young artists’ submissions were also recognized as Honorable Mentions and will receive $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).

All winning submissions can be viewed at nyc.gov/heartwork.

For resources and more information about the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, visit nyc.gov/stophate.