The Pacifica Art Contest (PAC), established in 2014 by Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., is a sought after and highly anticipated annual visual arts competition designed to support and nurture local talent and the arts within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Since its inception, PAC has been able to successfully engage the artistic abilities of young individuals, receiving over 3,000 submissions from students ranging from ages 6 to 17 years. The contest was originally established with only traditional art mediums such as crayons, watercolor, and oil pastel, divided into two distinct age categories. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, PAC adapted by introducing a digital category, enabling a no-touch submission process that adhered to social distancing mandates and recommendations.

As PAC celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, Pacifica Insurance marked the milestone by launching CNMI’s first digital art gallery, the PAC Gallery, which will now serve as a digital archive showcasing the myriads of artworks collected throughout the competition’s history to preserve and honor the creative spirit of countless participating artists in the CNMI.

PAC Submission and Judging Guidelines
To ensure that PAC remains a fair contest platform for all aspiring artists, the submission and judging processes are guided by a set of guidelines designed to maintain transparency, equality, and excellence in the selection of winners.

1. Panel of Judges
The judging panel consists of a diverse group of individuals with varying expertise in the arts and related. This ensures a fair, professional and unbiased evaluation of the artworks from multiple perspectives, including technique, creativity, and impact.

2. Evaluation Criteria
Each artwork is evaluated based on the following criteria and is weighted accordingly:
• Originality and Creativity: The uniqueness of the concept and the artist’s ability to present an imaginative idea. The artist should offer a fresh, innovative twist that captivates the audience and should strive to use their chosen medium in unconventional ways that enhances the originality of their artwork.
• Quality and Technique: Artists should demonstrate a strong command of their chosen medium, whether it be crayon, watercolor, oil pastel, or digital tools. Proficiency is shown through mastery of medium, attention to detail, precision, technique by category type such as color blending and digital layering, and cohesiveness.
• Clarity of Theme: The elements within the artwork should consistently support the theme. Each component of the artwork, from color choices to art perspective, should align to strengthen the overall theme and concept and should be relevant and appropriate for the intended audience.
• Presentation of Artwork: The overall presentation of the artwork should incorporate an effective use of elements and approach to create an art that is harmonious and balanced with the context of the intended purpose of the contest and theme.

3. Anonymous Submissions
To avoid any bias, submissions are reviewed and judged anonymously. Each entry is assigned a unique identification number, ensuring judges evaluate the artwork without knowing the identity of the artist. To further anonymity of the entire process, the names of judges remain anonymous until judging has been completed and winners are identified.

4. Feedback by Judges
After the competition concludes, feedback by judges is made available on a media press release to ensure transparency and to encourage and guide young artists in their creative journey.

5. Limitations
PAC is committed to fostering a respectful contest for all participants. Therefore, the following are prohibited and any violation may lead to an automatic disqualification:
• Profanity: Art submissions containing any form of offensive language, including but not limited to swear words or vulgar expressions may be disqualified.
• Violence: Artworks that depict or promote violence in any form, whether explicit or implied, will not be accepted.
• Sexual Content: Artworks with explicit or suggestive sexual content are strictly prohibited.
• Racism and Discrimination: Any submission containing racist artwork that promote discrimination or hatred against any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic will be disqualified.

6. Artist Submission Eligibility
Must be a CNMI resident. Artists must meet age category requirements when submitting an artwork.

By adhering to these guidelines, PAC strives to create a nurturing art contest space where artists can excel and be recognized for their talent.

7. Artist Name and Details
Each artwork must be submitted with the following artist information:

• • Full legal name
  • School name (if applicable)
  • Mailing address
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Cellphone number
  • Parent or guardian’s full name (required if the artist is a minor)

One art submission per artist will be allowed per each PAC event.