Vans has selected the top 50 semi-finalists continuing on to the public voting phase of the tenth annual Vans Custom Culture art competition. Starting today at 9 AM PST through May 3 at 5 PM PST, individuals can cast their vote for their favorite designs on customculture.vans.com. Votes will help determine the top five finalists who will continue and have a chance to win the grand prize of $75,000 towards their high school art program.

"The Vans Custom Culture competition has really been a source of pride for our community and school, and it's great to see how it has flourished over the last 10 years," said Dave Fuller, art teacher from Parker High School, the 2017 winner of Custom Culture. "Since the competition, students have entered other art competitions and we have noticed a rise in students entering our art class. It provided so many memories for myself, students and chaperones – it has been the highlight of my teaching career."

Among the 500 qualifying schools, Vans chose 50 schools based on design, craftsmanship and overall execution to continue to the next competition phase. Each school designed two pairs of Vans shoes around themes representing 'Local Flavor' and 'Off the Wall.' Each school also submitted an Impact Document to further explain how the monetary donation would benefit their school's art program and community.

"Each year, we're blown away by the imagination of our youth across the country as they redefine Vans as a literal canvas for their creative expression," stated Kristy Van Doren, Vans Senior Director Brand Marketing for North America. "Our 10thanniversary year was no exception, as each of the top 50 semi-finalists offered unique representation and distinct storytelling through their shoe designs. As the competition proceeds, we encourage communities to support these students so that they can continue to change the world of art and how it comes to life."

Public vote is the time for schools to excite and involve their communities and help take them one step closer to winning the $75,000 grand prize. With support from partners including Journeys, Yoobi, Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) and Americans for the Arts (AFTA), this year's winner will be surprised with a special event and a $75,000 check for the school's art program. The four runner-up schools will not leave empty handed as they will receive a limited-edition gift from Vans and a $10,000 donation to their art programs.

Vans Custom Culture continues to provide a platform for high school students to embrace their creativity and self-expression. As art education budgets are often the first to be cut, Vans puts it foot forward and strives to contribute more than $1,000,000 behind youth culture and creativity.

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