WHAT IS UNDERAGE?

UnderAGE is an anthology of poems, prose, and artwork produced by children in grades K through 12 published annually by the Arts Council of Princeton. Students throughout central New Jersey contribute to the publication.Through grants and donations the publication is made possible.Under AGE supports local literacy efforts by stimulating students to gain a better grasp of language and express themselves more confidently and creatively in their writing and in a public forum. It also encourages students in the visual arts by providing them an opportunity to focus their talent, creativity, and ingenuity. The Arts Council is currently celebrating 20 years of publishing UnderAGE!

WILL WORKS IN SPANISH BE ACCEPTED?

Yes,we will be accepting work in both English and Spanish for this year’s publication.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?

The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 14, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. No submissions will be accepted past the deadline.

CAN TEACHERS SUBMIT THEIR STUDENTS' WORK?

Yes. Every year we receive envelopes from teachers containing their class' work. If you are planning to submit a group of submissions please make sure each student has labeled each submission with the correct information. See guidelines.

AS A PARENT, CAN I SUBMIT MY CHILD'S WORK?

Parents are encouraged to submit their children's work. Each child is only allowed to submit three literary works or three artworks. Parents should be aware if their child's teacher is submitting to the competition. If students submit more than the three works they will not be considered in the competition.

WILL THE WORK BE RETURNED?

Unfortunately we cannot return submissions.

DO STUDENTS HAVE TO BE NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS TO PARTICPATE?

Students must either be residents of or attend school in New Jersey.

WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I WAS SELECTED?

The winning entries will be selected no later than Friday, April 14, 2008. Only students whose work has been chosen for publication in Under AGE will be notified. The list of students will also be posted on this website under the Poets and Artists link.

WHEN / WHERE IS THE PUBLICATION PARTY?

Writers and artists in the publication will also be invited to attend the annual publication party to be held June 12 at 7:30 pm at the Princeton High School auditorium. At the party, students will have the opportunity to read their original work to the audience, and the artists’ work will be displayed.Students must RSVP for the event, 609-924-8777.

WE CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE PARTY, DO WE STILL GET A BOOK?

All students in the publication and their teachers receive a complimentary copy of UnderAGE. If you are unable to attend you may pick up your copy at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts located at 102 Witherspoon Street across from the Princeton Public Library.

WHY WASN'T MY CHILD'S WORK SELECTED?

The Arts Council of Princeton receives thousands of submissions each year for the Under AGE publication. In order to create a concise literary anthology, certain factors are taken into consideration when making selections: adequate representation of all age and grade levels, diverse selection of schools, and thematic elements that may relate pieces to one another. All of these considerations contribute to the book as a whole and enhance the readability of the publication. Many worthy submissions are not included due to the fact that the publication simply cannot represent the volume of wonderful works submitted. Students are encouraged to submit every year.