Toyota Kenya has today unveiled the Kenyan winners of the 13th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art contest.
The nine children aged 15 years and below were chosen after a 3-month long process of shortlisting finalists from close to 400 entries in 3 different categories from across the country. The artworks of the nine will be submitted to Japan for consideration in the World Contest where other children from more than 80 countries are also competing.
Speaking during the event, Toyota Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said this year’s artworks demonstrated Kenyan children’s creativity and their great ideas of improving the lives of individuals in the society through automobiles.
“The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest wants children to have fun even as they draw their dream cars. I am very inspired by these young, yet great minds and what they have come up with. They have remarkable imaginations and have put their great ideas on paper. We are passionate about this contest because we want to show children that their dreams matter and Toyota is committed to supporting their dreams.”
The challenge of narrowing down the 368 entries received from across the country was assigned to a panel of judges which included renowned artist Maddo, Sketch artists– Mr. Sketch as well as art teachers and enthusiasts. Cynthia Bukanza from Mukuru Arts Club located in Mukuru slum in Nairobi, could not hide her delight and excitement in being top in her category. “I am extremely happy and excited to be among the finalists. I love drawing and when I heard about this year’s contest, I knew that I had to participate. I hope I win it for Kenya this year,” said an excited Cynthia.
If any of these winners achieve a top place in their category in the global Contest, they will be invited to travel to Japan, to experience Japanese culture and Toyota craftsmanship and attend the Toyota Dream Car Global Awards Ceremony in August 2019.
Below is a list of the Kenyan finalists:
Category: 12 – 15 years
Gold: Cynthia Bukanza – Mukuru Art Club, Nairobi
Silver: Aayushi Harshad Varsani – Oshwal Academy Nairobi
Bronze: Emmanuel Malunga Ouko – Mukuru Arts Club, Nairobi
Category: 8 – 11 years
Gold: Nikhil Anup Patel – Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj School, Nairobi West
Silver: Dhara Vishaal Shah – Braeburn School, Kisumu
Bronze: Sonakshi Kanwar Shekhwat, Nairobi
Category: Under 8 years
Gold: Priyanka Pratin Shah – Premier Academy – Nairobi
Silver: Magdaline Njeya – Mukuru Art Club, Nairobi
Bronze: Arav Mittun Patel – Braeburn School, Kisumu
The Toyota Dream Car art contest is a global Contest held to encourage and inspire creativity in children as they imagine the future of mobility. Toyota invites children from around the world to share ideas about the future of mobility by drawing their dream car. Winners of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in participating countries worldwide are chosen from three age categories (under 8 years old; 8-11 years old; and 12-15 years old), with judging based on three criteria: artistry, uniqueness, and execution of the concept. The first international contest was held in 2004 by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. 2019 marks the 13th year of the contest.
