NOW ACCEPTING 2026 APPLICATIONS!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Annual Art Contest
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Art Contest is seeking artists whose work inspires conversation, hope, and positive change.
Now accepting submissions for the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Art Contest. Contest opens September 15 and closes December 7, 2026. Art work submitted will become a part of the 2026 MLK Art Exhibit. Art work will be reviewed and one winner from each category will be selected by a panel of judges for the artwork that best embodies the theme and spirit of social justice and equity.
Prize Awards for the following categories:
- Grades 3-5: $250
- Grades 6-8: $300
- Grades 9-12: $500
- Adult/Open: $1000
1. Artwork must be relevant and consistent with the theme "Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. Original work created in the last 12 months.
3. Accompanied by a narrative (maximum of 250 words) that explains the concept and the relationship to the theme (to be displayed alongside the artwork in the exhibition).
4. Art can be any 3D or 2D medium or digital drawing. All artwork submitted must be made by an artist; AI-generated works in full or part will not be considered for prizes. Artists will be notified once the exhibit location and time have been determined.
5. Artwork must be submitted: December 7th, 2026 by midnight
Questions:
Email: mlkartcontest2@gmail.com contact person Karla Forrest-Hewitt
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid Michigan with support from Delta Dental of Michigan and the MSU Broad Museum launched the MLK Art Contest for local artists to showcase their talents honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The arts have a unique ability to frame our world in ways that bring people together and cause them to think differently about our world,” said Elaine Hardy, chairperson of the commission. “We believe this art contest provides context for people to help promote the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.”
Local artists of middle school age and up submitted works of art using mediums ranging from acrylic paint to pencil and charcoal.
Artists were tasked with curating a piece to accompany the theme, “In the long run, justice finally must spring from a new moral climate” and include a 250-word narrative explaining their piece’s relation to social injustice and inequity.
