Artists across Cleveland are invited to enter the Cleveland Sews “Design the Vote” contest by submitting original artwork that inspires civic engagement and promotes democratic participation.

Community members will have the chance to vote on the winning design, which Cleveland Sews will print onto tote bags to give away at voter outreach and other community events. 

Cleveland Sews is an education and workforce sewing program that uses upcycled materials to teach the trade and create opportunities for people in Cuyahoga County.

The contest-winning designer will get $500, plus the opportunity to have their work seen around the city on reusable bags. Second- and third-place winners will receive $250 and have their designs featured during Cleveland Sews’ live screenprinting demonstrations at events.  

“The art contest is sort of a microcosm of common purpose,” Sharie Renee, founder and director of Cleveland Sews, explained, “a way to practice civic culture and life.… The winner is voted on by the community through a democratic process.” 

Cleveland Sews design contest
Credit: Sharie Renee

Everyone who votes for the winning design will also receive the newly designed tote bag for free.

Designs can have up to four colors and must meet specific size and file requirements listed on the contest page. A one-color version of the design must also be submitted. 

“After the winners are selected,” Renee said, “we will be practicing another democratic engagement tool we call ‘social manufacturing’ where we are printing bags in community with the artist’s art and giving them away county-wide at various events, creating a civic place for participation.” 

The contest is open to everyone countywide. Renee said Cleveland Sews is working with the Cuyahoga County jail to allow incarcerated individuals to participate, as well as youth in crisis residential facilities. 

Renee mentioned one submission, titled “Dandelions through the Pavement,” from a transgender person whose entry, Renee said, “speaks to the importance of this work and the beauty of this contest.” 

The deadline to submit artwork is Sept. 9. Voting online begins on Sept. 11. 

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I create audio stories meant to engage and inform people in a way that pushes beyond media stereotypes. I aim to build trust between local media and the community, striving to teach people “how” to think about life in Cleveland, not “what” to think.