# Student Shoe Design Contests Vans Custom Culture 2011 Lets Kids Display Talent Competitively By Matt Ho | Published 2011-03-25 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-custom-culture-2011 References: [freshnessmag](http://www.freshnessmag.com/2011/03/25/vans-custom-culture-2011-trailers-video/) & [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/user/VansShoes66) Let's be honest, when school budgets have to be configured, art classes are usually the first to get slashed. The Vans Custom Culture 2011 competition gives high school students a chance to make their voices heard. The Vans Custom Culture 2011 contest is the perfect opportunity to let teens showcase their talent by designing a custom shoe. Up to 10 high schools from each region (North, South, East, West and California) will be chosen to compete for regionals. Five will be chosen as semifinalists, who will then be flown to New York for the final showcase in June 2011. The judging panel includes staff from Vans, artists and athletes. This amazing contest will help students to show their talent and prove why art must be preserved in the education system. Have a look at the trailer featuring famed tattoo/graffiti artist Mister Cartoon and the founder of Hellz Bellz, Lanie Alabanza-Barcena, above. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/education) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Student Design Competitions:** Companies can create contests for students to showcase their skills and gain exposure. - **Customizable Products:** By offering personalized design options, businesses can engage with consumers and create unique products. - **Art Education Advocacy:** Companies can use these contests as opportunities to advocate for the importance of art education in schools. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Footwear companies can host design contests to engage with young consumers and showcase new designs. - **Apparel:** Apparel companies can create contests for students to design clothing or accessories to gain exposure and create unique products. - **Education:** Educational institutions can host design competitions to promote art and creative skill development among students. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fine Art-Inspired Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otw-by-vans-line.md) - [Skate Culture Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bunt-jam.md) - [Children-Focused Design Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-artists-design-contest.md) - [Young Artist-Supporting Illustration Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/student-illustration-contest.md) - [Vibrant Rugged Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-varsity-collection.md) - [Artful Sneaker Musical Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36-fm.md) - [Student-Focused Hand Washing Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-hands-contest.md) - [Storytelling-Forward Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-meets-knu.md) - [Educational Fashion Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-graduates-initiative.md)