For the past 20 years, the two sister cities have alternated hosting exchange students for athletic games. This year would have been Springfield’s turn to send students to Australia.
But with the tight economy, both cities looked for a less expensive alternative to the privately funded trips, Chappell said, and they came up with the idea of a photo exchange.
Residents of both cities are asked to submit photos taken locally that represent their culture. That could be through images of cultural celebrations, traditions or customs, the landscape or the diversity of residents.
The exchange is a way to learn about each other’s cultures, Chappell said.
“I think people will also probably learn more about Springfield and themselves when they stop to think about what our culture means to them,” she said.
The contest is open to any Clark County resident, amateurs only, and is broken into three tiers — one for grades K to 8, one for grades 9 to 12 and another for adults.
Springfield residents will judge Casey’s entries and vice versa. The winners in each tier will be announced on July 4 and will receive $100 from the Sister Cities Association of Springfield and Clark County.
The photos will be displayed at CultureFest in September.
To participate, visit the city’s website at www.ci.springfield.oh.us or for more information call Chappell at (937) 324-7341.
When the economy rebounds, she hopes the trips can resume. But she would like to see the photo program also continue because it’s a way for more people to participate in a cultural exchange than the athletic games allow, Chappell said.
The contest also could take on different themes in the future, such as historic buildings or sites.
“It has room to grow,” Chappell said.
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