OXNARD — OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, is hosting a student video competition as part of the nonprofit’s COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Campaign. The competition will challenge young creatives to create educational and promotional videos that encourage Ventura County residents to get vaccinated against COVID. Winners will receive a 1st place prize of $350 cash, 2nd place will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, and 3rd place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
The County of Ventura has partnered with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide grant funding to OPAC and other community-based organizations, known as the Complete Reach Committee, to increase vaccination against COVID-19. Currently, 69% of County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Ventura County’s goal is to raise that percentage to the ’80s with the help of the Complete Reach Committee. According to the committee, “Each vaccinated person acts as a barrier to slow or prevent the virus from continuing the spread. Our entire community benefits from a high vaccination coverage, especially those who are most at risk and vulnerable.”
“OPAC is utilizing the arts to communicate the importance of vaccines. We’re honored to commission local artists, including youth, to help us in these efforts. Arts organizations and artists have been particularly impacted by COVID. Employing our creatives is a win-win. ” says Carolyn Merino Mullin, OPAC’s Executive Director.
The student video competition is open to all students interested in using their creativity and filmmaking skills to help protect their community. Entries should be 30-60 seconds in length, visually captivating, and educational. Entries that are bilingual or subtitled are a plus! OPAC will showcase entries on social media and upcoming events.
Other ways that OPAC is engaging artists for the cause:
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2 posters designed by printmaker Cesar Aldana and graphic designer Andrea Mendoza
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A kid’s coloring book designed by visual artists Sophie Nguyen, Ilien Tolteca, and Violet Watterson
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5 short videos by filmmakers Aurelio O’Campo, Arcelia Martinez, Christian Ramirez, and Crystal Lopez
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Family Night on Sunday, July 25 from 4-7pm where families can enjoy entertainment, activities, and a vaccination pop-up clinic
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A Vaccine-themed Car Cruise with Viejitos Car Club and more!
Information about OPAC’s vaccine campaign, as well as the application to enter the student video competition, can be found on OPAC’s vaccine campaign webpage. The deadline for video submissions is Thursday, July 22nd, at 11:59 pm.
OPAC’s Vaccine campaign website:
https://www.oxnardperformingarts.com/vax-campaign.html
Information about COVID-19 vaccination in Ventura County: