Go Big Read invites works of art and creative writing inspired by ‘Enrique’s Journey’

“Enrique’s Journey,” this year’s Go Big Read selection, sparked discussion and reflection across campus and the greater community. Now the book by Pulitzer Prize-wining author Sonia Nazario, will serve as an inspiration for works of art readers from UW–Madison and across Dane County create during the long winter break.

A creative competition, called “Our Nations of Others,” invites UW students, staff, faculty and Dane County residents to submit up to two creative pieces in reaction to “Enrique’s Journey.” Literary and visual works will be considered, including collage, paintings, photographs, poems, sculpture and short stories. No video or audio works will be accepted.

The deadline for entries is Jan. 27.

“This competition gives readers of ‘Enrique’s Journey’ the opportunity to express themselves … regarding the important political, social and cultural topic of immigration,” says Paloma Celis Carbajal, bibliographer for the Ibero-American Studies Collection. She is coordinating the contest with Memorial Library, the Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program, Community Partnerships and Outreach Staff Network at the School of Medicine and Public Health, and Educational Partnerships and Outreach in the School of Education.

A jury will award prizes in five categories: undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff, Dane County residents and K–12 students. A selection of works will be featured in an on-campus exhibit during the spring 2012 semester and award winners will be honored in a March ceremony with “Enrique’s Journey” photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winner Don Bartletti.

“This is a great opportunity to bring people from campus and the Dane County together to consider and discuss the topics raised in this book,” says Beth Harper of Memorial Library.

Go Big Read is a common-reading program at UW–Madison that is designed to engage students, faculty, staff and the community in a shared, academically focused reading experience. It is now in its third year.