Announcement
8 July, 2009 – MELBOURNE, Australia – Google Australia today announced the second ever ‘Doodle 4 Google’ initiative for Australian schools. Year 1 – 10 students across the country are being challenged to design a Google ‘doodle’ inspired by the theme: "My wish for Australia", sharing an inspiring image of what they wish for their country using the Google logo.
The winning student will have their doodle appear on the Google Australia homepage for millions to see, and win $10,000 worth of technology equipment for his or her school.
Jason Chuck, head of marketing for Google Australia, said: "Our logo lets us reflect the ever-changing world around us, and celebrate special people, events and dates. We can’t wait to see the creative visions of Australia created by young Australians."
The customisation of the Google logo first took place in 1999, and the Google doodle team has since celebrated events, anniversaries and holidays worldwide with doodles that incorporate the Google logo – including ANZAC Day, Australia Day, and Melbourne Cup Day. Doodle 4 Google Australia first took place in 2007, and the winning entry, submitted by Janelle San Juan from Victoria, appeared on the Google home page on Australia Day 2008.
Renowned Australian artists Ken Done and Anne Geddes, and humanitarian and director of the Global Poverty Project Hugh Evans, will judge the Australian entries this year – expected to number in the thousands. From a long-list of 320 entries, the judges will select 32 winners across age groups and states/territories, and public voting will help identify four national winners. Google’s Dennis Hwang, the company’s original Doodler, will pick the overall national winner at a gala event in November. Entries will be judged on the basis of artistic merit, creativity, how well their idea is communicated, and the supporting statement which explains the student’s wish for Australia.
Ken Done said: "Being able to share their hopes for Australia with millions of viewers via the Google homepage is a fantastic way to showcase the talent of Australia’s budding artists. In my judging I’ll be looking for colour, originality and creativity that captures the spirit of what it means to be Australian," said Ken.
Google announced the initiative to children at the City of Melbourne’s ArtPlay centre with Melbourne City Councillor Jennifer Kanis and judge Hugh Evans in attendance.
Cr Kanis said: "ArtPlay is about encouraging artistic and creative expression among children. Through this, children are able to improve their opportunities in both education and art. It’s fantastic to see an organisation like Google encouraging children to think about their own vision for our country and expressing it through art and design."
Hugh Evans said: "It’s important for Australian youngsters to be aware of their world around them, and to actively discuss and consider what a better future would look like for both Australians and people around the world. Thinking about their wish for Australia through the Doodle 4 Google initiative will help them to become both more locally and globally minded."
Schools across Australia have been sent information packs on the initiative, including lesson plans. For more competition details, photos, past doodles, and the registration page, visit: www.google.com.au/doodle4google.
Labels: Australia new announcements
