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Echo the Bat Community Art Contest
Help Capital Area Crime Stoppers create our new community mascot, Echo the Bat. Artists across Central Texas are invited to submit their original design that represents how even the smallest voice can make a big difference in keeping our community safe.
$25
Safety Materials for a Classroom
$50
Outreach Resources for a Campus
$250
Support for a School Presentation
$500
Community Safety
Training
$1000
Funds One Full Cash
Reward
About the Contest
Capital Area Crime Stoppers is inviting youth and adults to design Echo the Bat, a friendly and approachable mascot that represents the power of speaking up.
Bats use a special ability called echolocation, where they send out small sounds and listen carefully to what comes back. That ability helps them sense danger and stay safe. In the same way, Crime Stoppers relies on anonymous tips from the community to help law enforcement solve crimes and prevent harm.
Bats use a special ability called echolocation, where they send out small sounds and listen carefully to what comes back. That ability helps them sense danger and stay safe. In the same way, Crime Stoppers relies on anonymous tips from the community to help law enforcement solve crimes and prevent harm.
The theme of the contest is:
“Echo the Bat: Even the smallest whisper
can create a ripple.”
Participants are encouraged to design Echo as a character that represents listening, community awareness, and safety.
There are two contest categories:
Youth Category:
Ages 6–17
Adult Category:
Ages 18+
Schools, youth organizations, art classes, and community groups are encouraged to participate and may hold their own mini-contests before submitting their top entry.
Contest Rules & Guidelines
Capital Area Crime Stoppers is inviting youth and adults to design Echo the Bat, a friendly and approachable mascot that represents the power of speaking up.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be 100% original
AI-generated artwork is not allowed
Do not trace, copy, or modify existing characters
Echo must be friendly, approachable, and community-focused
No weapons, horror themes, violence, or inappropriate imagery
Echo the Bat Art Contest – Rule…
Character Restrictions
Echo must not resemble the ACC Riverbat mascot (R.B.). Any design too similar in style or appearance may be disqualified.
Echo the Bat Art Contest – Rule…
Important Dates
March 4
April 22
April 15–22
May 2 at the CACS Mixer in Austin
Submission Guidelines
Participants must:
Create original artwork of Echo the Bat
Write 2–3 sentences describing Echo’s personality
Submit artwork by email to contests@austincrimestoppers.org
Include the following information
- Name
- Age (or write “Adult”)
- City
- School or organization (optional)
- Parent/guardian permission for youth entries
Accepted file formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF (high resolution preferred).
Echo the Bat Art Contest - Rule…
Prizes & Recognition
Selected winners will be recognized for their creativity and their contribution to helping promote public safety across Central Texas.
Youth Winner
- Recognized at the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Mixer on May 2
- Featured on the Crime Stoppers website and social media
- Prize package including a gift card, art supplies, and certificate of recognition
Adult Winner
- Named the Official Echo the Bat Mascot Designer
- Recognized at the May 2 Crime Stoppers Mixer
- Featured on the Crime Stoppers website and social media
- Prize package and recognition for contributing to the official community mascot
School or Organization Winners
Schools and youth programs that submit a selected campus winner will receive:
- Student certificate of recognition
- Gift card for the student winner
- Recognition for the school or program on Crime Stoppers channels
- A special shoutout during the May 2 event
Simple Steps to Enter the Contest
Participating is easy. Follow the steps below to submit your Echo the Bat design.
Create
Create your original artwork of Echo the Bat.
Describe
Write 2–3 sentences describing Echo’s personality, such as how Echo listens, protects the community, or helps people stay safe.
Email your submission to:
contests@austincrimestoppers.org
- Echo Contest Submission – Youth
- Echo Contest Submission – Adult
- Echo Contest Submission – School Entry
Include Required Information
- Name
- Age (or write “Adult”)
- City
- School or organization (optional)
- Parent/guardian permission for youth entries
Accepted file formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF (high resolution preferred).
Bring Echo the Bat to Life
Your creativity can help spread the message that every voice matters when it comes to community safety.
Design Echo the Bat and help Capital Area Crime Stoppers inspire people across Central Texas to speak up, be heard, and help protect our communities.
Submit your artwork today and be part of creating a new symbol for community safety.