NEW YORK, NY.- DESIGN 21 believes in the potential of design to improve life, but it also recognizes the power of branding. In order to help UNESCO’s mission of providing arts education to children around the world, DESIGN 21: Social Design Network – an online platform founded by Felissimo and UNESCO – is hosting a competition to increase the visibility of the DREAM Center program. Designers of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their designs for the official logo for UNESCO’s DREAM Center for the chance to work on a large-scale humanitarian project and win $3,000 in the process.

UNESCO’s DREAM Center was inaugurated in 2003 as a project partnership between UNESCO and Felissimo – a global design and merchandising company focused on social responsibility. It aims at providing underprivileged children, especially those in post-conflict regions, the opportunities and tools to express themselves through the creative arts (DREAM stands for: Dance, Read, Express, Art, Music). DREAM programs are built in partnership with a local NPO, and currently have locations in: Kabul, Afghanistan; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Monrovia, Liberia; and East Jerusalem. Funds are provided by Felissimo's sale of Tribute 21 Plates, which, to date, have contributed $450,000 to the UNESCO/Tribute 21 DREAM Center Fund.

According to Felissimo Director and DESIGN 21 Founder Haruko Smith, “We believe that smart design can solve real-world problems. By creating a logo that echoes the DREAM Center’s mission, we hope that UNESCO’s voice will be heard by socially conscious people and, in turn, provide hope to children around the world.”

Interested designers should submit a logo that visually embodies the spirit of the DREAM Center and covers its international scope. Only the words “DREAM Center” can be used in the design and all entries must include a black and white as well as a color version. The directors and organizers of the DREAM Center program – along with members of DESIGN 21’s Advisory Board – will select one Overall Winner to receive a $3,000 prize in exchange for rights to the logo, which will be used in the program’s communication materials. Designs that receive Honorable Mentions will also be highlighted on the DESIGN 21 site in addition to the “Most Popular” design as voted on by DESIGN 21 members. Deadline for entries is November 17, 2009.

For more information, please visit http://www.design21sdn.com/competitions/20