Vans puts 2018 'Custom Culture' competition to the vote

Vans has unveiled the semi-finalists for its annual Custom Culture high school art competition.

The fashion brand has selected 50 participants for the next stage of the competition, which saw students from 500 schools come up with designs for two pairs of blank Vans shoes, using the themes "Local Flavor" and "Off The Wall."

The footwear and apparel giant is now seeking help to whittle the choice down to five finalists via a public vote, which will run through May 4. More at customculture.vans.com.

The annual competition aims to encourage creativity among high school students across the US, in the face of widespread cuts to arts education. It also focuses on empowering students and positively impacting their local communities.

"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."

The five finalists go head to head for the chance to win the grand prize of $75,000 in arts education funding, with runner-up schools receiving $10,000.

Vans is known for its creative and collaborative approach to footwear -- in 2017 alone, the brand partnered up with Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs and the cartoon franchise Peanuts.