COSTA MESA, Calif., April 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vans is excited to announce this year's top 50 semi-finalists for the Vans Custom Culture high school art competition. This year, 500 qualifying schools participated by designing two pairs of blank Vans shoes illustrating the themes of 'Local Flavor' and 'Off The Wall.' In conjunction with the shoe designs, participating high schools submitted an Impact Document reflecting how their school, class and community would be impacted by the winning prize. Upon review, the Vans team selected this year's top 50 based on creativity, relevance to theme and overall execution.

Vans Custom Culture 2018 Shoe Customization Contest Logo (PRNewsfoto/Vans)

Starting today at 8 a.m. PT through May 4 at 5 p.m. PT, individuals can visit customculture.vans.com to cast their vote for their favorite design and determine the five finalists who will compete to win the grand prize of $75,000 for their art program.

"This year's top 50 designs offer a snapshot into the passion for design that is found in arts education programs around the country and harnesses a visual expression of the creativity that comes from our youth," said Megan Klempa, Custom Culture Program Manager. "Vans Custom Culture reinforces our commitment to fueling the next generation's creative minds and opens pathways for brighter and more colorful futures."

Similar to years past, the public vote will help determine the top five finalists who will be in the running for the grand prize of $75,000. The winner of this year's competition will receive a visit from Vans for a celebration on their school campus filled with art and music that will be brought to life in partnership with Journeys, Yoobi, Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) and Americans for the Arts (AFTA). The special event will culminate with a presentation of a $75,000 check for future arts education funding. The four runner-up schools will receive $10,000 and a special, limited-edition Vans gift for their participation.

Vans Custom Culture competition continues to empower high school students and individuals across the country to embrace creativity. With schools already suffering from their art programs being cut, Vans wants to make more of an impact to the community and target the schools who need additional funds the most.

For more information and to cast your Vans Custom Culture vote, visit customculture.vans.com.

The Top 50 Schools competing for their place in the Top 5:

Angelo Rodriguez High School, Atlantic Coast High School, Bel Air High School, Beloit Memorial High School, Biglerville High School, Blair Oaks High School, Blake High School, Brainerd High School, Brazoswood High School, Canyon Crest Academy, Clearview High School, Dexter Regional High School, Dixie Heights High School, Edon High School, Fontainebleau High School, Friendswood High School, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School, Grace King High School, Greenburgh Eleven UFSD, Harrisville Central School, Hiwassee Dam High School, Hixson High School, Idaho Fine Arts Academy, IDEA Brownsville College Prep, Ilwaco High School, Imagine Prep Coolidge, Jackson County High School, John Jay Science and Engineering Academy, Larned High School, LeBlanc Therapeutic High School, Lincoln High School, Mayfield High School, Middle Township High School, Mitchell High School, Moanalua High School, Monte Vista High School, Monterey High School, Mount Vernon High School, Mountlake Terrace High School, Oak Harbor High School, Omaha South High School, Onsted High School, Prescott High School, Red Rock Canyon School, Sisters High School, South Plainfield High School, Sussex Technical High School, Sweeny High School, Switzerland County High School, Tonkawa Public School.

About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates more than 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour®, and Vans' cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.

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