First Person America is a national competition seeking the best videos, photographs, and essays describing how individuals, families and communities are managing during these hard times.

Inspired by the artists of the WPA, who documented the experiences of Americans in every part of the country, First Person Arts is asking artists to help craft the first draft of the history of our era by capturing, in photographs, on video, or in writing, the stories of America and its people during these difficult times.

Writing submissions – up to 2,500 words. Film and video submissions – up to five minutes, excluding credits. Photography submissions - may include up to five photographs, with or without accompanying text of up to 100 words per image.

Finalists in each category (writing, film, and photography) will be featured on the First Person Arts website (www.firstpersonarts.org) and at the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art, November 4-8, 2009. First place winners in each genre will be invited to Philadelphia to participate in the festival. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the best story overall.