I’m normally not a proponent of contests within the visual arts professions, as they are often structured and/or carried out in a manner that devalues, and sometimes even degrades, the industry and its participants. Nevertheless, when I was recently contacted by a representative from The Jed Foundation and asked if I would share some information about their upcoming video competition, I dutifully checked it out, particularly since I heartily support The Jed Foundation’s mission.

Although I’m not familiar with the nuances of the video industry, this event looks worthwhile to me, so I’m pleased to share it here…

For starters, they’ve dubbed it an “award” (vs. contest or competition), The Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award.

The event is for “college students who have had mental health issues”, and asks them to “create a video on their experiences with mental health issues and how they are working to raise awareness and encourage their peers on the issue”. The creator of the winning video receives the award, which includes a $2,000 scholarship, a trip to NYC to our annual gala in June 2009, recognition through The Jed Foundation’s website and events and possibly appearing on MTVU.

The Jed Foundation which works nationally to reduce the rate of suicide and the prevalence of emotional distress among college and university students.

Additional information about The Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award is available on the foundation’s website: http://jedfoundation.org/programs/student-voice-of-mental-health-award.

Good luck to all who participate!

(via AdsoftheWorld)
A series of ads for the Brazilian suicide prevention center, CVV:

Copy: Help Yourself

Agency: Leo Burnett São Paulo
Client: CVV (suicide prevention center)
Creative Director: Ruy Lindenberg
Art Director: Ricardo Toledo / Andre Gola
Copy: Carla Cancellara / Digão Senra

IMHO, an interesting set of ads. Despite being quite similar to a recent Chinese blood donation ad, and appearing much like the style of artist Peter Callesen, these ads are attention-grabbing, blend imagery and copy well, and deliver their message effectively. That said, I’m not sure that this particular message, help yourself, is the message we should be sending, particularly with sharing one’s thoughts and getting help from others being such critical elements in prevention of suicide. With too much personal experience with this issue, I would suggest that some more effective directives for prevention might include any of the following:

Take it seriously,
Know the warning signs,
Make no promises of secrecy,
Know where to turn,
Act fast,

…or perhaps just Talk about it.