Toyota Kenya unveils National Finalists for the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

Toyota Kenya has unveiled the Kenyan winners of the 13^th 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.

“These young people have such great ideas! We were so honored to be part of this inspiring contest and overwhelmed by their talent, it was a very tough to rate the submissions,” said Linda Maseno a leading art teacher and one of the judges for the contest.

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, along with winners from the other countries. During the Japan trip, winners experience Japanese culture and Toyota craftsmanship and attend the Toyota Dream Car Global Awards Ceremony while getting to know their peers from other countries.

With the Japan trip, Toyota has created a unique chance for young people to reach across the language barrier and make friends all over the world through shared experiences.

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

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