Logo Competition Makes One Out of Many

Eva Maldonado wants to help bring together Stamford's diverse communities. That's why she's a member of the mayor's Multicultural Council, and it's why she's spearheading a design competition for a logo that represents the council's purpose.

"It's all of our idea. It's a group effort," says Eva, personifying the logo's theme, One City, One People. Having a logo heightens the council's visibility, but there's another benefit of the competition, she says. "What's even more important is that we give the opportunity to the community to participate and submit their design."

The logo will be the identifying brand of the council, which Mayor Michael Pavia formed in April. "We talk about the cultural diversity we have in our city. People know, but they don't really understand," says the mayor, adding that he wanted to move away from cultural insularity. "What we thought would be a great idea was to celebrate everybody's culture, act as one city. Our goal is general understanding and mutual respect. Our mission is to make it clear we all want the same thing in life."

The 30 council members are of Greek, Jamaican, Indian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, French, Filipino and other backgrounds. Chairman Nino Antonelli is of Italian descent.

The logo should depict cultural pride and city unity, say council members. "What we want mostly is that it has to be original–it cannot be cut and paste–and that it represents the diversity of Stamford," says Eva.

Individuals or groups may submit a design. All Stamford residents are eligible. Artwork may be either black and white or in color and must not measure larger than eight inches by eight inches. The submission deadline is Aug. 30. All entries will be on display in the Government Center Lobby until Sept. 17, when a winner will be announced. For more information, email mmc@ci.stamford.ct.us.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.