Welcome to the dismantle. Contest:
Creating a World Without Isms Through Art
Attention: high school students nationwide
(US only)
Competition Awards $1,000 Prizes to Young Leaders Who Challenge Systems of Oppression Through Visual Art, Music, Essay, Story, Poetry, Video, Photography, and Other Creative Forms
Deadline for Submission
High school submissions are due by April 10, 2023.
Enter the dismantle. contest to address how patriarchy, racism, sexism, genderism or any other Isms impact your life, your community, the world. How might we dismantle. – take apart, break into pieces, deconstruct them? What would it take? How would YOU do it?
Thank you for your interest in dismantle.
We are no longer accepting entries. Please stay tuned as we review the submissions.
Be as creative as possible.
Nationwide, youth are calling for a change in the systems that continue to fail us. We have seen the resurgence of white supremacy, state-sanctioned violence on marginalized communities, and the organized efforts of politicians and lawmakers to disempower and erase trans and nonbinary young folx. These systems are not broken. They were designed to operate as they are with the purpose of keeping marginalized groups in a constant struggle for survival.
Some of those systems are –
Patriarchy
[ pey-tree-ahrkee ]
One of the most influential systems of power in our society that centers, privileges, and prioritizes masculinity and/or cisgendered men. Patriarchy is practiced systematically in the ways and methods through which power is distributed in society (jobs and positions of power given to men in government, policy, criminal justice, etc.) while also influencing how we interact with one another interpersonally (gender expectations, sexual dynamics, space taking, etc.).
Racism
Anti-Blackness
A two-part formation that both voids Blackness of value while systematically marginalizing Black people and their issues. A term used to describe the unique discrimination, violence, and harms imposed on and impacting Black people specifically.
Sexism
The Gender Binary
White Supremacy Culture
Tell us, how would you dismantle. the isms?
Bring your creative voice to this contest! Tell us through whatever innovative method reflects your project, and you might win an award for your idea. Submissions include essays, poetry, music, art, photography, film, and more!
Think about how the concept of how these systems and structures shape our lives. How do they impact you and your peers, your family? In what ways could youth today dismantle these structures? How can you use your art to educate and inspire youth to create a better future? A better world? What would a world free of these structures look like for traditionally marginalized and excluded folx?
- Experiment. Think outside the box.
- Break down these systems and show us what a better world looks like. How would you educate your friends, family, and community about these systems?
- Articulate your vision using all the creative tools at your disposal. What does your artwork say about how to dismantle these oppressive structures?
Thank you for your interest in dismantle.
We are no longer accepting entries. Please stay tuned as we review the submissions.
What is the dismantle. Contest?

Mission
To create a platform that supports young people as they create a cultural shift that begins to dismantle. isms and the negative ways in which they impact our lives, our communities, and our world.
Vision
Values
What are Isms?
About
Young Adult Council
The Young Adult Council is composed of a group of young leaders from A Call To Men’s Youth ACT! (Actively Committed To) and the Young Adult Advisory Board. These young leaders engage their peers and communities to promote healthy masculinity, healthy relationships, preventing gender-based violence, and creating a better world for ALL women, girls and those in the margins of the margins. The Young Adult Council will review all eligible submissions and select the 10 high school winners for this year’s Dismantle art contest.
Want to get involved/support the dismantle. contest?
Join the contest
Registration is closed.