XQ + For Freedoms Billboard Challenge
Win a billboard with your art. Show the power of student voice.
Be a bold voice for change
What big dreams do you have for the future of high school? We called on all students ages 13-21 to create a piece of visual art showing their vision for high school for the next generation. Their canvas? A 14’ x 48’ billboard. The prize? Seeing their art featured on a billboard in their community!
Students delivered. See who won.
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My name is Mac Moore. I am 15 years old. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a social justice activist and Black Lives Matter supporter. I believe in equality. I plan on becoming a filmmaker and makeup artist.
Mackenzie
Moore
Nia Patrice is a photographer, filmmaker and performing artist that attends a performing arts high school in Providence, RI. She works to amplify the voices of BIPOC individuals in her community as well as the world on her social platforms.
Nia
Patrice
“Dreams Grow Pretty Together” is about visibility and collectively putting our differences together to cultivate a growing and productive future and present. When we put our differences aside, we mute our identities and what makes us, us. All of our
Graduated
Art Academy of Cincinnati, OH
Duta
Dago
Our youth is very important, they paint the was for our future. Let’s make schools safe and make our youth have a good future.
Maddelin
Aguilar
Artist Statement
By: Ida Faye, Alonnie Stovall, Kelly Albeno
One time, we and a group of students went on a mini field trip around our school’s neighborhood to look at the surrounding murals and storm drains. We were discussing why
Ida,Alonnie,Kelly
Faye,Stovall,Albeno
I think that teaching about the effects of climate change and possible solutions to environmental issues in schools is key to facing global warming.
Caitlin
Mccabe
I created my design to advocate for students like myself who struggle with mental health. School may create or worsen issues that students have, which takes a toll on their school performance, social life, and well being. I often find
Devon
Vaillancourt
the point I am trying to get through with the underflow coming from the door Is that there is something very valuable behind the door. once you go through that door you might learn something that will get you somewhere
Zach
Bessette
I believe that art and culture should be incorporated into the education system more directly and holistically. Art and culture has the ability to bring people new experiences along with teaching them how to connect and relate to one and
Ryan
Murillo
I chose this statement because I believe that if you have an education that you value, then you can take that picture and go anywhere with it, much like a passport. I value my education just like I value my
jelani
jackson
People feel more safe and comfortable when they relate to art. I chose to hand draw mine, to foreshadow the pen and notepaper as highschool daily needs, and to not come off as aggressive. Instead to come off as easy
Temiloluwa
Odukoya
To me, my work means that we are all connected. We are all apart of each other and are traced back to one unifying place. It means togetherness amongst diversity and difference.
Carnegie Vanguard, TX
Tinsley
Collins
In the hands of our students is where our future holds. our students is the future, not only for education but for dealing with problems of life. Students today are equipped to transform our society, and driven by just they
Terrol
Marsh
The older I get the more I think of our posterities and what I would like to leave them and that’s why I created this piece. The idea for my piece came from everything that has happened this year specifically
Weedney
Exavier
My purpose for this design was to emphasize the importance of change in our school systems and its positive effects.
Anna
Simoes
My billboard’s intended meaning is on the sanitation and flat out erasure of history. This is displayed in the burning arch of books. The inside of the arch is occupied by a bunny, a possum, and a silhouetted fox. This
Cara
Gilliatt
I think that people should know that their education can change our world. I also think that people should know how big of an impact their education can make.
Michelle
Crowley
Hi, Im Naomi Thomas the maker of the billboard. The reason I put “Make our Tassels come with no hassle” is because I believe that the time we have in high school should not be stressful. We should graduate with
Naomi
Thomas
This design shows that students shodden feel pressure and anxiety in school. In school we should what we enjoy and what makes up happy not things that will gives us large amounts of anxiety of stress. A lot fo students
Bella
Lalli
Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.
Daniela
Canales
In viewing my piece, you may see 4 other works with the same quote. Art imitates life, life imitates art. This simple quote speaks to the volume of how we must view society as an intersectional playground, ensuring we see
Berkana
McDowell
The future of our state and country are in our classrooms right now so lets make school a enjoyable, yet successful place to learn.
Zachary
Loughlin
My billboard design represents how education is the key that helps us let go of learned closed-minded behaviors and educating ourselves or others in different aspects.
Gabriela
Castillo
In viewing my piece, you may see 4 other works with the same quote. Art imitates life, life imitates art. This simple quote speaks to the volume of how we must view society as an intersectional playground, ensuring we see
Berkana
McDowell
I chose to make my billboard about how the students are our future, and people need to listen to our voices. I really liked the colors black and red because the black helps the red pop out.
Connor Mullins
Mullins
In this art piece I decided to make it based on how kids/teens gain a lot of stress and get overwhelmed from the negative words they get called, I wanted to do this because not only do I want kids,
Mia
Morales
As students we should be able to have a voice and share our opinions about what is important and what needs to be acted upon within our schools to let us thrive.
I included cut-outs at the top and bottom
Kendra
Kirwin
My Billboard is about LGBTQ+ people being war survivors. For decades, maybe even centuries, members of the LBGTQ+ have been fighting for their rights and equality. After President Biden signed executive order protecting LGBT people from discrimination, the war mostly
Arlyn
Green
I made this billboard because I feel like students opinions should be taken into consideration a little more. Students should be able to have a say in what’s going on in an environment they’re in everyday. If a student is
Kaylee
Rodrigues
How much do we really know anymore? How much is just a search engine spitting results at us. As every year goes on, education becomes more and more reliant on technology, and this is a good thing at face value.
Twelfth Grade
The Met High School, RI
Adam
Salem
In viewing my piece, you may see 4 other works with the same quote. Art imitates life, life imitates art. This simple quote speaks to the volume of how we must view society as an intersectional playground, ensuring we see
Berkana
McDowell
As students we should be able to have a voice and share our opinions about what is important and what needs to be acted upon within our schools to let us thrive.
Kendra
Kirwin
My piece is about the choice you get for school. When high school is over and people are worrying about which College or University they want to attend, others are worrying about the rather or not they even want to
Kailey
Hebrock
The billboard is supposed catch the eye of people driving past. The billboards purpose is motivate students to go to school while hinting at the Rhode Island Department of Education. I used the idea of the ave because Rhode Island
Nick
Bodycoat
People should be able to choose their career path, and someone else shouldn’t choose it for you. Education matters and can help you achieve your wanted path.
Madeline
Murphy
This is my billboard and I feel like it is going to catch the eye of lots of people in Rhode island. I think education is very important and everyone deserves to have the best version of it. I hope
Ciara
Caulfield
I am promoting teachers to focus on having students know the material and learn how to do it rather than just remembering for a period of time.
Louie
Murphy
The message of my billboard is to promote LGBTQ+ education as a standard in public schools. Public school students in Rhode Island aren’t required to learn anything about the history or health of the community. Learning about LGBTQ+ history would
Caitlin
Mccabe
When I imagine an ideal learning environment, I think of one where positivity and kindness are universal and ubiquitous. School is a lot more than just a place to receive an education. For many kids, schools offer things like a
Emma
O\'Loughlin
In my art work I answer the question “If artists are civic leaders, how can your art support justice in education?” I think my art work clearly show the message because is shows a fist raised with a paint brush
Ninth Grade
Buffalo Academy of the Arts, NY
Kendric
Warrick
Every single day that passes by is an opportunity to expand your mindset educationally. We often catch ourselves saying, I’ll do this and that tomorrow. However, unfortunate truth is that, we are not invariably guaranteed a tomorrow. Learning is something
Charlotte
Flynn
When creating this build board my main goal was to try and find a way to get a message across to kids in school that will make sense. The “passport” represents the knowledge that you can learn everyday in school.
Hannah
Reilly
The meaning behind this billboard idea is to illustrate that students deserve a say in decisions that educator officials make regarding the school. It is important that educators include the ideas of students because they are the ones who are
Rylee
Muncy-Donovan
Racism is taught — no child is born with hate. As an Asian-American, I’m often horrified by the news headlines and papers that enforce many stereotypes — this was especially true during the height of COVID-19. These subtle and not-so-subtle
Twelfth Grade
Upper Dublin, PA
Elizabeth
Zheng
My goal with these billboards was to recreate imagery that is easily recognizable as relating to young childhood learning. I hope that by using this imagery it appeals to adults and leads them to helping fight for their children future
Catherine
DeAngelo
The purpose of my billboard is to show how the future of our classrooms can be filled with equality and friendliness. I wish for a future of diverse classrooms allowing anyone of different races, sexualities, and disabilities. With pops of
Khatima
Bulmer
I really love animals, especially the ones that other people don’t like bugs and things with big sharp teeth. I’ve always loved sharks and I want to help correct the misinformation that has unfortunately been spread by pop culture that
Cory
Baker
My art represents the varying possibilities that are available for students today. Not everyone wants to go to college and there are so many other pathways besides college that students can choose from. I think the future of education should
Olivia
Peters
In my design, I like to stand out with different colors and words that will make you think. Different colors emphasize the words.
Brynn
Palmer
I feel my design reflects how students at Rogers High School feel about or school and education system.
Elizabeth
Margolis
When high school was a dream… we took this picture. In an indescribable summer, I met my closest friends, Gaelle & Iyo. We were just beginning to create work for the internship at Arts 4 Learning, when I asked them
Rey
Londres
“Shoot for the moon even if you miss you will land among the stars”. This quote was the inspiration for my billboard showing our education and ideas can shoot out of this world showing skies the limit.
Krishma
Sachayansrisakul
I think a comfortable, safe, productive, and positive learning environment is one where my body is not viewed as a distraction. When I’m told that my body is a distraction it makes me feel dehumanized because it just makes it
Yaneliz
Colon Ortiz
Hope you enjoy the design. The reason for this design is because a lot of family’s don’t included their kids in decisions that impact their kids lives. My parents have always included me and im grateful for that.
sam
cullen
Although schools have improved over the years there is still so much which we can continue to help improve. Personally I think one of those things is how schools give support, and the quality of which it is given. Mental
Olivia
Patriarca
When asked what I imagined the future of education to look like, I imagined a place where every student was able to thrive regardless of interest or abilities. The arts are severely underfunded in many schools. Schools cater to those
Eleanor
Coen
My art is representing how we are all trying to be like someone else, like someone we are not. We are all so worried about what others think of us that we lose sight of who we are and we
Liberty
Dinwiddie
In this artwork I am focusing on having students be excited to come to school and learn. Overall making the school/learning experience for all students.
Louie
Murphy
While creating my artwork, I wanted to design something simple that also conveys a message. When people see my billboard I want them to be inspired to make the most out of their education, and be inspired to find what
Madeline
Leddy
I find that whenever I am in nature I always feel more content, and I’m not the only one- seven out of ten children surveyed in April 2017 say that they would rather explore the woods than play on neat
Eleventh Grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, NY
Cinara
Marquis
My goal with these billboards was to recreate imagery that is easily recognizable as relating to young childhood learning. I hope that by using this imagery it appeals to adults and leads them to helping fight for their children future
Catherine
DeAngelo
Our youth is the future for not only education but also for the longevity of our society and day to day life. We must help them grow and build so they are inspired to better themselves and the communities around
Antonio
Boyd
I chose this design because I feel that change will never be made unless people start taking action and making a difference. Every person is capable of making a difference and it is up to each individual to create a
Maeve
Crowley
When I was asked the question on what I believe my future education looks like I knew the internet would somehow be involved as it plays such a big part even in our education currently. My inspiration for this billboard
Krishma
Sachayansrisakul
I made this piece of work to put the message out that as a young student in the big world of education we must be sure that we carry ourselves with the proper attitude in order to be as successful
Izayah
King
I chose this design because I want to represent diversity in the Rhode Island Schools. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or economic class is capable of achieving great things through education.
Maeve
Crowley
For my piece, I chose to answer the prompt, “If artists are civic leaders, how can your art support justice in education?”. The idea behind my billboard design was to illustrate a mix of different ethnicities, races, genders, and sexualities
Tenth Grade
Center for Creative Arts, TN
Bronwyn
Alexander
There is undoubtedly a lack of female representation within certain careers fields such as finance, STEM, and political science. Our goal as the older generation should be to inspire young girls to not be afraid to follow a path traditionally
Charlotte
Flynn
I’ve always heard how important it is to empower kids and individuals. Still, it’s difficult to see people working to do so. That’s why I use this sort of puzzle: when you read it for the first time, you could
Carmen
Vasquez
It’s difficult to imagine what our future will look like when we don’t even know if we will have a future. Many people are still in denial of this and prefer to keep their eyes closed because that’s what is
Devon
Adams
When I imagine an ideal learning environment, I think of one where positivity and kindness are universal and ubiquitous. School is a lot more than just a place to receive an education. For many kids, schools offer things like a
Emma
O\'Loughlin
In my design, I like to stand out with different colors and words that will make you think. Different colors emphasize the words. Adding a question, can make these words stick in somebody’s head.
Brynn
Palmer
This billboard design is supposed to represent how the kids nowadays will be the ones who will work and represent the future.
Jackson
Steiner
I hope to live in a world where my kids will see the same world I once saw. This piece speaks towards climate change and environmental justice. We are told to talk about what type of schooling we want, but
Abygail
Ouellette
We are what we’re taught, So what should that be? Being taught how to think is just as important as what to think, but unfortunately, more emphasis is placed on the latter than the former. Because of this, school is
Guy
Corcoran
People can have their own interpretations of the image. The message I would like to visually vocalize “Wake Up!”
Safiya
Abdullah
I really like turtles , and the ocean and I found the quote and I thought it was really good.
Daiqwon
Hall
I just think we need to stop wasting energy, we waste more energy than we gain and that just makes no sense to me when we have electricity readily available all around us we would help with global warming with
Fredys
Cabrera
When creating this piece, I was thinking about the question, “What does a comfortable, safe, productive, and positive learning environment feel like?” To me, I believe an environment such as this is a place where all people’s voices are heard,
Makenzie
Stalker
This piece questions the ability of exams to display the academic potential of a student
Benjamin
Mack
Even though progress has been made, what’s taught in school is still taught about the victors and not anyone else. More often than not, queer, disabled people and people of color are forgotten or blatantly ignored. Both for their own
Piper
Blechschmidt
To me “change starts with love” means respect , respect others and who they love & they will respect you in return .
Feyshmarie
Torres
As an artist and as someone who supports social justice causes including the championing of needing more funding in the education system, I understand my civic duty to the world to create impactful design that will send upstanding messages to
Makena
Snipes
This poster shows how if we keep continuing with technology and people being glued to it, bad things will happen
Nathan
Blais
I like to show snapshots of reality in the form of gestures that encapsulate life, with all of its deep dark secrets. I wanted to show the masses that the veil they use to perpetuate the ignorance of female-at-birth individuals
Tenth Grade
North Kingstown Sr. High - North Kingstown, RI
Elisa
Hernandez
If we want to create change in the world, we need to wake up and start doing it now. There’s not enough time to wait around for something to happen. The sun represents a new day and new possibilities.
Trevor
Salmans
This piece started with just a mechanical pencil and a sheet of printer paper on a rainy day in art class. Nearly a year later, my school art teacher told me about a billboard contest for young artists and activists
Eleventh Grade
North Kingstown High School, RI
Olivia
Wood
My art is just off of my imagination , I do what I feel and think . I think it might not have value to anyone but it has value to me and that is what matters .
Ariselle
Torres
While in some cases multiple choice can be used to test students’ knowledge, it has come to be used as a stand alone metric especially in high schools. Students are placed in the box of four potential answers. Multiple choice
Davis
Hedrick
High school gives the sense of drowning. Drowning in drama, fights, friendships, and now work. Teachers throw assignment after useless assignment at students that will simply be forgotten in a matter of weeks. What are we supposed to do after
Madison
Bates
My message behind “When is “Now”?” is I want people to not give up and to keep going. I also want this to inspire people that dreams do come true if you keep believing you CAN do it and to
Dominga
Panjoj Castro
For this design, I played off of the prompt, “What questions aren’t we asking that might be significant to your high school experience?”. One of the biggest topics that comes to mind as I think about our education and future,
Autumn
Moxley
For my billboard design, I chose to use the first prompt, “I want a future that is…”, and my response said “A positive, safe environment”. In the world lately, it has been quite opposite of that. COVID has created a
Peyton
Coleman
Two hands are raised with a figure falling into space. The message i want to convey is that it is time to “wake up” and provide safety and well being for all.
Safiya
Abdullah
The art is in conversation with the question about educational justice. The message behind our art and what it means to us is that there are poor people in the world and they should become successful and not have to
Tianna & Johnny
Tith & Hernandez
When creating this piece, I wanted to capture all of the things that I believe each and every student should have. All students need the ability to speak their minds without having to worry about getting censored. With the power
Colin
fowler
I chose to make my billboard about animal abuse because it says something I care about. In my drawing, it says, “STOP Animal Abuse” with a bunny and cat on the sides.
Lexy
Alvarez
COVID has kept me from many things however it really compromised my learning and I can’t even enter my school without thinking about COVID and what’s it done
Kaylin
Couto
The meaning behind my artwork is something I want to do in life. I want to be a fashion designer or an agent, That’s what the words mean as in “Do what makes you happy” as in if you want
Alicia
Hazard
Artist statement: I want a future that keeps this world the way it was supposed to be not artificial and dirty but with wildlife and green everywhere.
Keenan
Apperson
My art is showing how school gets you moving towards your future, but you are in control of making sure you work towards your future.
James
Cavanagh
It is important to provide a safe place for children to play, one that is free of things that can accidentally hurt them while on a playground or in a park.
Raydily
Sanchez
I used my original character, to show people who are suffering from anxiety and depression. She wants you to know it’s going to be okay! Even if it’s not now but eventually
Ashley
Salonia
The message in my billboard is that kids today are the next generation to take over.
Alexis
Lefrancois
My inspiration for this design is inspired by current events and the direction our world is heading. I wanted it to be simple, as people will only have a couple seconds to admire it, however, I wanted to get my
Colby
Wissmiller
Power in vulnerability. There’s always talk about resistance and strength when it comes to the future, and change to come. But I believe in the power of vulnerability and the strength in the lack of the power our rawest self
Natalia
Zenit
im a girl who wants to feel good, im so tired of this world making me feel bad and i will not let it anymore. i want me and all my other girls—especially girls of color, trans girls, gay girls,
liberty
ericksson
The message behind my art is to know that its your life and your world and you can do what ever u want and put your mind to.
Gisselli
Ferreira
Racism is taught — no child is born with hate. As an Asian-American, I’m often horrified by the news headlines and papers that enforce many stereotypes — this was especially true during the height of COVID-19. These subtle and not-so-subtle
Twelfth Grade
Upper Dublin, PA
Elizabeth
Zheng
This design is meant to bring more attention to the known but ignored issue of low quality food being served to students.
Alexander
Reynolds
The message of my art is ‘How can you do it? How will you do it” when you think about your goals for the future.
Anderson
Javier Pizarro
I wanted to show my take on how I hope the future will turn out. I used graphics and simple words to get across a powerful message.
Beaverton High School - Beaverton, OR
Zoe
Richter
The message behind my art was to tell people that they cant always predict the future, but to treat it like something that is unknown and is a mystery. The more people say “Oh i’m gonna be this in life”
Rafael
Guerrero
The prompt I would be answering would be what kind of atmosphere do we want our schools to have? The answer is that we want a positive atmosphere. Our society has evolved so much that we can choose to do
Mya
Capaldi
I want to world in which people try as hard as possible to keep their eyes as wide open as possible for climate change and do something about it!
Amina
Israel
My question is:Can you reach help yet? What I mean by this statement is that we all have “assistance or help” at school like teachers and workers and all but why should we trust those people who are supposed to
Tenth Grade
North Kingstown High School, RI
Mame
Ndoye
Question my art answers:
I want a future that is….
How should students in education be treated, what should education be like because of that?
They should be treated like a human being and with justice regardless of their gender,
Tenth Grade
Elizabethton High School, TN
Karisse
Dickison
The prompt this design is inspired from is “I want a future that is . . . lucid”. The world as we know it is full of many things, be it distractions, difficulties, negativity, et cetera. All that noise blocks
Beaverton High School - Beaverton, OR
Ryan Chester
Castro
I created this billboard poster to signify the importance of mental health when you are in high school. Many students are so caught up in making sure they are doing well in school that they end up loosing track of
Samuel
Beltran
This is about being aware of what’s ahead. What actions are you doing right now that will affect your future? Will the result be good or bad.
Iysis
Dasilva
Prompt: Think seven generations from now; how will the world be different because of you?
In the future, we will see more learning in and about nature. With the presence of climate change, we will be focusing more on the
Payton
Lemke
What my art means is that its impossible to have a perfect world there’s always a problem but instead of removing all problems we can get rid of some for example we can try to solve world hunger, stop corruption
Eremy
Rodriguez
In the modern age, we deal with increasing environmental issues, social justice protests, and increasing political tension. The future is uncertain and becoming increasingly scary. This billboard is to make people talk and discuss issues that everyone deals with.
Beaverton High School - Beaverton, OR
Philip
Rosenfeld
Despite being in a community to help students learn, some teachers are careless to not only their job, but with the students as well. They refuse to help their students and rush to get the lesson over with. As a
Celina
Vongsamany
My artwork is asking the question “How can we embrace difference?” I ask this because I feel like differences in schools are not embraced as much as they should be. Everyone should be acknowledging because everyone has different strengths and
Kelcy
Conroy
One test. One test can make or break your life. You studying for hours, days, and weeks. You are stressing out. Failing is not an option. This one test can affect your grade. It can affect your GPA. That GPA
Bailee
Stalker
The prompt I chose for the Billboard was “If you were a fictional character in a sci-fi movie about a future world, what would unlock your secret superpower and how would it change the world?” The reason I chose this
Carla
Aguilar Alcazar
The left is a portrayal of the dream that school should be, drawn in the style that a young child would draw it to show childlike innocence and wonderment. On the right we have the self explanatory nightmare.
Joshua
Tucker
I want everyone to feel comfortable enough to be able to share their thoughts. Everyone has their own thoughts that need to be shared.
Colin
fowler
The message behind my art is that life keeps moving forward (the truck into the sunset) even on bad days (the gray clouds). The sunset is supposed to represent the brighter days in the future.
Jessyka
Fermin
Love is something everyone shares. i feel like it means a lot because some people dont believe that there is love dont give but there is am i believe they should know that.
Jordan
Sivo
Climate change is too often pushed under the rug. However, I feel as though climate change is something that not just students, but everyone, should learn. There is no reversing it’s damages once it’s too late. We need better education
skyler
leonardo
I decided to create this billboard to show how in the future we will all be united as one and not be judged by our color or race.
Jennifer
Gonzalez Espinosa
The message behind my art is that this world needs to be kept clean and safe. This expresses the feeling of keeping the environment clean so the people can live safely in this world.
Edyahir
Trinidad Castillo
The question is who is going to donate to schools that need help with funds to provide better teaching to students.The message is that some schools need help raising money so the children can learn better.This art meaning to me
Anakin
Toun
A brief statement on why we are teaching materials that arent necessary for a student to succeed past. school.
Braian
Cruz
This billboard advertises against school shootings/violence. The girl in the image is a victim of such, being surrounded by news reporters and etc.
Aliyah
Rainey
The message behind my art is do what makes you happy. Don’t follow others, don’t stop being happy just cause of a person or just because you had a day.
Ivanna
Cabral
I want a future that is free and full of creativity. Art is freedom to me, so I must draw, paint, and color to feel free. I believe many artist feel the same, so this is a message to all
Angel
Encarnacion
my piece is to show the mental struggles of overworked students. this applies to thoes who have been overworked and are stuck studying and doing homework during all of their free time
adriana
longley
For my billboard I wanted to ask a simple question that could be analyzed in complex ways to make drivers remember, and think about it all day. The prompt I selected is “I want a future that is…”, and I
12th Grade
Bryan
Terry Jr
