World Trade Center Arkansas Seeks Local Artists for Global Mural Competition

ROGERS, Ark. – The World Trade Center Arkansas announced that it will be participating in the World Trade Centers Association's inaugural "Understanding Through Trade" Global Mural Competition. The competition asks local artists around the world to visually define the cultural understanding and connection that results from global trade. The deadline for entries is Feb. 7, 2020, and four winners will be chosen and awarded a cash prize at the association's 51st General Assembly (GA) in Taipei in March 2020

As part of the association's year-long anniversary campaign celebrating "A Half Century of Global Trade Connectivity," the WTCA has invited its members, including WTC Arkansas, to each submit one entry of original artwork from a local artist or student that visually defines the cultural understanding and connection that results from trade between diverse peoples and nations. The WTCA will then physically produce the digitally created art and put it on display at the association's upcoming GA Gala in March 2020.

"The 'Understanding Through Trade' Global Mural Competition is a creative way to celebrate this milestone and strengthen the deep ties between members in our global network and the communities they serve," said WTCA CEO Scott Ferguson. "Throughout history, art has been a medium of expression that transcends borders and creates understanding between people from varying backgrounds. We believe trade has a similar impact, forging connections between countries and bringing the world closer together. We hope this competition sheds a light on what this global connection means to all of us."

WTC Arkansas is looking for local artists to submit for the competition and to visually help represent the community's unique culture and contributions to the global trade ecosystem. During the GA, WTCA members, delegates, and invited guests will have the opportunity to vote for their four favorite entries. Following the competition, the artists of the four submissions that garner the most votes will each win a cash prize of US $1,500 and the murals will be featured in WTCA marketing campaigns throughout 2020-2021, with artist attribution.

"This competition is a great way to involve University of Arkansas students and local artists in the international business scene," said W. Dan Hendrix, president and CEO of World Trade Center Arkansas.

"Not only does the competition celebrate the progress made by the World Trade Center Association for its 50th anniversary, but it will showcase Northwest Arkansas on a global stage while aiding the association in building international relationships that promote peace and prosperity through trade."

Interested artists should contact WTC Arkansas at 479-418-4800 for more information. Once submitted, winning artists will be notified soon after the General Assembly Gala on March 3, 2020.

Artists may also follow the WTCA on social media using the hashtag #WTCA50 and #WTCAGlobalMuralCompetition:

• Facebook: World Trade Centers Association
• Twitter: @WTCA
• LinkedIn: World Trade Centers Association
• YouTube: World Trade Centers Association

About WTC Arkansas: The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the center on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter. To learn more visit arwtc.org.

About the World Trade Centers Association: The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 325 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries. As the owner of the "World Trade Center" and "WTC" trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more visit www.wtca.org.