TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the launch of the 2023 Florida Space Art Contest at Dante B. Fascell Elementary in Miami. With March being Youth Art Month, students in grades K–5 are encouraged to create an art piece inspired by the theme: Time Travel to 2123: Florida’s Future as the Space Capital. Miami-made artist Romero Britto was announced as this year’s featured artist for the contest.

“I am proud to launch the 2nd Annual Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest. Last year, we had a tremendous response, with over 2,500 original art submissions from K–5 students,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Imagining what the space industry in Florida will look like in 100 years through art allows students to explore the seemingly impossible and tap into their creativity. I look forward to seeing what this year’s students dream up.”
Space Florida, as a key sponsor of the Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest, believes supporting STEAM education initiatives is an integral part of its mission.

“Both space and art are about exploration, imagination, and pushing forward to what’s next for humanity,” said Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello. “The future is right here in the minds of our children and expressed through colors and paper. We are proud to work with Lt. Governor Nuñez on this important initiative.”

“Florida’s histroic space achievements would not have been possible without harnessing the power of science and math,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “It was great to join Lt. Governor Nuñez today as we launched an exciting space art contest and announced new professional development opportunities for Florida educators.”

“Sharing the creative process with children is one way we can inspire the next generation of creators,” said Romero Britto, this year’s featured artist. “The partnership between art and space creates new realities that captivate in unexpected ways. I’m proud to work with Lieutenant Governor Nuñez and Space Florida this year and look forward to helping propel these children forward.”

About the Florida Space Student Art Contest
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Space Art Contest is open to all K–5 grade students in Florida. Each student will submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Submissions will be broken down into two categories: K–2 and 3–5. Six art pieces from each group (12 total) will be selected as finalists. Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and also have the opportunity to work alongside our featured artist to paint a custom created piece of art imagined and sketched by the artist. Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming SpaceX mission!

About the Featured Artist
Romero Britto, founder of the Happy Art Movement, is an internationally renowned artist who has created an iconic visual language of happiness, fun, love, and hope all its own inspiring millions worldwide.

Brazilian-born and Miami-made, Romero has made it to the top and is considered one of the most famous and celebrated living visual artists in the globe. His work has been exhibited in the most prestigious galleries and museums in over 120 countries, including the Carrousel Du Louvre and Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, and he was the first living visual artist to present his work at the Soumaya Museum.

Forms and Guidelines
Student contest rules and guidelines can be found online at www.FloridaSpaceArt.com.
Submit artwork to the address below:
Space Florida
ATTN: Space Art Contest

505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300
Exploration Park, Florida 32953
All entries must be received by 5 PM on Friday, May 12, 2023.