Art Contest

Submissions must be sent electronically by Thursday, October 9 at 4:30 p.m. CT via email to arts@sanantonio.gov and must include:

• A high-resolution photo of the artwork taken with a smartphone or camera. We need a high-quality photograph that is not blurry. Image of artwork should be submitted as an attachment to the email, as a jpeg file.
• If the artwork is generated via computer/technology, original artwork may be submitted as long as it is high-resolution and not blurry. Please note A.I. artwork and copyright images will not be accepted.
• Use email subject line: 2026 MLK Poster Contest.
• In the body of the email, include the following details:
  • Artist First and Last Name
  • Artist Age
  • Artist Date of Birth
  • Artist School Name/District Name
  • Art Media Used (such as watercolor, computer graphics, color pencil, etc.)
  • Optional - Title of Artwork
  • If Under 18 years of age:
    • Parent/Guardian First and Last Name
    • Parent/Guardian phone number, email address and home address
    • Parent/Guardian to state in body of email “I agree to the terms and conditions of this contest.”

Submissions that do not meet all requirements may be disqualified.

NOTE: the image, likeness and direct quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are copyrighted and should not be included in the submitted artwork.

• Artwork should focus on the 2026 theme – Artwork created for other lessons/purposes will not be judged.
• Contest is open to current Bexar County residents, ages 18 years and under as of the contest deadline.
• Any traditional two-dimensional artistic media (painting, watercolor, photography, computer graphics, color pencil, etc.) is acceptable.
• A.I. artwork and copyright images will not be accepted.
• No text or lettering may be used in the composition.
• All submissions must be original artworks created specifically for this contest.
• One individual student artist per entry, no collaborations or group works.
• Only one entry per student.
• Artists should not sign artwork or identify themselves on the art piece.

Panel of judges will include a representative from:

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
• City Council District 2
• San Antonio Arts Commission
• City of San Antonio’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
• City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture

Judging will be based on use of 2026 theme, artistic imagery, creativity, and originality.

By entering this competition, entrants permit the City of San Antonio full ownership of the entry for marketing and other promotional uses specific to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Commemorate events. Uses include, but are not limited to:

• Inclusion in social media posts
• Inclusion on City of San Antonio webpages
• Printed materials
• Media communications

The City of San Antonio will retain ownership and full copyright of the winning artwork and its reproductions. The City of San Antonio may alter original artwork to adapt to various promotional needs. Selected artist will be notified individually and announced publicly by the City of San Antonio.

NOTE: Dates are subject to change

• Aug. 28, 2025: Contest window opens
• Oct. 9, 2025: Deadline for Submissions (4:30 p.m. CST)
• Oct. 20, 2025: Panel review and winner selection
• Oct. 21 - 23, 2025: Notification of winner
• Monday, Jan. 19, 2026: March & Commemorative Events