By Dame Sophia the Orange, Atlantia Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences

Atlantia’s Champions are selected by each Crown with the methods of their choosing. The Atlantia Kingdom A&S Champion for the winter reign is expected to either compete at Gulf Wars or help the Crown find a proxy. (see Oak article with details here: https://oak.atlantia.sca.org/changes-in-atlantia-law-affecting-the-as-community/

Since the Gulf Wars A&S Competition is a significant part of the role of Kingdom A&S Champion for the winter reign, expectations for the Gulf Wars A&S Competition should be incorporated into the Atlantia Kingdom A&S Champion competition for the winter reign.

For Gulf Wars 2025, new rules and procedures are currently in development. Updates are expected soon from the Gulf Wars A&S Competitions Coordinator, Mistress Thorkatla Herjolfsdottir. Current status can be seen on the Gulf Wars A&S website here: https://gulfwars.org/activities/arts-sciences-2/arts-sciences/

Elements of Gulf Wars A&S Competition currently established include the following:

• Documentation is expected to be sent in early so judges can read at home. Deadline for submitting documentation will be February 15, 2024. 
• Judging will include one face-to-face conversation.
  • Competitors are NOT required to attend Gulf Wars in person, so online meetings are expected for face-to-face judging conversations.
• Judging includes how the items are displayed. 
• Including in process items showing progress towards the final item is encouraged. 
• Unique and distinctive entries are encouraged. 

In order to proceed with selecting the Atlantia Kingdom A&S Champion for the winter reign, understanding that Gulf Wars A&S Competition rules and expectations are still under development, the following plans are being made:

1. TRMs Iul’iana  and Randall will select their A&S Champion at Atlantia’s Twelfth Night event on January 11, 2025 https://www.12thnight.atlantia.sca.org/
2. Competitors are encouraged to enter with their best creations regardless of era or culture.
3. Documentation is required. 
4. Judging will use the current Atlantia A&S Judging Form available here: https://moas.atlantia.sca.org/atlantian-as-judging-form/
5. The display of the competitor’s item will be part of the judging since it will be at Gulf Wars.
6. At least one face to face discussion between competitor and judge will be included since it will be at Gulf Wars.
7. TRMs will select their A&S Champion based on consultation with the judges. 

Competitors are encouraged to enter static arts if they wish to compete at Gulf Wars. According to Mistress Thorkatla, the Gulf Wars A&S Competition is still not able to fairly incorporate performing arts entries. This is an ongoing issue under development by the Gulf Wars staff. 

Atlantia Performing Artists are encouraged to compete in the Atlantia Kingdom Bard competition at Atlantia’s Twelfth Night and also seek opportunities to perform at Gulf Wars in the legendary Green Dragon Inn. Future developments in Gulf Wars A&S Competitions incorporation of performing arts will be shared as information becomes available.

Please direct any questions about Atlantia’s Kingdom A&S Champion competition for the winter reign to the Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences, Dame Sophia the Orange, via moas@officer.atlantia.sca.org.

Vivant Atlantia Artists!